Sc re The Home of Scottish Orienteering December 2015

InsIde: Including 2016 ScotJOS Update sOL & sOUL dates event news plus lots more

magazine of the ScottiSh orienteering ASSociAtion Sc re The Home of Scottish Orienteering contents

04 PRESIDENT’S PIECE 06 SOA NEWS 07 DEVELOPMENT NEWS 08 WHO’S WHO ON THE SOA BOARD 09 EVENT NEWS 10 BRIANÇON/SESTRIERE 6 DAYS 12 O-PINION 20 13 COACHING CORNER 9 Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, 14 SOL 2015 REPORT Picture: Steve Wilson, CLYDE 16 SOUL 2015 REPORT 18 “IF ONLY I’D KNOWN THEN…” 20 INTERVIEW – MAUREEN BROWN AND BILL STEVENSON 23 IN PRAISE OF…PILATES 24 33 YEARS AGO… 26 JUNIOR SQUAD NEWS 30 26 28 ELITE NEWS Picture: Wendy Carlyle, AIRE Picture: Wendy 30 VETERAN NEWS CLYDE Wilson, Steve Picture: 31 SCOTTISH 6 DAYS 2017 - DEESIDE 32 EVENT PREVIEW 34 MEMBER BENEFITS 35 COMPASS POINT SOL AND BTO SOUL DATES

32 Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, 2 www.scottish-orienteering.org editor’s intro AbOUt OrIenteerIng Information on orienteering or any SOA activity can be obtained from the Association Secretary: Scottish Orienteers, [email protected] Welcome to another packed issue of ScoRe Addresses of clubs, details of – thanks to all contributors. I hope that everyone groups and a short guide to the will find something of interest within these pages. sport are available from: If not, your suggestions are always welcome! National Orienteering Centre Thanks also to everyone who responded to the Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore recent survey on SOA communications, which PH22 1QU. included views on SCORE Tel 01479 861374 – there’ll be a report on the [email protected] results in due course. This issue’s articles include sCOre Advertising an account of a 6-day Full page: £90 orienteering event in France Half page: £60. and Italy; reviews of the 2015 Discounted rates available for SOL and SOUL series; an multiple issues. interview with Maureen Brown Contact us to discuss: and Bill Stevenson, who are communications@ retiring from their long-held ESOC Picture: Rona Lindsay, scottish-orienteering.org posts running the Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad; and a taste of what to sCOre editor expect at Deeside 2017. Of course, there are all Sally Lindsay the usual reports and squad news too, and more [email protected] besides. Don’t miss the special offer on the back page! design The photo this time shows me at the finish of the MediArtStudio STAG Middle Distance event at Glencryan, part of the www.mediartstudio.co.uk Cumbernauld weekend. email: [email protected] Happy Christmas to all our readers - hope you enjoy your orienteering through the winter! Printed by: Groverprint & Design, Sally Lindsay Studio 2B1, Industrial Estate, Editor Newtonmore PH20 1AL

Cover pic - Mass start at the Scottish University Sprint Relay, Riccarton. Pic courtesy of Crawford Lindsay, ESOC

COPY DATE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 10 FEBRUARY 2016

The views expressed by contributors to SCORE are not necessarily those of the SOA Board, nor of the Editor. www.scottish-orienteering.org 3 president’s piece

by roger scrutton (ESOc) SOA President email: [email protected]

am sure that everyone who We can look back and see this has a training programme either in terms of recovery from the I knows what ‘recovery phase’ intense WOC/Highland 2015 period, means. For those who don’t take or as a refreshing break from a busy training too seriously, I’m sure programme of orienteering events you can imagine what it means. over the course of the year. Either According to one website, it is “the way, I hope you are enjoying or will most important component of …. enjoy your recovery phase. exercise programs”. Talking about phases (or cycles, to be accurate), the SOA has just made its bid to sportscotland for investment in our sport over the next 4-year cycle.

During the preparation of our Strategy 2016-2020, and at the presentation of it to sportscotland at the end of October, I would describe the indications we have had regarding funding as mixed – some good and encouraging news, followed by some discouraging news, then back to encouraging again, and so on. sportscotland, like many (if not most) government- funded national agencies, is facing funding cuts, and this is at a time when an endless flow of research and advice indicates that being active is good for your health and wellbeing and for children’s learning capacities.

Sport also has a positive impact on the Scottish economy when major international events are held in Scotland. WOC/Highland 2015 is an excellent example of Picture: Sally Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Sally Lindsay, 4 www.scottish-orienteering.org this, bringing £9.4 million into the Scottish economy. It is therefore Sport has a positive impact on very disappointing that there should the Scottish economy when major be such an uncertain future for the funding of sport. We will hear in international events are held in Scotland. December what investment we can WOC/Highland 2015 is an excellent expect for 2016-2020. example of this, bringing £9.4 million into

A question I was asked at the the Scottish economy. Strategy presentation was: “Can’t you change your relationship of the British system that would with British Orienteering?” This support a change. I could go on question arises from the fact that in and explain this in greater depth, orienteering, members and clubs but you will see that issues like join British Orienteering in the first this are absolutely fundamental to instance (unlike the vast majority how sportscotland sees us a sport of sports in Scotland, in which governing body. members and clubs join the Scottish Governing Body in the first instance). Apologies – too much politics this time. As usual, a small piece The SOA is very grateful that just of recent news from the outdoor about every British Orienteering world… Sue Holden of the member from a Scottish club joins Woodland Trust has estimated that the SOA as well. To the original only 14% of the UK population has question, I answered an emphatic easy access to trees. And there we “No”, not because I’m not keen are, on occasion, not being able to to explore alternative types of see the control for the trees. It’s not relationship between the SOA and a joking matter, however. British Orienteering, but because I know from lobbying over the last All the best for the Festive Season four years that there is no other part and for great orienteering in 2016.

new sCOtJOs teAM MAnAger The SOA are delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Furness (MOR) to the post of Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad Team Manager. Elizabeth is an experienced team manager and junior coach, and will take over from the start of 2016. Elizabeth commented, “There is an excellent environment in which to develop junior talent in Scotland because of the great team atmosphere in ScotJOS, the twin planks of social and forest experiences established by Maureen and Bill, the strong pathway from clubs … and the Scottish terrain.” Picture: Paul Furness, MOR Furness, Picture: Paul www.scottish-orienteering.org 5 soa news by Colin Matheson (mor) SOA Professional Officer Email: [email protected]

he World orienteering as to what we all get up to running Tchampionships 2015 around the streets and forests. Mike passed off successfully and Johannes continue to push and the SoA are unlikely to be forward with initiatives post-WOC, involved in anything quite so big and we hope that we will see the for the foreseeable future. clubs continuing to expand. WOC was a British Orienteering The SOA has been under event, and their involvement included increasing pressure from occasional attendance on the sportscotland to conform more Steering Group, employment (part closely to their ideals of how a sport time) of Paul McGreal (RR) as Event should be run. Picture: ActivNorth Director, and a contribution to staffing Thanks go to the SOA Board and costs and expenses for the Assistant SOA President Roger Scrutton for Event Director (myself), an employee the huge amount of work they have of the SOA. This contribution has carried out helping deliver and report helped the SOA through yet another on the Annual Plan and for their successful year financially, though contribution to the Strategic Plan and running down the reserves is proving Investment Plan. more challenging to the Treasurer As a Scottish Governing Body, than he ever anticipated. it is unfortunately not just about It is hard to say how much WOC turning up for a nice run or walk in contributed to the big upsurge in the woods. Consideration is being SOA membership (up 18%), but given to the formation of new SOA certainly within the local area of roles: Chief Operating Officer and Moravian, BASOC and INVOC, Events Manager. This would require growth has been tremendous and considerable additional funding local events are seeing two or three from sportscotland and, despite times the number of participants, indications this was a possibility, compared to a year ago. the latest update suggests that It is probable that much of this the current situation (i.e. SOA growth has been down to our two Professional Officer and SOA Board Regional Development Officers in members) will continue much the area, Mike Rodgers (MOR) and as before. There is now a better Johannes Felter (BASOC). WOC recognition within sportscotland has certainly been a very useful that major events are integral to hook to get more people involved the development of the sport. New – coupled with the excellent live members, new areas, new and coverage on BBC Alba, as well as revised maps, better publicity and The Adventure Show. This coverage, so on. plus a sustained campaign in the Clubs continue to request LiDAR newspapers, has helped overcome data, so there should be lots of some of the usual misunderstanding excellent new areas forthcoming, >>

