The news came, unexpectedly, as Scott Quin travelled home from the gym with his mother and gran his companions in the car.

British Swimming were on the phone about the time he had set days earlier.

"I was like: British record?" A world one, in fact. "I said she was having a laugh." Deadly serious, in fact. A mark which should underline the intent of the breaststroke specialist as the Rio Paralympics peeks over the horizon and invites those with ability to secure safe passage to Brazil.

The 24-year-old from Midlothian is now, beyond doubt, a contender. A European 100m silver medallist in the SB14 class for those with learning difficulties (although his disability is well-masked by personal eloquence), Quin has risen steadily up the rankings, backed by Lottery support and an ecosystem at Edinburgh's Warrender club that does not tolerate the pursuit of mediocrity.

He has his crosses to bear, including a condition of tunnel vision that leaves him reliant on his admirable parents to drive him to and from the pool for dawn swim sessions. "I only got diagnosed when I was 16 so they had to change what I do," he recounts. "When I'm racing against other competitors, I have to use my sixth sense. If you're caught looking around, then you're not really focusing enough. There's ways to work around it but I try not to look to where anyone is."

A positive attitude helps greatly, Quin adds. His mentors, Laurel Bailey and Kris Gilchrist, have become accustomed - if not by choice - to the sound of their young hopeful bursting into song, the joker in the practice pack. "I'm always the first on poolside even before my coaches. And even if they're not maybe having the best day, I'll crack something to make them happy."

Unlike the Olympic competition, where results in 2015 can provide direct qualification for Rio, Para swimming will hold its trials entirely within next year, a process that may force some to peak too soon merely to secure their passage. It is why, Quin states, the Games have not yet become an obsession. Uppermost, there is the IPC world championships in July at Glasgow's Tollcross Pool to consider. Only then will he contemplate what lies beyond.

Competition will be fierce. "Around Britain, I've got a few wee sharks snipping at my feet," Quin smiles. One, he notes, is Scottish teenager Connor Morrison. "We're going to Ireland for a meet in a few weeks time and we'll be sharing a room. He's asked if I can get tips on how I improved my breaststroke. I was thinking: 'I'll give you some tips but I'm not giving you them all'."

Doubtless, he will share generously. A domestic challenge will push both quicker still. "When I look at him, it's like looking at myself in the mirror," Quin adds. "Hopefully he keeps knuckling down and pushes me by saying: 'I'm coming up after you'."

The IPC Swimming World Championships take place at Glasgow's Tollcross from 13-19 July. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Glasgow2015