Past Times

GALLERY: Fencing through the decades in the north and north-east

1966 - Kenneth MacRae (left) and Margo Sinclair (right) fencing at Aberdeen University.

By Findlay Mair

August 28 2022, 6:00 am

August 28 2022, 6:00 am

This week, we take a look through the archives to highlight how a more obscure sport has left its mark in the north and north-east throughout the decades.

The sport has been a part of every modern Summer Olympic Games and its roots are claimed by both Italy and Germany.

Many competitions over the years have taken place at the Butchart Centre which is now part of Aberdeen University.

Our gallery dates all the way back to 1966 with a bout at the University of Aberdeen while we also have pictures featuring visits from the Scotland national coach and gatherings of national competitors.

Have you ever given fencing a try?

1989 - Two of England's top fencers warm up at International fencing week in the Kincorth Sport Centre — 1989 – Two of England’s top fencers warm up at International fencing week in the Kincorth Sport Centre

23 February 1991 - Honorary President of the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union John Fleck flanked by fellow Dingwall club members James MacRae and Alasdair Urquhart at a competition in the Butchart Centre in Aberdeen — 1991 – Honorary President of the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union John Fleck flanked by fellow Dingwall club members James MacRae and Alasdair Urquhart at a competition in the Butchart Centre in Aberdeen

23 February 1991 - Competitors in the Balravie Marine North team competition at Aberdeen University's Butchart Centre. — 1991 – Competitors in the Balravie Marine North team competition at Aberdeen University’s Butchart Centre.

6 December 1988 - Aberdeen University Fencing Club members and guests at the annual Christmas party in Sorrento Pizzeria Restaurant on Bridge Street in Aberdeen — 1988 – Aberdeen University Fencing Club members and guests at the annual Christmas party in Sorrento Pizzeria Restaurant on Bridge Street in Aberdeen

1987 - committee member Aileen Reid, women's captain Gillian Laing, captain Neil Brown, dinner organiser Ursula Lawrence, and armourer Euan Torrie plus the rest of the Aberdeen University Fencing Club at the club's annual dinner at the Station Hotel — 1987 – Aberdeen University Fencing Club enjoy their annual dinner in the Station Hotel.

26 April 1986 - Howard Cooper , Aberdeen, and Michael Watt, Fraserburgh, take each other on in the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union competition in the Butchart Centre at Aberdeen University — 1986 – Howard Cooper , Aberdeen, and Michael Watt, Fraserburgh, take each other on in the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union competition in the Butchart Centre at Aberdeen University

26 April 1986 - A break from the action for competitions in the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union competition at the Butchart Centre, University Road, Aberdeen. — 1986- A break from the action for competitions in the Scottish Amateur Fencing Union competition at the Butchart Centre

29 April 1984 - Scottish Junior Fencing Championships Some of the competitors who took part in the Scottish junior fencing championships at the Butchart Centre, Aberdeen. Although Dingwall, Nairn and Aberdeen were well represented, only one title won by a North fencer - Robin Gray (Dingwall) who took the men's epee crown. — 1984 – Competitors at the Scottish Junior Fencing Championships at the Butchart Centre

1983 - Nairn Academy pupils, from left, Christopher Brown, Gillian Stewart and Bobby Robinson, fought their way into the Scottish schools fencing squad — 1983 – Nairn Academy pupils, from left, Christopher Brown, Gillian Stewart and Bobby Robinson, fought their way into the Scottish schools fencing squad

1980 - Fencing trio in the Southern B team - Mark Ellis, Lesley Drennan and Ann Swinney pictured in training at the Butchart Centre. — 1980 – Mark Ellis, Lesley Drennan and Ann Swinney pictured in training at the Butchart Centre.

1979 - Scottish University's Individual Fencing Championships - Jim Lamb, Captain of the Aberdeen University team (left) in action against Adam Smith, Edinburgh — 1979 – Scottish University’s Individual Fencing Championships – Jim Lamb, Captain of the Aberdeen University team (left) in action against Adam Smith, Edinburgh

1964 - Scottish Universities champion D. Carruthers (left) and Scottish champion John King in action at the Northern District Open at the Rosemount School, Aberdeen — 1964 – Scottish Universities champion D. Carruthers (left) and Scottish champion John King in action at the Northern District Open at the Rosemount School, Aberdeen

Julian Tyson and fellow members of the Bon Accord Sword Club. Julian recently competed in the Scottish Junior Foil and Epee competition and won the Scottish Junior Sabre title. — 1975 – Julian Tyson takes on fellow members of the Bon Accord Sword Club

1966 - Kenneth MacRae (left) and Margo Sinclair (right) fencing at Aberdeen University. — 1966 – Kenneth MacRae (left) and Margo Sinclair (right) fencing at Aberdeen University.

1978 - Scottish national fencing coach Prf. Bert Bracewell (left), takes on James Lamb, Aberdeen, during a coaching session for members of the Bon Accord Sword Club held at the Burgh Hall in the Woodside area of Aberdeen — 1978 – Scottish national fencing coach Prf. Bert Bracewell (left), takes on James Lamb, Aberdeen, during a coaching session for members of the Bon Accord Sword Club held at the Burgh Hall in the Woodside area of Aberdeen

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