One of the north of Scotland’s biggest swimming meets will be held at the new Aberdeen Aquatics Centre this weekend and the competition promises to be stronger than ever.
The Dyce ASC Hunting Trophy has been a popular fixture on the region’s swimming calendar for more than a decade.
Now in its 15th year, it has a world class venue to use following the opening of the Olympic-size pool at the Aberdeen Sports Village earlier this month.
This year’s meet will be held on Saturday and the Hunting Trophy will be awarded to the leading team.
Portlethen-based Hunting Energy Services providing financial backing has allowed hosts Dyce Swimming Club to hire the venue and cover the costs of medals and catering for volunteer officials.
David Downie, swim meet director, said: “The profile of swimming in Aberdeen is very high at the moment, with the opening of the aquatics centre creating a really buzz.
“We have a tradition of producing top class swimmers and now we have facilities to match, which is ideal for a meet of the size of the Hunting Trophy.
“The event serves as an opportunity to gain qualifying times for district events later in the year and, as we’ve seen from the entry list this year, it continues to be attractive to clubs from across the north of Scotland and now attracts clubs from further afield.
“The support from Hunting Energy Services has been a feature for more than 10 years and has enabled us to grow steadily. We’re grateful to the company for their continued backing, without which our job would be far more difficult.
“It can be a challenge to attract sponsorship for grass roots sport, but Hunting has demonstrated its commitment time and time again.
“The funds raised at this event allow Dyce Swimming club to support its athletes, teachers and coaches by keeping fees and costs low so all swimmers have an equal opportunity to thrive to their potential, with the hope they make it all the way to the top.”
Swimmers from as young as nine-years-old will compete for a range of individual age group graded and open sprint medals as well as team relay medals on the day.
Inverurie’s Olympian and Scottish Commonwealth Games 2014 team member Hannah Miley, pictured, has also entered this year’s event.
A record entry from 23 clubs, stretching from Renfrewshire to Skye, has been attracted as swimmers take the opportunity to test their ability in the £22million centre.