Lidar Mapping Scotjos Update

ScThe Home of Scottish Orienteering reJune 2014

Spring 2013

Inside SSOF LiDAR Mapping EVENT News ScotJOS Update plus magazine of the lots more scottish orienteering association

magazine of the Scottish Orienteering Association Sc re The Home of Scottish Orienteering contents

www.scottish-orienteering.org editor’s intro About Orienteering Information on orienteering or any SOA activity can be obtained Scottish Orienteers, from the Association Secretary: [email protected] Hello again – hope you’ve been enjoying some of the great orienteering opportunities that we’ve Addresses of clubs, details of had since the last issue of SCORE. groups and a short guide to the sport are available from the: This issue contains news and views from these National Orienteering Centre events, plus other interesting articles, including an Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore explanation of what LiDAR means and how it’s used, PH22 1QU. a piece about the Solway summer coaching initiative, Tel 01479 861374 an interview with Robin Strain (electronic systems fax 01479 861375 guru), and all the usual features. NationalOCentre@ As ever, thanks to all contributors – for the scottish-orienteering.org next issue, I’d like to include some accounts of experiences at summer multi-day events. Are you SCORE Advertising going to the Italian 5 Days (WOC spectator races); Full page: colour £120, mono £90; the Swiss O Week; the O-Ringen; the OOcup; the half page: colour £80, mono £60. Lakes 5 Days; another Discounted rates available for multi-day event? If multiple issues. so, I’d love to hear Contact us to discuss: from you. (And even communications@ if you’re not going scottish-orienteering.org to one of these, your contributions will be SCORE Editor very welcome!) The Sally Lindsay next issue will be in [email protected] late September. Design I don’t have any MediArtStudio recent photos of me in www.mediartstudio.co.uk action, so here’s one Carlyle, AIRE Picture: Wendy email: [email protected] from last year’s JK. At the JK Sprint (2013), Reading University Hope you enjoy the summer, wherever you may be! Printed by: Groverprint & Design, Sally Lindsay Studio 2B1, Industrial Estate, Editor Newtonmore PH20 1AL

COPY DATE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 27 AUGUST 2014 The views expressed by contributors Cover pic - Claire Ward victorious in W21E at the British to SCORE are not necessarily those of Championships. the SOA Executive, nor of the Editor. Pic courtesy Crawford Lindsay, ESOC.

www.scottish-orienteering.org president’s piece

by Roger Scrutton (ESOC) SOA President email: [email protected]

t has been a very busy couple of months since the last edition Iof SCORE. This period has been sandwiched between an SOA Board meeting in March, at which we discussed the challenge of re- establishing membership growth, following the sharp decline when the new GB-wide orienteering membership structure was introduced in 2013, and the 2014 SOA AGM in May, at which the same challenge was discussed. In-between, there was the SOA Club Development Conference, at which the same issue was also discussed. For now, I think we have discussed this issue enough. The membership is not keen on the SOA making any structural changes here in Scotland to help with a return to growth, but the SOA will support clubs in what might be called a ‘membership drive’ in the Carlyle, AIRE Picture: Wendy Roger on the run-in at the British Individual context of the current structure. Championships The 2014 Scottish Championships All of this was just a few months were held in beautiful Perthshire. before the events, but everything The original venue for the Individual worked out well, thanks to the efforts of day was the western part of Linn of Terry, STAG (with the help of ScotJOS) Tummel, but we ran into a number and the East Area clubs organising of technical difficulties that made it the Scottish Championships necessary to find a new venue. Terry weekend. Following the Individual O’Brien stepped up to offer Dalnamein, day at Dalnamein, I heard a lot of which had been scheduled to host compliments on the area and the STAG’s Scottish Orienteering League course planning. There was some event, but then a new venue for SOL2 surprise at how good the area is for had to be found. Terry stepped up competition, and of course planning again and offered to organise this at and other arrangements had been put Faskally. together in a hurry.

