People from all over the globe flocked to a tiny Scottish island yesterday to take part in the Press and Journal-sponsored World Stone Skimming Championships.
Teams from Holland, a Japanese celebrity and the presenters of children’s TV show Blue Peter were among the 1,000 people who travelled to Easdale, in Argyll, for the popular event. The entries had to be capped at 350.
The longest skim was by champion Dougie Isaacs, from Blairgowrie, who hit the back wall of the quarry venue with his stone.
The competition was held in glorious sunshine and many of the competitors added to the spectacle by coming in fancy-dress, with one boy dressed as Lord of the Rings character Gandalf and a large group of people dressed as the Where’s Wally? character.
Blue Peter presenters Barney Harwood, Lindsey Russell and Radzi Chinyanganya filmed a show at the children’s section of the competition.
Japanese television star Daisuke Mitagawa, 41, travelled to Easdale to take part in championships.
He made the most of his spot in the limelight by posing in front of the crowd in his silk robes and asking them to cheer for him.
He said afterwards: “I’ve had a very good day. This is the first time I’ve been to Easdale. It is very beautiful.
“The first time I ever skimmed a stone was on Saturday when I was practising. I hit the back wall several times, but today it just didn’t happen for me. Only one of my throws bounced three times but it did not get far enough.”
The Press and Journal stepped in again to save the day and pay the £1,000 being levied on the charity which organises the event by island owner Jonathan Feigenbaum.
Last year, the London-based businessman demanded the fee in the week before the competition and threatened legal action if it went ahead.
There was a global outcry and the Press and Journal stepped in to rescue the competition.
Keren Cafferty, chairwoman of Eilean Eisdale, the community group which organises the event, said: “Everyone has had a great time.
“There are so many characters here and the weather has been fantastic.
“There has been lots of positivity.
“Blue Peter did a really nice piece with the kids so we will maybe get a few more youngsters involved in the future as a result. It is a great family day out.
“Mr Feigenbaum sent us an e-mail before the event saying he wished us a successful day, so I think he is coming round.”