6 www.scottish-orienteering.org Development news by Hilary Quick (basOc) SOA Development Officer Email: [email protected] Development funding summary SoA funds have been used to SOA website for details - just put support development projects “development fund” (including the in clubs for several years now. double quotes) in the search field, Projects are many and varied, plan your project and put your and generally the level of application in! applications doesn’t reach the Running alongside the SOA available annual fund maximum Development Fund for the (usually £5,000 but with some last couple of years, we’ve

flexibility between years). appreciated the generosity of ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, Some clubs have used the the 6 Day Company in giving funding to help buy SI equipment, financial support to mapping while others have trained coaches projects for clubs that haven’t or developed semi-permanent benefitted from a nearby 6 Day courses. What would you like your Event in recent years. That fund club to be doing? Check on the is now closed. Volunteers’ Weekend 2016 In September 2013, we held an Friday 13 May to late afternoon ‘Activity Weekend’ at Glenmore Sunday 15 May, to be exact. Lodge, where about 90 people attended a number of training We’ve started drafting ideas for courses and discussion sessions sessions, so if there’s anything – well, we’re running something you’d particularly like us to include, similar next May, from lunch-time do please get in touch!

SOA News - continued and significantly revised maps is unlikely to change in the near elsewhere. The SOA website future, but access can and must be recently included up-to-date maps discussed on a case-by-case basis, showing coverage, along with files instead of accepting blanket bans to that can be downloaded and viewed orienteering. in Google Earth. For WOC and the Scottish 6 Days, Access issues continue, including we were able to show that by taking certain parts of Forestry Commission appropriate measures we could host Scotland where the Concordat a major championship with large seems less than convivial. Please numbers of competitors in areas report any issues to the Professional that had nearly every environmental Officer. The situation on capercaillie designation possible. www.scottish-orienteering.org 7 WHO’S WHO ON THE SOA BOARD

ontinuing the series a real enjoyment of the competition Cintroducing the SoA Board at my level - Short Courses - and members is the operations guess I am well recognised by many Director, Terry o’Brien (STAG). throughout Scottish Orienteering as Terry has a long orienteering approachable and supportive of the history, and his job covers a wide efforts we all make to promote our variety of tasks, as he explains: sport. Almost 40 years ago I entered This is possibly the most the Scottish School of Physical important job in the eyes of SOA Education to train as a PE Teacher members, as it encompasses and had my initial exposure to Competitions and Fixtures, the

Picture: ActivNorth orienteering. Memory tells me we bread and butter of our sport. Part terry in action, were coralled into a lecture theatre, of the job is making sure that events at Loch vaa shown a film, then put on a coach follow the rules and guidelines, and taken to Mugdock Country and that races are well organised, Park, where the experiences were and registered well in advance. not good. I much preferred keeping Although it is NOT in the Operations clean and playing volleyball at Director’s actual remit, I am currently weekends. In 1978, myself and covering the vacant posts of others (including Blair Young (Tinto)) Fixtures Secretary and Competitions were persuaded to hang some Convenor. Furthermore, and again controls and through this the seed out of choice, I have coordinated was sown for, I guess, a lifetime the bidding for SOLs each year and involvement in this amazing activity. extended the event allocation of Leaving SSPE in 1980, I obtained clubs until 2024. a peripatetic PE post based at St. Thanks to the support of the Andrew’s Secondary, where some various Convenors, Scottish 2 years later SAOC (Glasgow), Orienteering is in a healthy position, or STAG, was formed. Around but new blood is required, as my 1985, I was persuaded to take tenure ends in May 2016. So if over the West Area Secretary’s you have a finger on the pulse of role and nominated as Publicity Scottish Orienteering, now is the Officer on the SOA Executive. I time to step up to the plate, as I was involved with the coaching believe that the Operations Director of the West Area Junior Squad, needs to be active within the sport then at SOA level with a variety of and have had at least 10 years’ posts - Coaching, Competitions, involvement. Controller of Controllers, Vice- I now teach PE at John Paul President, and after a break of 6 Academy in Glasgow and am or so years I returned to the newly looking forward to devoting more created post of Operations Director time to the future development and in 2009. Over this time I developed needs of my own club, STAG.

8 www.scottish-orienteering.org event news

As usual, there have been many and varied events all over the country recently; here are a few highlights.

oUl 7 took place on 27 the Tinto Twin, with night and day SSeptember, just as the events on 24/25 October, at Firpark, September issue of ScoRe near Carnwath. The distractions of went to press. the OMM and JHI meant numbers Robin Sloan (RR), mapper and were slightly lower than usual, but event organiser reports: “Jedburgh is the regular attenders enjoyed it inconveniently bisected by a fast-flowing regardless. Gerry Thompson (STAG), river and a major trunk road, but the M55 winner, remarked, “The Tinto Jed Water is crossed by five bridges Twin is always brilliant. It was a Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, Jedburgh Abbey and the A68 has four underpasses perfect area for night orienteering, on the mapped area, so the crossing and it was interesting to see it again points add to, rather than detract from, in the day.” the complexity of route choice. The At Halloween, it was the eagerly- combination of ancient passageways awaited cumbernauld weekend, in the old town, modern housing featuring Sprint, Middle Distance developments, school precincts and and Urban events, all conveniently historic buildings gave a mix of terrain reached from the same event centre. well used by Kirstin Maxwell in planning The Sprint and Urban took place the courses, which did what they were amongst complicated residential meant to do, producing some very close developments, with many similar results. We have a few more ancient pathways, steps and open areas burghs in the Borders for aficionados in calling for quick decision-making, the future; RR look forward to welcoming especially where there were dead urban competitors back to the Middle ends. The Middle was much wilder, March sometime soon.” in rough and challenging terrain. The Four Scottish clubs qualified this Cumbernauld map is huge, with the year for the CompassSport Cup Final, prospect of many exciting events to held on 18 October on the limestone come. uplands of Helsington Barrows, The Scottish University Sprint near Kendal in the Lake District. Relay was held on 15 November, Congratulations to FVO, who stormed organised by Heriot Watt University to victory in the CompassSport Cup Orienteering Club. This was a mixed itself. In the CompassSport Trophy (for Sprint Relay at Riccarton campus, small clubs), INT came 2nd (narrowly open to all, and there were over 100 beaten on countback by South Ribble), competitors, from 5 university clubs CLYDE came 4th and MAROC came and several other clubs from the 6th. Central Belt, who all enjoyed the race October saw two multi-event despite very wet weather (see cover weekends in Scotland; first was photo). www.scottish-orienteering.org 9 BRIANÇON/SESTRIERE 6 DAYS - August 2015 by Davie Frame & Elaine Gillies (tay)

ne of the many attractions Daily sustenance was provided by a Oof the multitude of steady supply of prizes from Hazel international orienteering and Martin Dean (FVO), and Bob events is the ability to combine Daly (GRAMP), though podiums them with other activities, so this varied from class leaders only, to first event in the French/Italian Alps three, so language skills were tested slotted nicely into our annual guessing who was actually getting alpine walking/mountaineering called up. trip. It actually consisted of two separate 3-day events, in two different countries, run back-to- back to give 6 consecutive days of orienteering.

The promise of alpine sunshine and scenery attracted six Scots, and a larger English/Welsh contingent, and we became temporary members of an even larger group of assorted expats in motorhomes, who seem to roam Europe creating mini van corrals at each event.

First up was the ‘3 Jours du Briançonnais’, with the events set Picture: Elaine Gillies, TAY Martin dean, Hazel dean and bob daly with prizes in some stunning areas near to the from day 3 photogenic walled town of Briançon in France. The Briançon area is a An unforeseen benefit of having a great base for outdoor activities, both campervan was that we collected all summer and winter, and is well worth the edibles and breakables that they considering for an alpine holiday. I couldn’t take home. Biscuits, vino, never did get my head around the balsamic vinegar, and some rather vegetation boundaries, but all areas nice limited edition Lavazza coffee provided a good mix of terrain and kept us going for the next four weeks technicality. of our trip – thanks guys!

