The William JM Mowatt Playing Fields are the venue for Day 1 of the 67th Scottish Archery Outdoor Championships featuring some of the best shooters in the country.
The competition format is two World Archery 1440 rounds. World Archery being the governing body for archery and 1440 the maximum score achievable for shooting the round. Men and women compete separately and in each event 3 dozen arrows are shot at 4 distances over the day.
Arrows are shot in ‘ends’ of 6 at the longer distances and ‘ends’ of three at the 2 shorter distances. Archers score and collect arrows after each end. The scoring is 10 for the center ring and then 9,8,7 etc as you go further out of the circular target. The Gold is the center of the target and scores 10 and 9.
The distances shot for men are 90m, 70m, 50m and 30m and for ladies 70m, 60, 50m and 30m. 50m and 30m are shot on a smaller target face. The competition is straight scores – so the highest score from both days wins.
Ones to watch:
Stuart Barby – From Edinburgh, has won 5 years in a row, is Scottish Champion and ranked number 1 in Scotland. He is currently starring in a film as part of the Edinburgh Film Festival, showing in the Playhouse in Edinburgh on Saturday – he is disappointed that he cant make the premier as will be shooting at the Scottish Champs
Johanna Mayer – German born, but studying at Edinburgh University. Currently Club Captain and learnt archery through Edinburgh University Archery Club. Although not be competing that long she has put in some good scores this season so far – but can she keep her head in the wind at Ayr?
Fiona Hirst – With more experience than Johanna but coming back from injury, Fiona from Links Archery could do well.
This is the list of the competitors taking part over the weekend.
Action starts 9.15am and takes place throughout the day until 6pm.
Admission is free to spectators, tickets are not required.
Directions: The venue is on the left-hand side on leaving Ayr on B7024 past Brig O’ Doon Hotel.
The action continues tomorrow from 9.15am.