A major British surfing championships is coming back to the north of Scotland this year, it has been announced.
More than 100 of the UK’s top surfers will be competing in Thurso for the national title at the UK Pro Surf Championships between October 30 and November 1.
Support from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Highland Council for the Thurso Surfing Championships has helped bring the top competition back to Caithness.
The event will showcase both professional and junior surfers with an emphasis on the next generation. There will be a qualifying event to choose the elite junior surfers to represent the UK in a series of international events next year.
The event will allow Thurso to demonstrate itself as one the best surfing locations in the UK and promote the region’s outdoor lifestyle. Organisers estimate that it will bring more than 2,000 visitors to the area.
The surf conditions at Thurso are renowned to be world class.
Thurso Councillor John Rosie said: “I am delighted that we have been able to again secure this prestigious surfing event for Caithness. Thurso East and Brims Ness are now regarded as having the finest surf in the UK, making it a must event for surfers throughout the country.”
Thurso surfer Andy Bain said: “Having the UK Pro Surf tour coming to Thurso this year with its open and juniors divisions will be a great event for the town.
“I think the local people now realise for sure that Thurso has some quality waves. This will also be a good opportunity for Scottish surfers at a competing level to enter the event, especially for the juniors who otherwise would have to travel to Cornwall to compete at such a level. I hope the event runs smoothly and is blessed with some quality conditions.”
SSE Highland liaison manager, Ruth Liddicoat, said: “The championships present a very welcome boost for Caithness and Sutherland and we are delighted to take on the role of headline sponsor of this world class event once more.
“As well as strong renewable energy projects in the area such as Strathy North wind farm, SSE has a proud, longstanding heritage in the Highlands. As a responsible community member we relish the unique opportunity to bring an elite and high profile event in the global sporting calendar to a remote Scottish town.
“I’ve tried surfing myself a few times and know how physically demanding it can be even at an amateur level – SSE wishes good luck to all those in training for this tough competition.”