Sharpshooters travel from near and far for Caithness open competition

Published: 19:30, 17 June 2022

The sharpshooter competition at Caithness Small Bore Rifle Association's open shoot. It draws shooters from throughout the country. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Top shots travelled from near and far to take part in the sharpshooter competition which traditionally brings Caithness Small Bore Rifle Association's open shoot to an end.

The annual event, held at the outdoor range at Wick riverside, went ahead after a break of two years as a result of the pandemic. The farthest-travelled shooter was from Dumfries and Galloway, while one of the 30 entrants came over from Orkney.

There was also a presentation of trophies with Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of Caithness, in attendance.

To mark her retirement as Caithness Small Bore Rifle Association's secretary, Marty Simpson was presented with a pair of engraved glasses by Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of the county. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

Secretary Marty Simpson has retired after 13 years in the post, ending a link with the association spanning some 35 years. At the end of the open shoot she was presented with a pair of engraved glasses by Mr Watt.

There has been limited shooting since the start of the pandemic and Marty retired during that time.

County champion Hugh Simpson, of Wick Old Stagers, receives one of his trophies from Vice-Lieutenant Willie Watt (left) at the end of Caithness Small Bore Rifle Association's annual open shoot. Looking on are some of the other trophy-winners who took part in the event in the outdoor range at Wick riverside. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios

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