www.scottish-orienteering.org Now the GB Strategy Group is due to meet for the first time, in mid-June, with representation from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am looking forward to the discussions and expect to be seeking the views of clubs on a number of issues

The Relays at Newtyle Hill also SOA will be seeking the views of brought a pleasant(?) surprise in clubs in the coming months is its own the form of a figure-of-eight loop on 4-Year Strategy. The current Strategy the longer courses, which was a is for 2012-2015, and will need to be thoughtful use of an area that can be revised in time for our next application physically tough (hills and heather). for funding from sportscotland for the Congratulations to all the Scottish 2015-2016 year. Individual Champions and Relay A very enjoyable aspect of being Champions 2014. President is that you are invited to do To return to a topic I have mentioned various interesting orienteering things. before, I’m pleased to say that British I’ll mention just a couple. I was recently Orienteering is now in the process invited to the 2014 Perth and Kinross of convening a GB Strategy Working Schools Festival Final at Scone Palace, Group. British Orienteering is sensitive where over 300 pupils from across to the fact that it is seen as an ‘English’ Perthshire took part, 1000 having taken organisation, so a couple of years part in the Heats. ago it embarked on a committee At this event the 10,000th pupil, restructuring exercise, to make sure over the ten years the Festival has that all Home Nations are represented been running, was participating and I in developing and putting into practice was delighted to present mementoes its strategies. to mark this milestone. And then I Several groups are already up and was invited to present prizes at the running, e.g. Events and Competitions, recent Scottish Championships, in a Coaching, Talent and Performance. ceremony that threatened to last a very Now the GB Strategy Group is due to long time, but in the event was very meet for the first time, in mid-June, with efficiently and timeously completed. representation from England, Wales, It’s June, and schools break up in Northern Ireland and Scotland. a few weeks. You may well take your I am looking forward to the holiday during the school holidays, discussions and expect to be seeking or you might try to avoid the school the views of clubs on a number of holidays, but whatever you do, have a issues. Another topic on which the great summer.

www.scottish-orienteering.org soa news

by Hilary Quick (BASOC) SOA Development Officer email: [email protected]

he SOA Club Development SOA President Roger Scrutton Conference on 17 May is continuing to lead discussion Tsaw some 25 people from of issues around membership clubs as far apart as INVOC and and event insurance, and SOLWAY coming together for we are reviewing the Junior wide-ranging discussion. Incentive Scheme documents, Murray Strain gave an insight as well as putting together a into the athlete’s perspective short information pack to entice on the World Orienteering newcomers to join a club. We’re Championships (WOC), which led keen to hear from you with your on to consideration of what clubs views on how the SOA can best need to be doing to make the support your efforts to recruit most of an increased interest in members. the sport in the build-up to, during, Chris Fitzsimons has now taken and after WOC 2015. up the post of Admin Assistant This linked with a challenge for the SOA, based at Glenmore to state 10 qualities of a good Lodge. He is working 2 days a orienteering club – what do YOU week – currently quite variable consider important? We also from week to week – largely considered aspects of skills providing support to me and transfer – how do we extract already making a significant expertise from the “old hands” contribution. and infuse it into newcomers? He will also be doing other Summaries of group discussions occasional tasks for the SOA are on the website: Board and for Colin Matheson http://www.scottish-orienteering. (SOA Professional Officer), and org/soa/page/soa-club- will gradually take on specific development-conference-2014 projects.

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 patrons of scottish orienteering

Scottish Orienteering has three Patrons: Jamie Stevenson – former elite orienteer and double world gold medallist Karen Darke – London 2012 Paralympic handcycling silver medallist and Trail orienteer Cameron McNeish – mountaineer, walker, author, broadcaster and editor. There’s more information about them all on the SOA website: http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/soa/page/patrons-of-scottish-orienteering