Most continental events have a Action then switched across daily prize-giving ceremony which the border to Italy, via many adds a nice social end to the day. hairpin bends, to the area around

10 www.scottish-orienteering.org Picture: Elaine Gillies, TAY the day 4 run-in at the Olympic biathlon stadium the ski resort of Sestriere – a unused since the 2006 winter successful Italian attempt to rival Olympics which they were built for. the architectural wonders of Cumbernauld. The Italian 3-days The final day was a slightly was billed as the ‘North West Cup’, disappointing Sprint in Sestriere although there didn’t actually that didn’t seem to make the most appear to be a cup, as results of a fairly complex ski village. weren’t cumulative. Maybe we lost Possibly the planner was just trying something in the translation? to use different parts of the village from the World Masters, but at Event base for the first two days over 2000m elevation, it certainly was the Olympic Biathlon stadium provided a suitably anaerobic finale in Sansicario, with both days before the compulsory final stop using different parts of the same for an ice cream in Cesana – well area. The area was mapped for recommended if you’re passing! the World Masters in 2013, and provided a great O venue, with This was a great event with a excellent quality maps and some good mix of venues and terrain. All glorious sections of forest. Not well organised in a sort of laid back much sign of an Olympic legacy continental way that seems much here though, with the Biathlon more relaxed than the UK, though and Bobsleigh facilities apparently the climate definitely helps. www.scottish-orienteering.org 11 O-pinion by Steve Wilson (clyde/jok)

he development of urban but physically punchable from Torienteering has been one the ‘wrong’ side? If the fence is of the really exciting new marked as uncrossable, then it’s aspects of our sport in recent technically wrong to reach through years, and its ability to reach or over it, but we’ve all seen it people and places who wouldn’t happen! have engaged with traditional What about incidents like the

Picture: ActivNorth forest orienteering is undoubtedly one at this year’s British Sprint steve wilson at sOUL 6 a very positive opportunity for Champs where the direct route growing the sport. involved going though the gap However, I think I speak for (which didn’t exist on the map, many orienteers when I say that, but was obvious on the ground) despite its many attractions, there between the end of an uncrossable is a nagging problem with urban hedge and building, or the one orienteering that prevents us from at a recent Scottish event where taking it entirely seriously. The the direct route involved crossing issue as I see it is that, since the an uncrossable flower bed which Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC. Picture: Crawford Lindsay, differences between winning and didn’t actually exist on the ground? losing are so small, the result of the In both cases most runners either race can depend on random events didn’t see, or chose not to see, that (such as a car pulling out in front of the direct route was technically not you or a pedestrian getting in your allowed, while those that did see it way) or, more significantly, rather and took a more circuitous route subtle interpretations of the map lost enough time to change the and the rules as well as more blatant outcome of the race. (In both cases Picture: ActivNorth cheating. the results were, at least in part, Examples of blatant cheating allowed to stand.) include deliberately crossing small What do I conclude from all this? out-of-bounds areas like flower beds, Firstly that urban orienteering is a deliberately crossing ‘uncrossable’ fun alternative to traditional forest walls, and moving ‘uncrossable’ orienteering, especially in high temporary barriers – all of which I summer or darkest winter when either saw or heard about at this forests aren’t so appealing, but year’s British Sprint Champs. While secondly that, if we are to take Some personal these are clearly against both the urban orienteering as seriously as musings on letter and the spirit of the rules, they forest orienteering, urban planners orienteering. The often don’t result in disqualification have to avoid planning control views expressed and so make the races inherently sites and legs where ‘accidental’ here are the less satisfying and more frustrating cheating could bring an advantage, author’s own and for those who do obey the rules. and event organisers need to be not those of the However, what about a control stricter about disqualifying those SOA or SCORE. hung on one side of a fence who do break the rules.

12 www.scottish-orienteering.org coaching corner

by lynne walker (BASOc) SOA Coaching Coordinator - email: [email protected]

y the time you read may not feel confident to advise Bthis, winter will be on this. How about taking it to here. At the time of a more basic level and looking writing though, we are having at the ‘keystone’ movements an a wonderful spell of autumn orienteer requires for the ABC weather and the countryside (Agility, Balance, Coordination) of colours are some of the best I movement to cope with terrain? have seen for a few years. The appropriate movements Winter – as a coach, what can be easily introduced to

Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, does this mean for you and and throughout a session; they the athletes in your club? require no equipment and can be Recognising that the athletes in done anywhere – squat, lunge, squads (ScotJOS and SEDS) hinge, brace, rotate (push and have their programmes to follow, pull could also be added). Think let’s look at what the participation about looking more into this as orienteer could do to prepare part of your Continuous Personal themselves for the 2016 season. Development; there are short workshops around to help you Physical shape: become familiar with this topic. How can the athlete emerge from the winter in better shape Beliefs and behaviours: than they entered it? Many of you “Our thoughts are the seeds will have heard the term ‘Strength which grow into our future” and Conditioning’ (shortened (quote from a talk given by to S & C); you quite correctly Karen Darke, a Patron of Scottish Orienteering). What are your Lunge squat athletes wanting to realistically achieve in 2016, and what attitude do they have towards achieving this? Can you help them unlock their sporting potential by working with them and using phrases like “Although you have not refined technique X YET in races, we can work with you towards this”?

So, with little bits of coaching input you can help your athletes to work towards their 2016 season. Pictures: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Pictures: Crawford Lindsay,

www.scottish-orienteering.org 13 Scottish Orienteering League 2015 summary by Trevor Hoey (FVO) SOL Coordinator

he 2015 Sol series for a real challenge Mark Once again the terrain, Twas unusual in Hill (wintry showers and maps, planning and being concentrated properly cold) reminded organisation of the events before summer and in runners what a real Scottish have been excellent this attracting large numbers forest is like, and it is year – some especially of runners from outside good to see old favourites positive comments have Scotland. returning to use after felling been made about the Both, of course, are and re-growth. Glen Dye planning of TD1-3 courses, related to WOC. What (full-on winter; Mark Hill was for which thanks also to the was usual were the high tropical by comparison) controllers. Everyone has quality of the races on provided an excellent their own favourites, and I challenging terrain, and the technical challenge, and especially enjoyed the more variable weather. Gullane then the June weekend remote parts of Dunalastair, (sunny) in early spring at Tullochroisk and and wish that I had been was an excellent start to Dunalastair (sunny and able to get to Mark Hill. the season, featuring a warm both days!) saw large The numbers of newly mapped area and fields, close racing and a competitors matched those some control sites that had rising sense of anticipation of 2014 (see Table 1), and tide-dependent access. for the summer. The Loch the impact of WOC was Bonskeid (sunny, I think) Vaa finale (more sun!) clear on M/W21E. Numbers provided challenging saw challenging technical finishing at the 7 events, in courses on terrain that is courses to round off the order, were 359, 349, 208, at its best in the spring, but year. 288, 467, 393, 453.

number of runners 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Black 52 84 41 50 37 101 104 Brown 69 82 66 64 70 149 95 Short Brown 111 128 91 106 90 116 89 Blue 162 179 138 144 157 172 148 Short Blue 127 133 94 87 117 116 113 Green 140 123 111 110 118 146 125 Short Green 73 59 70 59 65 91 95 Light Green 86 50 73 75 73 85 80 Orange 60 47 75 59 72 71 78 Yellow 55 50 74 53 44 41 41 White 59 43 73 34 35 31 53 TOTAL number of runners 994 978 906 841 878 1119 1050* Number of unique runs 2351 1897 2347 1802 2091 2428 2495 Mean number of SOLs per runner 2.4 1.9 2.6 2.1 2.4 2.2 2.4 table 1: number of competitors scoring points in sOL races (dnf, mispunches not included) * - includes w21e runners from sOL3 and sOL5 who ran separate courses. 14 www.scottish-orienteering.org Table 2 shows the (BASOC) scored sufficient Junior European Cup at SOL distribution of class winners points on home terrain at 6, and ends at one of our between clubs, with number Loch Vaa to beat Eleanor best locations. A highlight of runners and total points. Pyrah (ESOC) by 16 points. should be 8 May at Glen The most competitive age SOL dates and locations Affric, as used for WOC groups were W45S, where for 2016 are shown on the Long 2015 – in spring this Jane Carcas (INT) beat inside back cover. is a fantastic area, with little Sheila McMurtrie (MAROC) The 2016 series again undergrowth, good visibility by 5 points, and W70, promises high quality and an outstanding map. where Marion MacCormick competition, including the Well worth the trip.

