Born in the regional Queensland town of Longreach, Scott Laidler took up rowing when he was at boarding school in 2004. He went to the Junior World Championships in 2008, competing in the men’s four. Two years later he competed at the U23 World Championships in Belarus, rowing in the men’s eight. Laidler improved to make the A Final in the men’s four at the 2012 U23 World Championships. The following year Laidler progressed to his first senior competition, winning a bronze medal in the men’s eight at the Sydney World Cup, and going on to competed at the World Championships in Korea. Outside of rowing, Laidler works as a carpenter.