Here’s some news from Cameron McNeish:

t’s been a busy year for me of Galloway to Fort William, taking so far, and that looks like in the Ayrshire coast, the isle of Icontinuing. In January I had Arran, Kintyre and Cowal. We’ll be a few days in Cappadocia in looking at the legacy of Robert the Turkey, walking through one of Bruce and Robert Burns, amongst the most amazing and bizarre others. landscapes I’ve ever seen. In between the filming, I’ve been We were filming for a future trying to get as many miles under Adventure Show. my bicycle wheels as possible. I In the next few weeks, I’ll be have two or three bike sportives starting our big television project this summer, starting with the for this year, for two hour-long Etape Loch Ness in May. Later that programmes at Christmas. This month, I’ll be heading off to Ireland year I’ll be walking from the Mull to cycle between Mizen Head in the south and Malin Head in the north - Ireland End to End. I daresay I’ll also be practising my navigation skills on Scotland’s hills and mountains as the year goes on. I’m also planning a Would you like to receive future issues of SCORE on paper? couple of television walking routes in Latvia and Sweden. 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. Cameron wrote this a few weeks Please state your name, BOF membership number and address. ago, and you can read all about his By email [email protected] latest activities, including cycling By phone 01479 861374 (has an answerphone) through Ireland, as well as some By post National Orienteering Centre, Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore PH22 1QU changes of plan, on his interesting Thank you blog at www.cameronmcneish. wordpress.com

www.scottish-orienteering.org event news

here’s been a feast of event itself, followed by an urban orienteering since the last race in Kendal on Bank Holiday Tissue of SCORE, starting Monday. The surroundings were with the second SOL (Scottish very scenic, with spring flowers Orienteering League) event of everywhere. the year, on 6 April at Faskally – a small area with a lot of The next diversion was the variety, and enough contours fourth bto SOUL (Scottish and features to provide fun for Orienteering Urban League) all. event of the season, in Glasgow city centre on 11 May. Andy The JK, at Easter in South Paterson (Urban League Wales, featured challenging Coordinator) reports: terrain, and good weather on 3 “With Glasgow City race out of 4 days, as well as some being coincidentally Race 4 in long walks to assembly for the the NOPESPORT (UK) urban individual events. There were orienteering league, and with plenty of good Scottish results Glasgow being relatively easy – the JK website http://www. to get to, a decent turn out of thejk.org.uk/jk2014/ gives full over 150 competitors enjoyed information about the weekend. the delights of a sunny Glasgow Green assembly area; the Back in Scotland, SOL 3 was Victorian winter gardens provided at Dunrod Hill, near Greenock, catering and toilet facilities. and enjoyed fine weather and The map for the Glasgow City glorious views over the Clyde. This Race was conceived by Terry is an open moorland area, with O’Brien (STAG) by converting tussocky grass and heather, many existing government mapping small hills and marshes, and some data into OCAD, thus providing a impressive times. huge base map of the centre of Glasgow. Terry then had to visit all Scottish orienteers were well- the nooks and crannies himself represented at the Northern to fill in the detail – hats off to him Championships weekend, in the for the hours, days, even weeks southern Lake District at the start of work he put into this. On the of May. This offered 3 events: day, a delay of 15 minutes to the technical orienteering in intricate start window due to a couple of terrain for a Middle Distance race late problems with controls in and the Northern Championships the park didn’t seem to trouble

www.scottish-orienteering.org Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, anyone too much. There was The Scottish Championships SOUL 4 start, outside robust banter from locals around weekend at Dalnamein and the People’s Palace the first control on some courses, Newtyle Hill on 24/25 May was which most people seem to have a busy one for East Area clubs, taken as an occupational hazard who were organising. Janet for urban orienteering. Hopefully Clark (weekend coordinator) nobody was too offended. No reports, “The 2014 Scottish controls went missing, which was Champs is best summed up by a relief for an event in a busy city extracts from the two Controllers’ centre. Overall a very enjoyable Reports: day in the sun - the rain came • ‘The 2014 Scottish Individual down just after the last controls Championships will be well were taken in!” remembered for a great venue, fine courses, impressive The following weekend saw organisation, superb weather and Forth Valley Orienteers win both two outstanding practitioners of the men’s and women’s trophies our sport in Claire Ward & Graham at the Harvester overnight relay Gristwood!’ - Terry O’Brien race, which took place way down (Individual event Controller) south in the Surrey Hills (scene of • ‘Many congratulations to the 2013 British Championships). Crawford for nailing the course There’s an excellent account of lengths; to the various juniors the races on the FVO website, who producing the most exciting at: http://fvo.org.uk/news/2014/ relay finish in my memory (on 36), may/20/bumper-crop-forth-valley- rapidly followed by an even harvester-competition/ Continued over page >>

