Business Woman of the Year 2024

Sarah Thomson Director of Och Aye Canoe, based here in Fife was named Scotland’s Businesswoman of the Year! (Association of Scottish Businesswomen National Awards 2024).

This prestigious award is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and achievements in the outdoor adventure industry. As the driving force behind Och Aye Canoe, she has been helping to empower people from all walks of life to discover the beauty of Scotland’s waterways through kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.

Her journey began over two decades ago, rooted in a love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Following a life-changing leg injury, whereby she could not walk and had a blue disabled badge, she had a femoro-popliteal bypass operation (where they took the vein out my right leg and put it in my left leg to bypass a trapped artery), she worked hard to recover and transformed her own passion for paddlesports into a thriving business, introducing paddling to people of all abilities and experiences. Through Och Aye Canoe, she has fostered a welcoming environment, ensuring everyone - from beginners to seasoned paddlers - has the chance to experience the Scottish outdoors.

Sarah's work goes beyond the water, as she has collaborated with groups such as Help for Heroes and Limbless Veterans, guiding these courageous individuals in adapted paddling sessions designed for both adventure and healing. Sarah's commitment to accessibility and her advocacy for inclusion in the outdoors have inspired many. Her involvement with Paddle Scotland’s Equality Group and her experience as a Leave No Trace Trainer reflect her dedication to sustainable outdoor practices, ensuring Scotland’s landscapes remain unspoiled for generations to come.

Sarah's award as Scotland’s Businesswoman of the Year reflects her role as a pioneering leader in Scottish business. She has not only built a successful business but has also created an impact that reaches far beyond Och Aye Canoe, establishing a model for resilience, inclusivity, and community-minded entrepreneurship.

CONGRATULATIONS Sarah!