Elgin Duellist Fencing Club get ready to host Highland Open
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The Highland Open fencing tournament is coming to Moray at the end of this month.
Competitors from as far north as Shetland and from Warwick in the south are set to duel at Elgin High School on September 23-24.
The competition is hosted by Elgin Duellist Fencing Club and is Britain’s most northerly nationally ranked event. It celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
"We are on track to repeat the high number of entries we secured last year in the men’s and women’s foil, epee and sabre categories," said the club's head coach Robin Paterson.
"So far, we have 70 entries from fencers representing over 15 fencing clubs."
A record number of Elgin DFC members will be involved, with 19 expected from the club including the youngest, 13-year-old Owen Lewis.
The Forres Academy pupil is just old enough to be eligible to compete for the first time in the men’s epee category.
Paterson added: "This will be a brilliant learning experience for Owen who has won bronze and silver medals in the Scottish Youth Development Series this year and is part of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Training Programme."
Proving that the sport is not just for young people will be the eldest statesman in the tournament, 71-year-old Michael Hawkins who is also the club's secretary.
The Forres-based fencer competes in the men's sabre for the second time, looking to improve on a highly-commended 26th place last time out.
Club coach and Scottish international Callum Sutherland (25) won the men's epee title four years ago. This year he will have to overcome last year’s winner and ex Olympian, Hugh Kernohan from Culloden Fencing Club if he is to win the gold medal.
"For many of our club members, this may be the only time that they have an opportunity to compete against some of the top-ranking fencers in Scotland," Paterson added.
"With the nearest fencing tournaments usually held in the central belt of Scotland, we want to give our Elgin Duellists an experience that they will never forget."
Due to the level of interest in fencing from local youngsters, the club is offering taster sessions in plastic fencing during the tournament. These sessions are free and open to any primary school-aged child.
The sessions take place at 3pm on the Saturday of the tournament (September 23) and 2pm the following day.
Booking is not necessary but for more details, contact Robin Paterson on 01343 541302 or email robin1andlinda1@yahoo.com.
