The rival boating clubs of Glasgow University and Edinburgh University came together yesterday to announce the date of this year's meeting.

The contest - which is the third-oldest boat race in the world - will take place on May 24, at the Harbour area of the River Clyde.

First held in 1877, the race is younger than only the famous Oxbridge contest and Harvard-Yale Regatta in the United States. It comprises a 2.6km race which runs from Broomielaw Quay to the Riverside Museum, with Glasgow having won 13 straight races in the men's event from 1999. However, Edinburgh hold the title in the women's event.

"The Scottish Boat Race is definitely one of my favourite events of the year and brings an intensity that is hard to match in any other competition," said Stephen Fisher, captain of Glasgow University. "I know both our men's and women's squads have been working exceptionally hard and we're hoping to take both titles."