www.scottish-orienteering.org event news

Continued from previous page

appear as if they had been easy to organise. This Scottish Champs, especially the Individual Day, had more than its fair share of problems, so even more thanks than usual are due to the officials who solved them and gave us all a great event.”

Just one week later, it was the British Championships, in Northumberland on 31 May – 1 June. The individual event was near Rothbury, and proved to be rough and tough, with some very long times. Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, There were panoramic views of Spectator control more exciting one on 44-; to Alex the Northumberland countryside site at Scottish Relay Carcas on winning men’s open for those with time to admire - the very top of the them. The relay, near Bellingham, small hill aged 16; to Andy Dale on passing 12 other C class runners on the was more runnable, mostly short last leg to win the handicap. grass on some complex old spoil Brilliant stuff.’ - Graeme Ackland heaps, and there were good (Relay Controller) spectating opportunities from assembly. The whole weekend Full details of these reports, was sunny, and there were as well as results, can be seen outstanding Scottish results – too on the SOC2014 website, at: many to list here, but full details http://www.scottish-orienteering. are available on the BOC2014 org/championships/scottish- website: http://www.boc2014.org. championships-2014 uk/ A full list of the Scottish Champions will also appear here. By the time you read this, there Every major event (and minor will have been yet more exciting one too) has its problems to events, with the Jamie Stevenson solve, and almost always the Trophy and the Moray Mix competitors are unaware of these. weekend both coming up as we Other people’s events usually go to press.

10 www.scottish-orienteering.org cautionary tale

by Janice Nisbet (ESOC)

A struggle at the British Championships

came heavily to grief at the British without giving the Championships this year. drinks station a I I had orienteered at Callaly before, thought. I reached it but too long ago to remember much about quite quickly, but took the terrain except that it was a bit rough. It ages to work out that hadn’t changed much! Though mapped as it was my control; I runnable woodland, the undergrowth in the had been looking for area used for my course was a physically a crag and the control Picture: Rob Lines, SO demanding mixture of fast-growing was on a thicket. I’d Janice at the 2013 British bilberry bushes, old and new bracken, and been out for over 80 Relay Championships brashings, while the courses were planned minutes by now and was thinking longingly so that using paths resulted in lots of extra of the finish, but didn’t want to give up climb. I soon realised it was going to be after so much effort, so carried on the next a long haul. It is also relevant that it was control, a re-entrant beside a very obvious a warm day with not much of a breeze craggy area – where I stood for ages among the trees. wondering where the re-entrant was. The first half of the course passed That was the last control I found. I have reasonably well, but I wasn’t much over no idea where I got to on the next leg, as halfway at the 50 minute stage, when I I thought that I had taken a very careful would normally expect to be near the finish, route, but found no trace of the crag I was and was slowing down. I made a mental looking for. Relocation was completely note to detour past the drinks station after beyond me by this time, and I eventually the next control. decided to head straight for home. This in This involved a slog up and over a itself proved problematical, and it was a wide spur to reach a dot knoll. I realised I huge relief when I eventually emerged from couldn’t picture the ground from the map the forest at the final control. and ran on a rough compass bearing, It wasn’t until I had downed a bottle of hoping to pick up the control. I didn’t. I was water that I realised how badly dehydrated completely thrown by an unmarked park I was. Though I had known something bench, and (wrongly) decided that I must was wrong, I hadn’t felt thirsty at any time be nowhere near where I thought I was. during the run, and if I had been asked Ten minutes later, I decided that I probably would probably have said I was a bit had been where I thought I was, but by hayfeverish. In retrospect, I probably wasn’t this time I had lost all idea of where I was well enough hydrated at the start of the now. Luckily I found a path and relocated, run, and the combination of a longer than but ran up and down aimlessly until I was usual course and unexpectedly hot weather saved by spotting someone dropping into didn’t help. But it was scary how quickly I the control site. lost my reasoning skills without realising I then ran straight off to the next control, what was happening.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 11 experience - in pictures