Club number total Mean Points # class of runners Points / runner winners

FVO 77 216428 2811 3 ESOC 72 180829 2512 0 MAROC 72 188338 2616 2 INVOC 57 113593 1993 0 INT 54 147916 2739 4 GRAMP 50 105096 2102 1 Picture: ActivNorth MOR 44 103458 2351 0 bAsOC volunteers at work on download CLYDE 34 102410 3012 2 ECKO 34 108529 3192 1 RR 28 89369 3192 1 EUOC 27 53636 1987 0 TAY 27 50973 1888 0 BASOC 23 57129 2484 1 SOLWAY 23 36744 1598 0 WCOC 18 28205 1567 0 KFO 15 42975 2865 0 AYROC 14 26986 1928 2 BL 14 22579 1613 0 SROC 14 21127 1509 0 ELO 13 29532 2272 1 SYO 12 17822 1485 0 LOC 10 19142 1914 0 CNOC 8 9628 1204 0 CORK O 7 9160 1309 0 MDOC 7 12334 1762 0 STAG 5 13552 2710 0 TINTO 5 11938 2388 0 Picture: Tim O’Donoghue, SOLWAY Picture: Tim table 2: Competitor and points numbers (runners who ran competitively on A soggy day in the south-west (sOL 3) more than one course are counted twice). www.scottish-orienteering.org 15 SCOTTISH ORIENTEERING URBAN LEAGUE 2015 SUMMARY by Andy Paterson (clyde) Urban League Coordinator

he 2015 bto SoUl series Tcame to a conclusion in glorious lanarkshire sunshine with a double header sprint/urban race in cumbernauld. 9 races from Jedburgh to Grantown made up this year’s league with the usual mix of sprint distance and

‘classic’ urban races. Picture: ActivNorth Well done to Andrew Lindsay, Andy Paterson at sOUL 6 Terry Johnstone and Jim Clark who (and dual winner) Rachel to win the managed to score in all 9 races. A W12- class, with Rachel Brown few others attended every event, herself taking the W16- title this but mispunched one or more time year. In the 4 years of SOUL to date, (I won’t name them…). W12- has never been won by anyone Well done to all this year’s class outside ESOC! winners. The prize-giving, which will Jake chapman won the first include prizes for the top three in 4 races to take M16-, while Phil each class, is hoped to take place Smithard wasn’t content with that the class winners and stormed MUV winning Borg for 2015 were as at some point during the EUOC Big follows: Weekend in January. (7 of 9, get it?). Rona lindsay managed to pick up enough

women Men points on the very last race to Young Junior (12-) Megan Brown (ESOC) Michael Paterson (CLYDE) take the WO title by just 2 points. Commiserations to Kirstin Maxwell Junior (16-) Rachel Brown (ESOC) Jake Chapman (MAROC) (RR), who won Forres, but declared Open Rona Lindsay (ESOC) Richard Purkis (SAX) herself non-comp due to having Veteran (40+) Jane Ackland (INT) Jon Hollingdale (JOK/MOR) access to the map two days Super Veteran (55+) Jane Halliday (MOR) Donald Petrie (CLYDE) earlier, pre-running the WOC Sprint Ultra Veteran (65+) Sheila Strain (ELO) Phil Smithard (KFO) Qualifier. Prize for the narrowest win though goes to Richard Purkis There are stories behind all of the who edged MO by just one point, winners this year. Here are a few of by beating Will Hensman (FVO) into the key moments… 3rd in the last event. World Masters sprint bronze MSV winner Donald Petrie medallist Jon Hollingdale beat Dave recovered from injury to regain the Robertson (CLYDE) by 14 seconds in title he last won in 2013, with an the final race, to pip him to the overall impressive 6 wins, while clubmate MV title by 2 points and gain his first michael Paterson went one better SOUL series win. megan Brown in regaining the M12- title he first followed in the footsteps of big sister won in 2012, by also securing this

16 www.scottish-orienteering.org year’s UK Urban league title with one race remaining. Jane Ackland was another who regained her crown this year, in WV, after a SOUL-free year in 2014. Heather Smithard (KFO) is also a winner in the UKUL this year, but was forced to settle for 2nd place in WUV Scotland by a combination of late injury and a rampant Sheila Strain, who won the last 5 races of the series to retain her title for the third year in a row. Jane Halliday,

with a run of 3 wins and 2 seconds CLYDE Picture: Andy Paterson, in 5 races, prevented Lindsey Penultimate control at sOUL 7, Jedburgh Knox (RR) from retaining her SOUL 3 winners were from GB. Best title. Lindsey looks like finishing a performing club this year was strong but agonisingly close 2nd ESOC, with 3 wins, followed by in both SOUL and UKUL series this CLYDE and MOR, with 2 each. year. In 2016, we are yet again The most eclectic SOUL was partnered by bto solicitors (www. undoubtedly Forres, which was bto.co.uk). The provisional race part of the Scottish 6 Days and listing is available on the inside attracted runners from about 30 back cover of this issue. See you all different countries, yet all but at the Big Weekend in January!

sculpture at sOUL 9, Cumbernauld Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, www.scottish-orienteering.org 17 if only i’d known then...

by Suzanne Lynch-McKay (mor)

In my opinion, there’s only so much you can learn about orienteering without getting your feet muddy and ending knee-deep in a swamp. The real education happens out on the trails and paths of the forests we frequent. The marshes, the ditches, the hidden rabbit holes – these are our tutors, and we are at the mercy of their teachings.

But as a novice orienteer thirsty go hard or go home? for knowledge, I decided to turn to Scottish squad veteran Jon those who had escaped the swamp Hollingdale would counsel novice and owned the t-shirt (or timing orienteers to “have a good plan, slip) to prove it. So I turned to the and then run as fast as possible”, medium of Facebook, and posed while Moravian Secretary and the following challenges: “What do experienced long distance runner you wish someone had told you as Frances Britain advised the a novice orienteer?” opposite: “slow down, don’t be And: “If you could give one piece afraid to stop and re-check your of orienteering advice, what would map”. ScotJOS member Kathryn it be?” Barr agreed with Frances, pointing out that there was “no shame in The response from members and standing still - 5 seconds can save friends of the Moravian Orienteering 5 minutes”. This is the trap I often Facebook page was incredible. fall into. That moment of panic Most people found it impossible when you’ve punched the start, the to impart just one piece of advice, freshly picked map in your hand is and instead showered my request making no sense to your confused with numerous golden nuggets of brain, but everyone around you information. is running around with purpose and determination. The temptation to run off in any direction rather than stand still is so strong! This sentiment was echoed by Debbie McWilliam’s 3-part advice to “take your time. Walk before you run. Don’t follow others!” So ‘slow and steady wins the race’ seems to be a common theme – be a tortoise, not a hare. Local Personal Trainer Scott Hamilton was on Jon’s side though: “If in doubt, guess and

Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, run hard!” When challenged by Carolyn McLeod (grAMP) enjoying Anagach & Heathfield

18 www.scottish-orienteering.org fellow Moravians that running hard led to all sorts of mischief if it was in the wrong direction, Scott’s comeback was priceless: “If that happens, use your nose to sniff out the wild raspberries and munch away for a few minutes while the steam finishes blowing out of your ears [smile emoticon]”. Scott and Jon are both in the ‘go hard or go home’ team, I think.

A sense of perspective Mike Rodgers (Regional Development Officer) and Ceidh Dewar were in agreement when it came to their golden nugget of advice. Ceidh counsels us to keep it simple and just “have fun”, while Mike warns us to “never, ever, forget your sense of humour”. Mike also very rightly pointed out that no matter how lost you get, you’ve still managed to go for a run in beautiful woodland or amongst Picture: ActivNorth some other spectacular scenery further, or faster, or on rougher/ Findlay McKay (MOr) that you now know a lot better than hillier terrain,” recommends Jon. running fast at Loch vaa north you did before you started! “You can also do useful training at home from the comfort of your sofa, Practice, practice, practice or your computer desk: look at old Jon Hollingdale also had some courses on Routegadget and plan great advice on how to up your what you would do, try and imagine orienteering game. Jon pointed out what you would see, or even try to that while races are good for racing plan your own courses and think and events are great for socializing, about routes (PS and what Ceidh you actually learn more from good said: have fun!”. quality coaching. Improvement comes from implementing what But Adrian Bailey from City of you learn in coaching, away from Birmingham Orienteering Club the stresses of competing. “If you nailed it, and it’s his nugget of want to run faster, you have to train advice I’ll leave you with: “Always harder. This might mean running know where you are”. www.scottish-orienteering.org 19 an interview with...

