Competitors from all over the world will flock to a tiny Argyll island this weekend for the 2015 World Stone Skimming Championships.
The hugely popular competition takes place on Sunday on Easdale, the smallest permanently inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides.
Easdale was once the centre of a thriving Scottish slate mining industry, and one of the disused quarries forms a perfect arena for the World Stone Skimming Championships.
The championships are held every year on the last Sunday in September. Previous years have seen competitors travel from as far away as Japan, and the event also has a big following in Holland.
Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter. Each competitor is allowed 3 skims using specially selected Easdale slate skimming stones.
For a skim to qualify the stone must bounce at least three times – it is then judged on the distance achieved before it sinks.
The event has become so popular that the organiser Eilean Eisdeal has had to cap the number of entrants at 350.
Chairwoman Keren Cafferty said: “This is simply due to the amount of time that it takes to let everyone have their throw, hold the awards’ ceremony and then ensure people manage off the island while the ferry is within its operating hours. We will do all we can to ensure that people are made aware when the maximum number of entrants has been reached. The organisers very much regret any inconvenience that this may cause.”
Registration takes place at Easdale Island Community Hall from 11am until 1pm on the day or when a total of 350 entrants is reached.
The competition starts at 12noon.
A pre skim party will take place on Saturday night before the event in Easdale Island Community Hall where there will be a licensed bar and live music.
Music will be provided by Deep Joy, a five piece band specialising in soul, funk and disco.