In the March issue of SCORE, I invited everyone to send in stories of interesting orienteering experiences, offering a small prize for the best one. Here are two unusual entries. by Ailsa O’Donoghue (SOLWAY)

12 www.scottish-orienteering.org by Isla O’Donoghue (SOLWAY)

A word of explanation (from Isla’s Dad): At the end of Day 3 of Oban 2011, there was a sharp rain shower. One group of competitors took shelter by getting under their tent and then walking it to the car park, hence a walking tent went past the string course area, with numerous feet visible under it.

Outcome of the map scales debate In the March issue of SCORE, the ‘talking point’ article when it was put to the vote, the outcome was as follows: explained a proposal that was being made at the Total votes for = 205 (75.4%); British Orienteering AGM (held on 18 April at JK 2014). Total votes against = 67 (24.6%); This applied to the rules for Level A and B events, and Abstentions = 4 proposed: [Votes in attendance: • giving event controllers and planners the responsibility For = 29; Against = 25; Abstain = 4 for deciding whether map enlargements should be Proxy count: used, instead of the Map Advisory Group deciding this. For = 174; Against = 40; Abstain = 1; Chair = 7] • allowing the event officials to give younger runners The proposal was therefore adopted. (except the elites) 1:10,000 scale map enlargements and older runners 1:7,500 scale map enlargements, if The minutes of the AGM are available on the British this was felt necessary due to complex terrain. orienteering website: At the AGM, there were questions and discussion http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/images/uploaded/ about the proposal. The minutes of the AGM report that downloads/AGM%202014%20Minutes.pdf

www.scottish-orienteering.org 13 an interview with...

Robin Strain (ELO), SOA Electronic Systems Coordinator – the driving force behind the introduction and use of SI electronic systems in Scotland.

Robin, can you tell us about your involvement Initially we had to rely heavily on the Swedes, in orienteering before the SI electronic who came over to support the 6-Days in 1999, punching system came on the scene? What 2001 and 2003. Early problems were unreliable motivated you to become so heavily involved hardware, batteries with a short lifespan and non- in electronic timing? intuitive software. For the runner, an early problem My involvement in orienteering is all Murray’s was that a lot of people who recorded a mispunch fault! When he came along, we discovered that were convinced they had visited the control and orienteering was something we enjoyed and were much more likely to blame the system than we even, sometimes, did quite well. Murray accept that they had made a mistake. A very and Kirsten were both good enough as juniors obvious pro was the removal of pin-punching to be involved in Regional, Scottish and British (which also raised a few mispunches in its time). squads; they continued in the sport and it became Having split times made a runner’s race analysis something we could all do together – and still do. much more interesting, and the rapid turnaround When SPORTident electronic punching on results added to competitors’ enjoyment. appeared at Highland ’99, I thought it looked interesting and offered to help. A few months What advice would you give to volunteers later, I was caught at a weak moment as I set who are interested in learning how to use the off for the Start at a SOL when Brian Porteous, SI software to set up events and process the now President of the International Orienteering results? Federation, asked if I would oversee its I would say, just get involved. The offer of introduction in Scotland. As we all know, the use help (no matter how small at first) before, during of SI has grown massively to the point where it or after events is always much appreciated. has become routine to use it at local events. It Ask questions and make it known that you has significantly enhanced people’s enjoyment are interested. The software we use now, and interest in the sport. It is a major attraction AutoDownload, is much more user-friendly for school pupils. I have continued to be involved than the earlier programs, and the hardware because of the immense satisfaction it gives me is more reliable. There is a certain amount of to provide a service to get the best out of our documentation that can be of help, as is the sport. After all, the SPORTident strapline is, “Make case with all technology, but no shortage of the best of your sport”. people who will answer questions. It is possible to borrow kit and set up a trial event to get some What do you remember about the introduction hands-on experience before committing to help of SI? Were there teething problems? Did the at a real event. Building experience is important, pros immediately outweigh the cons of pin- because planners and runners seem to conspire punching? to introduce unexpected complications.