Maureen Brown & Bill Stevenson Maureen and Bill are retiring soon from their positions as Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad Team Manager and Head Coach, after many years in these roles. Roger Scrutton caught up with them to find out more about their work with the junior squad.

RS: What would you consider to coaches so that we can cope with be the most important roles you the larger numbers); by inviting have to fill as a ScotJoS Team along a number of non-squad manager? juniors to training weekends if we MB: There is a lot of organising have room in the accommodation and admin to do before the year and transport. A number of those starts, not least the selection of the juniors have been selected to following year’s squad. However, ScotJOS in later years and gone particularly important for the on to become very talented manager of a junior squad is the performers.

Picture: Wendy Carlyle, AIRE Picture: Wendy ‘caring and safeguarding’ aspect Maureen at the edinburgh City race, of the job: getting to know the new RS: The biennial training camp October 2014 members each year and making in Sweden has been a major sure that everyone, particularly the feature of the ScotJoS calendar. new members, feel safe, secure How did that come about in the and happy and part of one big first place and what was the squad. thinking behind it? I believe that the standard BS: The first tour was staged of performance of the juniors in 1996, going to Sweden and in Scotland has been visibly staying in a club hut in Hallsberg increasing through the years. As a for a week of training in the local result of this, the size of the squad forests, followed by competing has been increasing, and there is at the O-Ringen at Karlstad. The

Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, a limit to how big it can become idea was sparked by an earlier bill at the JK, April 2015 and yet still be manageable. MAROC trip to Hallsberg, which So we have tried to give some established contact with the local of the ‘ScotJOS Experience’ to club. The basic model of training as many juniors as possible, by for a week and competing for a inviting juniors from the local week stems from our first tour; club(s) to our training when we I describe the first week as a are staying in their area; by having ‘survive the O-Ringen’ course, a ‘Development Weekend’ near learning about Swedish mapping, the start of every year when we endless forests and simplification invite some talented 12-year-olds in complex terrain. The second plus some older juniors who have week introduces the juniors to just missed selection (plus extra the excitement of the largest O

20 www.scottish-orienteering.org competition in the world. By being place on all the training camps. together in a club hut surrounded The friendships made in ScotJOS by forest, we get six days of will last for a lifetime. There is lots training, morning and afternoon, of past evidence for this. without needing to travel. Contrast that with a normal squad weekend RS: There is now quite a lot with a morning of travelling, of hardware and software afternoon training, morning available for the analysis of training, afternoon travelling coaching sessions and races. home. So a tour is much more Do you think this is something intensive but also more relaxed, that ScotJoS could make use with time for discussion, football of during or between squad and swimming in warm lakes. weekends? Being a group helps foster the BS: There is a balance between friendships that make ScotJOS training being easy for the coach a real team and the tour is a key to organise and getting more incentive to stay in the squad and information out of the session in the sport. to support later discussion. I sometimes plan exercises that RS: How important do you think don’t need even kites! But the the social element is when it most basic tool is a watch, and comes to building a successful I am always amazed at how team? many athletes train without MB: Absolutely crucial. The one. A simple splits stopwatch formation of strong friendships allows one to compare leg times results in the exceptionally strong or manage intervals training. team spirit which has given A GPS watch with a heart rate Scotland an advantage in the monitor can be interesting, to see major competitions, the Junior if you are choosing routes that Inter Regional Championships enable fast running. Placing SI (JIRCs) and the Junior Home units at controls or wearing GPS International (JHI). This was tracking units would provide extra especially evident in the recent information, though using these JHI in Ireland where there was tools does require time and effort so much support for everyone to set up – not always easy to fit in from within the team. This team to a training session. bonding forms and strengthens However, every SOL/SOUL/ throughout years of travelling championship gives the together in minibuses, playing opportunity to record one’s route football, swimming, helping with on Routegadget and use replay the cooking and clearing up, and or Splitsbrowser to analyse and all the other activities which take compare. It is a valuable >> www.scottish-orienteering.org 21 evening exercise at ScotJOS presumably all (or just about weekends to have discussions all) having progressed through in age groups about where time ScotJoS. I guess it would be was lost and how running speeds nice to say this is all down compare. to the excellence of ScotJoS coaching, but it is probably RS: What are your hopes for more than that. What do you their future when ScotJoS think the magic additional members move on after several ingredients are? years in your team? BS: Well, a WOC athlete has MB: Well, naturally I hope that served a long apprenticeship to they will stay in the sport. But I get to that start line! ScotJOS am pragmatic enough to realise is just one stage but it can give that they have and will have lots young athletes the feeling that of other things going on in their winning is quite good fun. It lives. It was very rewarding to see, also feeds athletes into further at this year’s Scottish 6 Days, how training camps staged by JROS many former ScotJOS members (Junior Regional Orienteering are still orienteering. When we Squads) – these camps build up were all up on the podium before to self-help trips, with the athletes the start of the prize-giving, James planning their own training and mentioned that he had counted working out the travel, training about 6 or 7 former ScotJOS or competitions. And remember members who had run for GB SEDS and the various university at World Championships since clubs, providing continuous the late nineties. I don’t think that opportunity to go out running and Bill or I would claim that this was orienteering with good mates. because of all the coaching that So: magic ingredients? There is they received while members no one path to the top, but I am of ScotJOS. Perhaps more a sure that all in our WOC team are factor of the fun and friendships organised people, fitting lots into made during that time, when they their busy lives. They are resilient, stayed in the sport and competed working through setbacks and and trained regularly together disappointments. They have throughout their teenage years. learned how to train, when to go I wish all of them all the best in hard and when to ease back. whatever they choose to do with They are probably analytical, their lives. studying their successes and failures. But most of all, they enjoy RS: Scottish athletes made up it, the pursuit of that winning 40% of the GB team of 17 at the feeling. I think that can begin in recent World championships, ScotJOS!

22 www.scottish-orienteering.org in praise of... Pilates

by Dawn Goddard (fvo)

Can regular Pilates help reduce injury and improve overall fitness? Yes, according to Forth Valley Orienteers.

very monday, a group of Forth be challenging and very complimentary for EValley orienteers meets in a local runners. In fact, Elaine is a runner herself and church hall for 40 minutes of an ex-orienteer (Northern Navigators). Fitness Pilates, followed by 30 minutes And why do we love it? of circuits. We have been meeting here Our routine builds in progression but also for as long as I can remember, and whilst allows everyone to work to their own abilities. the exercises have developed, the format These exercises are proven to strengthen core, has remained the same. reduce back pain, improve posture, increase flexibility, and aid relaxation. Regular attendees are seeing less injuries and quicker recoveries. On top of this, it is a fun weekly social get together for the club, especially being a Monday, when we can swap running stories from the weekend. don’t just take my word for it. Here is what some of our regular attendees have to say: “I find Pilates is my weekly chill out zone.

Picture: Dawn Goddard, FVO The music and the routine help me relax from FvO’s Pilates session in festive mood all the tensions of work. Then the brilliant thing so what is Fitness Pilates? is it makes me much stronger too and I really Pilates covers stretching and strengthening feel the difference when I run on terrain and exercises, which focus on core stability, downhill. I have much better balance and postural muscles and body alignment. Fitness coordination. There is flexibility in the circuits Pilates is probably the most dynamic and session to work on my own strengthening exciting of the different types of Pilates, the exercises, which has helped me come emphasis being on strength, flexibility and back from injury. There is a relaxed friendly functional movement and less so on the slow, atmosphere.” - Nicola Melville (FVO Club deep breathing. Exercises are mainly static Coach) and floor-based, and include the following “It is a really good flexibility, strength and positions that you might be familiar with: the recovery training to complement the running ‘Plank’; ‘Bridge’; and ‘Saw’ (as demonstrated that I do. It is also good socially!” - Graham by members in the photo). Gristwood (FVO member and GBR Athlete) In leading these sessions, I draw from my “It makes a massive difference to the number experience of regularly attending an external of injuries I get and I wouldn’t do it on my own, class run by Elaine Morgan Machray of Stirling as I generally hate stretching and core work.” Fitness. Elaine has shown me that Pilates can - Roger Goddard (FVO President)

www.scottish-orienteering.org 23 33 years ago by Neil McLean (gramp / mor)

or this issue, I thought runner – he didn’t know that there Fmy reminiscing should was no 3rd leg runner. When he cover the period between stumbled in, he was suffering from 1981 and 1983. As I scanned the hypothermia. results from most of the major Craig a Barns in 1981 events during that period, a doubled as a Scotland v Ireland couple of things struck me. international. Scotland won, First, M/W56 or M/W62 were the counters for the men being Gareth oldest categories, and even these Bryan-Jones, Martin Dean, Jim had few competitors. The second Doig and Steve Barrett, and for the Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, neil McLean in action thing was that many successful women Ros Coats, Alison Stewart, folks are no longer taking part. Fran Loots and Sue Harvey. No Some sadly have died, including surprise that three of these men some fairly young ones including won the relay next day for their Hilary Smith of Interløpers and Jim club, FVO. In 1982, the Junior and Doig of Grampian and other clubs. Senior Championships were still Most I assume have ‘retired’ due to split, although Juniors had a Badge injuries or changed priorities. Event running in parallel. In 1983, The Scottish Championships the Championships were joint, as were held at Craig a Barns they have been ever since. (1981), Glentanar (1982) and The final separate Junior Trossachs (1983) with the relays Champs was at Blair Atholl on at Garshellach, Inver and South 7 November 1982. The event Achray respectively. At Craig a doubled as a Scotland v England Barns, in the oldest age categories competition, although I see no I see quite a few dads and mums results for that element. Four well- of present day orienteers. Ken kent orienteers ran in M/W17 for and Bob Daly’s dad Charles won Scotland: Kevin Reynard (GRAMP), M56. Jon Musgrave’s mum and Dave Robertson (CLYDE) Marcella dad were well up in W/M56, as McLeod (INVOC) and Ann Haley were Christine Paterson’s mum (INT). The event also doubled, and Hazel Dean’s dad. I’m pretty or should that be trebled, as the sure the same happens in many Junior Inter-Area Competition. SE sports. My main memory of one won both girls and boys, with NE of these events was of the snow 2nd in the boys, and N 2nd in the blasting through the trees at Inver girls. Midlands/ West weren’t there, for the relays on 2 May. I huddled and my son Peter had one of his in a small tent after my run, waiting occasional good runs to help the for the return of the 2nd leg NE get that 2nd place.

24 www.scottish-orienteering.org Other events in the period include the West Champs at Loch Ard on 1 November 1981. The weather was unkind, and cars had to be pushed up a slippery slope out of the car park. Minibuses were parked elsewhere. I remember some very mud- splattered pushers! On some courses, there were more DNFs than finishers and many winning times were rather long. One note in the lost property amused me: “1 pair large size Nike O-shoes

– will the person who has the size ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, 9 Nikes which should really be Craig a barns hurting his feet, return them to Ken Ballater Golf Club. The food was Davidson of Invoc.” excellent and the wine flowed Northern Lights in these years freely. were held at Assich, Oakenhead The criteria gave priority to those and Gallowhill, the double who had been to previous 6-Days. involvement of INVOC no doubt Eddie Harwood was one of the due to the fact that the 1983 loyal English supporters who was 6-Days was held on Royal Deeside, invited. This year at the 6-Days, I and MAROC and GRAMP were was able to speak to the Finnish heavily involved in this. That year and the Japanese orienteers who was my first one on the central had been at that function back in team. One job I was given was to 1983. Perhaps Aberdeenshire will devise criteria for inviting overseas do something similar in 2017. competitors to a function held by Look out in my next article for Kincardine Deeside Council at items from 1984-86.

would you like to receive future issues of sCOre on paper? If you’re reading the electronic version, and would prefer a paper copy of SCORE, please contact Hilary Quick at the National Orienteering Centre at Glenmore Lodge. Please state your name, BOF membership number and address. By email [email protected] By phone 01479 861374 (has an answerphone) By post National Orienteering Centre, Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore PH22 1QU thank you www.scottish-orienteering.org 25 junior squad news by Maureen Brown (esoc) ScotJOS Squad Manager

there are several significant things to report about scotJOs in this issue: • SOA won the Junior Inter Regional Championships (JIRCs) for the fifth year in succession. • Scotland won the Junior Home Internationals for the second successive year. • A big factor in the above successes was the calibre of our M/W18s who are now moving on. ScotJOS held their “Last Supper Weekend” at the end of October to celebrate the achievements of this group. • Bill Stevenson and I are resigning from running ScotJOS at the end of the year, after many years in the role.

Junior Inter Regional championships (JIRcs) The SOA website has a full report on this competition, which was held in the West Midlands at the end of September: http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/scotjos/junior-inter-regional-championships-2015 There is also information on the Junior Regional Orienteering Squads website about the history of the JIRCs, which shows just what a great win this was for Scotland: http://www.jros.org.uk/jirc-results-history The 2015 result for SOA was the biggest win ever in the history of the competition.

Ward Junior Home Internationals (JHI) A slightly different Scottish team travelled to Ireland at the end of October and proved how just good the current crop of Scottish juniors actually is. Full report at: http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/scotjos/ward-junior-home-internationals-2015

The last Supper Weekend This year, ScotJOS says “Goodbye” to an exceptional group of young people: Andrew Barr (MOR), Sasha Chepelin (GRAMP), Matthew Galloway (INT), Jenny Ricketts (MAROC), Daniel Stansfield (FVO), Callum White (INVOC) and Thomas Wilson (CLYDE) – all are now members of EUOC, as well as being members of the GB Talent Squad. This group joined ScotJOS at different times – Sasha in 2010; Jenny, Picture: Maureen Brown, ESOC the girls at the Last supper Matthew, Callum and Tam in 2011; and Andrew and Daniel in 2012. Over their time In the past, most of the Last Supper in ScotJOS, they have become a strong Weekends have taken place in Edinburgh, friendship group and this was very evident where the majority of Leavers end up at over the course of the weekend where they University. Not so for this bunch, who organised all the training exercises. requested a year ago that the weekend

26 www.scottish-orienteering.org should be held on Speyside. So I duly booked the whole of the Cairngorm Christian Centre in Kincraig, where we have stayed on previous occasions, and which is close to some prime BASOC areas. The weekend started on a new map of Cairngorm, in strong sunshine and a gale- force wind. This was a downhill-only race in age classes, and showed us a taste of what was yet to come. Fortunately there were only a few minor injuries, and most of the Picture: Maureen Brown, ESOC the 2015 leavers juniors enjoyed the experience! Then we had the classic ‘3-arm Relay’- Unfortunately, somehow in the course of well known to generations of ScotJOS the previous week I had managed to lose members who have taken part on the my voice. So I made some notes and Bill Scandinavian tour. This time there were delivered the speeches. Normally this is new challenges for the teams to face – for the end of the proceedings and we all retire example, avoiding being hit with eggs for a good night’s sleep. However, this was and flour by the Leavers, and finishing also the Last Supper for me and Bill, and so with a dip in Loch Morlich (again in lovely the Leavers had prepared speeches of their sunny weather, although the water was own about their time in ScotJOS plus little cold...) good fun was had by all (I think!) anecdotes about us (most of which I think Then back to the hostel for bread, soup were made up; at least I didn’t recognise and cake, followed by preparation for the them). Anyway, they were very funny. Then night event at Moor of Alvie. Some time there was another presentation for Bill and was taken to find the start, as the map had me (I thought we had received this at the changed (new houses). Then they were off, 6-Days prize-giving) during which we were this time in the cold and dark! Fortunately given yet another big bag of goodies. Many everyone returned in one piece, and then thanks again to all the parents for their it was time for the Supper itself, which was generosity. also a Halloween Party for which everyone Finally, everyone was asleep in bed (I had dressed up, this being the 31st of think). The next morning we were up early October. Thanks very much to the parents for breakfast, and then off to Inshriach for who made all the soup and cakes, and to yet more fun training, which included the Marjorie Mason and Julia Ricketts, who standard ScotJOS 2-person Relay and prepared the Supper itself. a prize-giving. And then sadly back to The Last Supper wouldn’t be the same if Aviemore Station for the goodbyes. it didn’t include me giving a speech on their It was a really enjoyable weekend and I ScotJOS history about each of the Leavers. shall miss you all!