14 www.scottish-orienteering.org Should the SOA have a more structured programme of training courses, like those we have for controllers and coaches? Training has been provided on an ad hoc basis

when clubs or groups of interested individuals Picture: Kirsten Strain, ELO have asked for a course. It was also included at Robin & Sheila Strain looking over results at Tay 2009 the Volunteers’ Activity Weekend at Glenmore Lodge last September. If a small group of Turning to Highland 2015, and the timing interested individuals wanted to get together and systems used there, do you envisage any request some training we could arrange a time departures from the norm for the 6-Days and place to have a session. event? Will it use any of the enhancements that will be available to the World Orienteering What stage are we at with touch-free Championships, such as athlete tracking? punching? Is there any prospect of it With respect to the last question, there is the becoming the norm in, say, five years’ time, or possibility of the use of touch-free in the WOC is it just too expensive for clubs to invest in? Sprint Relay. However, in general there are Although touch-free punching has been used challenges with providing enhancements for the regularly in some mass participation sports, initially it 6-Days that would use the expertise that is being was not reliable or accurate enough for orienteering. used for WOC. For example, our experience is Both Emit and SI have worked on systems to that commentary and following competitors in the overcome the problems of reliability. Having used field is not appropriate for a mass participation both of them, I am happy with the experience as event so athlete tracking in 2015 will be reserved a competitor, and if we were starting out now it is for WOC. possible that touch-free would be the technology The 6-Days will have access to improved local of choice for foot-O. However, at present it is an Wi-Fi for results and probably better internet expensive and unnecessary enhancement for most access, so that the presentation of results, which events. up to now has been on paper sheets pasted to a For international events (and MTBO and ski-O) board or pinned to a fence, will definitely move it has major advantages, in that it speeds up the into the 21st century. I am very keen that the visit to a control and looks better for TV. For a while 6-Days functions as well as possible and that its yet, it is most likely that it will be hired when it is competitors get the best possible systems. appropriate. I expect that more events will use it, and hopefully the price of the units and SI cards will Thank you, Robin. We are all most grateful come down. Perhaps, after a particularly successful for what you have done up to now and look 6-Days, we will be able to invest in new kit. forward to future developments.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 15 scottish schools’ orienteering festival

he 2014 SSOF was held at Drumpellier Country Park, near TCoatbridge, on Friday 6 June. The terrain included flat open grassland around the loch, mixed woodlands and lowland heath. Lorna Young (TINTO) writes: “The Scottish Schools’ Orienteering