See also this interesting article about the JIRcs and JHI, by Tam Wilson: http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/scotjos/2015-the-year-of-the-scotjos www.scottish-orienteering.org 27 elite news by James tullie (BasOc)

ess and I have made the Jdecision to step back from running SeDS. It’s been great fun but hard work too (particularly over the last year!) Huge thanks to all the clubs and individuals who have supported us and all the athletes and friends who have got stuck in and helped out too. A big thanks must go to the SOA board too, who trusted us to run it how we felt best. SEDS is now under new leadership which ropes in more people. We believe this can Arx Picture: Philip Von Jess & James with the sHI trophy, 2014 continue with the great SEDS ethos and also push it to greater must go to the comprehensive heights, adding on new things programme put together by the that we didn’t get round to. JTs, and enabled by the many Scottish Orienteering associates, the team is: folk, loons, quines, dobbers, Overall coordinator - Murray Strain radges and gadges, who domestic training Coordinator - Doug Tullie perpetually support and elevate elite orienteering in Scotland. sHIs & Kit Coordinator - Hollie Orr SEDS autocrats Jess and Overseas trip Coordinator - Jo Shepherd James Tullie now step aside, Publicity Coordinator - Duncan Coombs leaving a crater in the SEDS hierarchy. Particular thanks must Fundraising Coordinator - Hector Haines go to them both, for their sterling What a top team! Join us and get work over the past three years. behind them! Long live SEDS! Jess Tullie also found some time to do plenty of training, and was duncan Coombs (ArOs) reports: awarded the Ann Walder Award Under the stewardship of SEDS for SEDS athlete of the year, for guardians Jess and James Tullie, all round contribution in terms of 2015 posted a number of notable results and general commitment international successes and an to the SEDS cause. all-important victory in the SHIs Congratulations as well as over the auld enemy. Credit in part thanks!

28 www.scottish-orienteering.org Now at season-end, @SEDS2015 becomes @SEDS2016 as the team prepare for their assault on 2016 with renewed vigour, and a fresh pair of dobs. The 2016 programme includes highlights such as the SEDS Winter Running Weekend and Christmas Cracker, as well as renewing our bond with our feeder young team, ScotJOS, by offering coaching at the Junior Regional Orienteering Squads Hawkshead weekend. Tessa Strain is masterminding the return of the Purple Thistle in 2016, with swathes of the West Coast rumoured to be imminently subject to embargo. Watch this space. This is to be supplemented by the Purple’s moody cousin, the Dark Thistle, touted as the long- awaited ‘Alternative British Night Championships’. Again, details to follow! We look forward to plenty of duncan at the London

hot racing in 2016. Picture: MarathonFoto Marathon seds PrOgrAMMe

date event Location Organiser 21-22 Nov 2015 Winter Running Weekend TBC Murray Strain 28-29 Nov 2015 JROS Hawkshead Weekend Lake District Kirstin Maxwell 19-20 Dec 2015 Christmas Cracker Speyside Bex Harding 8-10 Jan 2016 New Year Long Weekend Moray TBC 6-7 Feb 2016 Scottish Night & Sprint Championships Edinburgh TBC 13-14 Feb 2016 Winter Blues Training Weekend Speyside TBC 5-6 Mar 2016 JK Prep and SOL1 Peebles TBC 12-13 Mar 2016 CSC Dumyat Stirlingshire TBC Apr 2016 (date TBC) Camp SEDS Trossachs Tryst - TBC Murray Strain Unknown SEDS Summer Tour TBC Jo Shepherd www.scottish-orienteering.org 29 Veteran news by Janice Nisbet (esoc) Veterans Team Manager

his year’s Veteran Home illness, and we had several last-minute TInternational was held on substitutes, some running up. We 3/4 october, about 15 miles still came in second place behind south of Aberystwyth, at llynnoedd England, though with a fairly large Teifi (used in croeso 2012). points gap. Many thanks to the team The individual race was in an area members who agreed to travel at short of complex, open moorland with few notice, especially Ann Haley (INT), line features, much contour detail, who normally runs W50, and came a very wet marshes and energy-sapping very creditable 4th in W40. tussocky grass. It was a good choice The relays were on the same map Picture: Ian Pyrah, ESOC of area, fast but intricate, and well as the individual. The legs were quite worth the long journey from Scotland. short, which left little room for error, The men’s team had some fine and the results were close. There runs, with John Tullie (RR) and Martin are two separate relay races – Man/ Dean (FVO) 1st and 2nd in M55, Woman/Man and Woman/Man/ and Eddie Harwood (MOR) and Rob Woman, both requiring a combined Hickling (GRAMP) 1st and 2nd in total age of at least 145. M60. 2nd places by Ant Squire (NOC) The Scottish M/W/M team of John in M35 and Ben Stansfield (FVO) in Tullie, Jenny Peel and Jon Musgrave M45, and sound runs in other classes, (MAROC) led the race throughout, brought the men’s team home neck with Jon just holding off Nick Barrable and neck with the English team. on the third leg for a well-deserved In the women’s race, Jenny Peel victory. Martin Dean, Jane Halliday (SYO) in W45 and Hazel Dean (FVO) and Ant Squire were not far behind in W50 both won their classes, in 3rd place. The W/M/W Scottish while Jane Halliday (MOR) came team of Marsela McLeod (INVOC), 2nd in a closely-fought W55 race. Ben Stansfield and Hazel Dean Unfortunately, the women’s team also had a good result, with Hazel was badly depleted by injury and overtaking the English 3rd leg runner to bring the team home in first place. Unfortunately, the weakness in the Scottish women’s team showed itself again, and she was closely followed by the three counting English W/M/W teams, giving a narrow overall relay win to England. Many thanks to the Mid Wales Orienteering Club, who arranged excellent accommodation, and even managed to influence the weather.

Picture: Steve Wilson, CLYDE The Welsh squad also put on a superb the scottish vHI team dinner and prize-giving.

30 www.scottish-orienteering.org SCOTTISH 6 DAYS 2017 - DEESIDE by Jon Musgrave (marOc) 2017 Coordinator

he event is moving forward; accommodation is generally of a Tthe first (small) meeting high standard but is somewhat of the central organising limited in space, so book early! committee has happened. The On the ‘rest’ day, a Sprint race areas are chosen (subject to will be held in Ballater. For those final checks with environmental not keen on urban O, there are a restrictions) and are: multitude of other options. For the Day 1 - Glen Tanar active, there are local mountains Day 2 - Birsemore Hill such as Lochnagar, Morven, or Day 3 - Balfour (slightly further away) the Glenshee Day 4 - Creag Choinnich and Cairngorm ranges; biking in Day 5 - Glen Feardar East Glen Tanar or further up the glen; Day 6 - Glen Feardar West and the Muir of Dinnet National This selection of Deeside areas Nature Reserve with the famous Burn will offer a wide range of terrain: o’ Vat. For the less active, there is intricate contour detail, big hill the local distillery (Royal Lochnagar), slopes, rocky areas, pine plantation, or visiting some of the many castles natural woodland, birch forest, open in Aberdeenshire, which include moorland, marsh, and all areas have Braemar Castle and several National stunning views across the beautiful Trust for Scotland properties: Drum Aberdeenshire landscape. The car Castle, Crathes Castle, Castle Fraser, parks will be adjacent or within a Fyvie Castle, Haddo House or few hundred metres of the arenas, Craigievar Castle. and we will do everything possible We encourage you all to come to ensure the car parks are weather and enjoy the glories of Deeside and proof! Aberdeenshire. The areas are all within 30km of the event centre at Ballater, on a (relatively) quiet main road (A93). Deeside 2017 The event centre will be in the 30 July to 5 August Victoria and Albert Halls complex (4 halls and various other rooms) in the middle of Ballater – enough space for several different social functions each night. The event campsite will be at Ballater near the village centre and will have toilets, showers and mains water. The Co-op supermarket in Ballater has Haste ye back! recently been expanded (specially for us!) and there are several good quality cafes in the village. Holiday www.scottish6days.com/2017 www.scottish-orienteering.org 31 event PREVIEW