Festival had its 20th Anniversary this year. If Picture: Max Carcas, INT you visit the SSOA website http://www.ssoa. Racing to the finish at the SSOF org.uk/ you’ll see all of the previous venues. out from the total time of the best 3 results At its peak we had 650 competitors. The for the same school. There were wins in Festival replaced the Scottish Schools the individual and team classes for various O Championships, which were held at a junior members of SOA clubs. Full results, weekend, and the idea of the Festival was Routegadget and other details about the to encourage children who were introduced event are available on the SSOA website. to orienteering by their school. Here are some thoughts from P6 On Friday, we had 33 schools and over competitors: 270 competitors from all over Scotland. “It was a brilliant experience for a first The event was returning to Drumpellier for time and I look forward to next year.” the second time, and with superb weather - Heather the scene was set for fast orienteering. “I had a great time trying out orienteering The largest team was Gargieston Primary and I will definitely be doing it (Scottish School from Kilmarnock, led by their Schools) when I am more experienced next teacher, Ms Harvey, who is probably year.” - Eve the only person to have attended all 20 “It was a lovely day. This year our team festivals. We were pleased to welcome came 2nd but next year I hope the team Cairneyhill Primary School, Fife, and comes first.” - Pippa Earlston High School, from the Scottish “It was great fun and I would definitely do Borders. Overall school winners were it next year and maybe try to get a better Gargieston in the Primary section and place.” - Mia Banchory Academy in the high school “Fun but could do better, definitely doing section. We were delighted to have World it on my own next year!” - Cara Championship competitor Tessa Hill to And some comments from S5/S6 present the awards to the successful competitors, at the competition for the first athletes. time: SSOA, as always, were very grateful for “We were nervous heading down with a the support given to us by the growing forecast of heavy rain. But a rare Scottish band of volunteers from Scottish clubs.” heatwave meant the shade of the forest The competition classes are based on was a luxury. Thoroughly enjoyable despite academic year, from P5 upwards. There difficulty finding some controls.” - Pat and are team trophies for each class, worked Ali

16 www.scottish-orienteering.org talking point

by Dick CarmichaeL (tinto)

Scottish Orienteering and the Scottish Independence Referendum

n the beginning (according to Bob not joining local clubs because of the extra Climie’s book), Scottish Orienteering cost of compulsory British Orienteering Iwas offered IOF membership on behalf membership. of the UK, but this was later adjusted The late John Colls, in his 2012 to a 50:50 partnership with the English Governance Review research paper, wrote, Orienteering Association in a union called “There is NO obligation even for the BOF. Wales, Northern Ireland, and many SOA to be part of BOF. In fact, the SOA’s English regions then had little or no activity. objects include (3.(i)) ‘generally to advance The BOF constitution was subsequently and safeguard the interests of the sport adapted for funding reasons to include the in Scotland and those of the Company 9 English regions and the 3 other nations in [i.e. the SOA] and to do all such acts a 12-part structure, rather than the 4-nation and things as may from time to time be structure preferred by many other sports. The deemed necessary or expedient for or in latter has been advocated by various BOF connection with the Sport in Scotland and review bodies (I was on one in 1993/4) and the Company’. This could be interpreted is used for Home Internationals, but both as an obligation NOT to join BOF if such the Northern Ireland and Welsh Orienteering an action were thought contrary to the best Associations, as recently as 2013, have interests of Orienteering in Scotland.” expressed no interest in taking on the extra The Independence Referendum administrative burden involved, and a 2012 exactly mirrors the working dilemmas BOF Governance review pointedly avoided within our sport: “Better together with the issue. This results in the SOA seeing a JK, British Orienteering”, or: “Do you believe BOC or BOF AGM at best once a decade, that Scottish Orienteering should be an and feeling under-represented in British Independent sport?” There are much smaller, Orienteering decisions, not least because less active members of the International the British Orienteering Board has had no Orienteering Federation (IOF), and a “Yes” Scottish officer or Board member in recent vote in September would lead inevitably to years. an application to join. However, according to Given that Scotland is about to host the Brian Porteous (IOF President), there is no World Orienteering Championships for the level of enhanced devolution (as opposed third time in Britain, and that its world class to independence) that would lead to SOA 6 Days Festival is so well established, it eligibility to join the IOF separately. But having might be thought that Scottish Orienteering operated semi-autonomously for decades, still represents nearer 50% than 8.5% of the challenge posed by a “Yes” vote is not an the UK sport. Another anomaly comes with impossible one. sportscotland and Sport England setting We run in interesting times, so: different (conflicting) targets as conditions 1) Use your vote wisely. for funding the development of the sport. 2) Be prepared to help, if we all suddenly Also, some lifelong Scottish orienteers are need to change up a gear.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 17 guest coach article

by Helen O’Donoghue (SOLWAY)