As SCORE goes to press, the Scottish Score Championships is about to take place in Pitmedden Forest, near Perth.

his is the last level c Mountain’ and ‘Sprinter’ jersey Tevent in 2015, but there’s awarded for each course. Split lots more orienteering to times from specified legs on each look forward to, including the course will be added together to various night leagues and festive determine the winners. Saturday events, as well as local events in night will see the return of the all parts of the country, and the infamous Big Weekend ceilidh, famous STAG score events in complete with the address to the January. haggis and bagpipes to celebrate MAROC host the first Level C Burns Night. One of the great event of the new year, at Glen landmarks of Edinburgh, Arthur’s O’Dee on 3 January. Seat, will play host to the classic distance race on Sunday. Arthur’s EUOC’s Big Weekend returns Seat will certainly provide a good in 2016, on 22/23/24 January, balance of physical endurance featuring the first event in the and technical orienteering. The 2016 Scottish Orienteering Urban Big Weekend is always an exciting League and the second event in weekend of orienteering and is not this season’s South of Scotland one to be missed. We look forward Orienteering League. Charlotte to welcoming you to Edinburgh!” Watson, Event Organiser, says: See http://orienteering.eusu.ed.ac. “Big Weekend 2016 will once uk/events/bigweekend for details. again encompass many of the beautiful sights of Edinburgh. The At the start of February, there weekend will kick off on the Friday are back-to-back Scottish evening with Fight with the Night at Championship events near the King’s Buildings campus. This Edinburgh, starting with the is a short night race which is part Scottish Night championships, of the university’s night orienteering presented by ESOC on Saturday league. The city race on Saturday, 6 February in the North Pentland Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, Arthur’s seat, edinburgh SOUL 1, will be based in the Hills. Margaret Dalgleish, Event Meadows and take you around the Organiser, reports: “The event is historic central university campus, based at Bonaly Scout Camp, very with some courses also venturing close to the Edinburgh city bypass. into the challenging, multi-level, The bypass, in turn, links in to the Exchange area used for the Race entire Scottish road network so the Castles prologue. This year this is a very easy event to get to. there is an added dimension, in The area is mainly open hillside that there will be a ‘King of the with plenty of interesting contour

32 www.scottish-orienteering.org detail, though there are fences making for an exciting mixture of and paths in parts. David Godfrey tricky sections and longer route of ESOC/BAOC is planning the choices. Expect excellent views courses. He is an experienced of all the Forth bridges and fast, army orienteer and planner fun racing with lots of different who is now getting to grips with challenges.” More information planning in the world outside the about both these ESOC events, army, under the watchful eye of and how to enter them, is on the controller Clive Masson. We hope ESOC website, at http://www. the hills south of Edinburgh will esoc.org.uk/events be glowing with head torches as competitors rise to the challenge There’s a chance to revisit of David’s courses.” Darnaway (scene of WOC events and two days of the 6-Days) on The next day, it’s the Scottish 21 February, when MOR present Sprint championships and a Level C event. And there’s SoUl 2, in South Queensferry. another Level C event at lothian Helen Bridle (ESOC), the planner, edge, near Dunbar, hosted by explains: “The Scottish Sprint ELO on 28 February. The 2016 Champs will consist of a Prologue Scottish Orienteering League begins on 6 March, with Sol 1 at Elibank, organised by Roxburgh Reivers. Not to be missed is the 2016 compassSport cup heat on 13 March, on the open moorland of Dumyat, Stirling, with FVO as organisers.

And there’s a treat further Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, the Forth bridge from ahead! Put 23/24 April in your south Queensferry and Chase. I’m really enjoying diaries, when the Scottish Elite planning the races, as the area Development Squad present Dark has a great mix of housing Thistle: a mass start, short classic estates of varying complexity, distance, TD5, Night O, in classic with a section of old town and Scottish terrain. It’s to be staged alleyways. This is all on a slope in Perthshire alongside the JOK which is also intersected by Chasing Sprint and a world class the A90 and an old railway line, Middle Distance race. www.scottish-orienteering.org 33 Member benefits

This page provides our members with useful services and products provided by like- minded people - with the added bonus of discounted rates! If you have a product or service you’d like to feature on this page, please email your details to [email protected]

NatioNal Stadium Scottish orienteering pErtH SportS iNjury CliNiC partner organisations CHartErEd Hampden park, Glasgow aCE pHySiotHErapy pHySiotHErapy (motherwell / East Kilbride) aNd www.sportsmedicinecentre.org SportS iNjury www.acephysiotherapy.co.uk Tel: 0141 616 6161 CliNiC Tel: 01698 264450 £6 discount on physiotherapy www.perthphysio.co.uk sessions (£32 instead of £38) Corporate rate Tel: 01738 626707 and 10% off all Health and (currently £25 per session) fitness packages. applies. Rates on application. Quote Scottish Orienteering Quote Scottish Orienteering Quote Scottish Orienteering Association member when booking. Association member when booking. Association member when booking.

FuturE FoCuS tiSo SCotlaNd ltd obaN Outdoor shops with branches SEa SCHool www.futurefocusscotland.co.uk throughout Scotland. West Coast family sailing Tel: 01738 827797 www.tiso.com holidays from Oban, Argyll Business Mentoring and Free Outdoor Experience card varied itineraries, suit children Coaching in Scotland and on application at any Tiso store, 8+. A natural adventure. around the UK including HR using BOF membership card as Coaching and HR Services See www.obanseaschool.co.uk proof of SOA membership. The for ideas, photos, information. Discount: 10% for SOA card provides 10% discount on members. Quote Scottish Contact Robert or Fiona Kincaid purchases at Tiso. Orienteering Association Tel: 01631 562013 Quote Scottish Orienteering member when contacting Association member when booking.

maS FErGuSSoN law mediartstudio private Client Solicitors COMplETE DESigN SERviCE From logos and flyers SHowCaSE Tel: 0131 556 4044 to websites and brochures, your buSiNESS www.fergussonlaw.com MAS can help with all your marketing needs. All services offered at fixed HErE For prices. 5% discount to SOA Contact members. Ask for Janice Nisbet [email protected] (ESOC) when contacting. for a no obligation quote. www.mediartstudio.co.uk FrEE!! Quote Scottish Orienteering Association member when booking. Quote Scottish Orienteering Association member when booking. Classic Forest Orienteering in scotland

All races Sundays. Starts from 10:30 am. Compass Point Full range of colour-coded courses, scottish Orienteering League from string courses for under-5s to 2016 - provisional dates 10km+ Black courses for Elite orienteers. www.scottish-orienteering.org/sol 4 SOL 1 06.03.16 Elibank, Peebles RR

www.compasspoint-online.co.uk 4 SOL 2 10.04.16 TBC INT 4 SOL 3 08.05.16 Glen Affric North INVOC 4 SOL 4 05.06.16 Baluain, Blair Atholl ESOC 4 SOL 5 11.09.16 Inshriach West, Kingussie BASOC 4 SOL 6 02.10.16 Fairy Knowe & Doon Hill CLYDE 4 SOL 7 30.10.16 Culbin, Forres MOR

Quality Urban Orienteering in scotland

Courses from under-12 to Ultravet scottish Check website for full details Orienteering Urban League 2016 - provisional dates 4 SOUL 1 23.01.16 Edinburgh EUOC 4 SOUL 2 07.02.16 South Queensferry ESOC www.scottish-orienteering.org/soul 4 SOUL 3 14.02.16 Paisley CLYDE 4 SOUL 4 09.04.16 Livingston INT 4 SOUL 5 25.06.16 Aberdeen Westhill GRAMP 4 SOUL 6 16.07.16 Falkirk GG 4 SOUL 7 17.07.16 Stirling FVO 4 SOUL 8 10.09.16 Aviemore BASOC 4 SOUL 9 TBC Lanark TINTO Chris Spencer (MOR) has provided some excellent photos for this issue of SCORE. There are thousands more on his website, free to browse, and you can buy high resolution downloads of your favourite images, suitable for making large prints. Christmas Special Offer 25% discount on all orienteering photos until 25 December 2015

Available on photos in the current orienteering galleries, including the Scottish 6 Days. An ideal Christmas present for someone you know! Or why not treat yourself? www.activnorth.com/-/galleries/orienteering

Britain’s National Orienteering Magazine CompassSport

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