Solway summer coaching

n early 2013, Solway Orienteers experienced orienteer. Now the task seemed hosted a UKCC Level 1 coaching impossible! How were we going to keep Icourse, and at the end of it we had everyone happy without preparing masses 4 new coaches in the club. This created of resources for each week? We resolved the enviable position of having 6 Level this problem by choosing our activities 1 coaches, and the challenge was on carefully, so that either everyone could do to make good use of their skills (and to the activity and gain something from it, or create enough opportunities for all of us the activity was easy to adapt for different to gain enough coaching points to keep levels of technical ability. We chose activities our qualifications up to date!) such as Naughty Numbers, Paper plates, We started by reviewing the club’s typical Odds and Evens Relay, and putting out a calendar of events (the winter monthly control followed by drawing a simple map Saturday morning series and the Wednesday and then challenging a partner to bring evening Summer Series in June). How back the control using only the hand drawn was coaching going to fit into the existing map. We spent time learning about distance programme? We came up with the idea of judgement and pacing before using that holding a series of 4 club/coaching nights in skill on a short course. The aim was to May. This would give our local orienteers the keep the activities and evenings fun, as well opportunity to learn new orienteering skills, as informative, and to have a balance of and/or sharpen up existing ones, before teaching, practice and an opportunity to do putting them to the test in the June summer some orienteering. series. This also had the added advantage of In May 2013, we duly held our 4 sessions, increasing the orienteering related activities and were encouraged to have around 20 available locally. people at each evening. Most attended all Then we turned our attention to planning the sessions and the feedback was positive. the coaching sessions. On the coaching So this year we decided to repeat the 4 course, Lynne Walker had advised us evening block, again in May. As I write, we to seek ways to get experience working are half way through this batch and are together, so we decided to split each session attracting similar numbers of participants. We up into several activities. Rather than a single have a mixture of seasoned orienteers and coach doing all of the work for a coaching people who are relatively new to the sport, session, one coach was responsible for ranging from juniors (8 years +) through to running the warm up, another for the first retired adults. main activity and so on. The coaches not This year we are also using some involved with the delivery of any activity were coaching sessions as an excellent time there to support and assist as needed. to trial new ideas, so the last session will Next we looked at who was likely to turn include a course which incorporates a maze. up, and concluded that we had to expect This will provide lots of scope for coaching anyone from the complete beginner to the and will be a fun activity to finish on. The

18 www.scottish-orienteering.org club will also gain valuable experience in planning and running this type of event, experience that will be put to use very soon; Solway have been requested to showcase orienteering at a “Sport for All” day in Kirkcudbright in June. There is no readymade orienteering map available, but by using a small park which is relatively easy to map and combining this with a maze, an interesting and challenging experience will be provided for the public. A further change for 2014 has been to link the June summer series events in with the May coaching. The summer events follow on from the coaching sessions,

offering orienteering related activities every Picture: Helen O’Donoghue, SOLWAY Wednesday evening throughout May and A recent Solway club night June. The link arises from choosing the event locations so that the challenges and adding in (with higher scores attached) provided by the terrain increase as June some additional controls at Orange/Light progresses, and also using areas/event Green standard. One or more Yellow structures early on that reinforce the standard controls will be clearly visible from messages in the coaching sessions. First up the vicinity of the more difficult controls, to in June is an event at the Crichton campus limit options for getting really lost. The aim is in Dumfries: this area is mainly parkland, to encourage people to try out the next TD with plenty of buildings. The key to getting level up in a simple manner and without the round is to set the map and maintain the penalty of disqualification should they not setting at all times, which has been the find the controls. topic addressed in two of the May coaching Once June is over, we will consider the sessions. The second of the June events next steps for coaching in Solway. The May is at Hills Wood (an area that was long ago splurge is getting well established, and as used for the Scottish Relays), where the long as our coaches have the time and fences around the area prevent people from retain their enthusiasm, then this will be getting too lost. Less experienced orienteers part of the club schedule in future years. will be encouraged to try the Score event But this does leave a lengthy period in any option, and the controls will be set up as year without coaching being run – we will described in an article in the Spring 2014 recover from the exertions and then see edition of Focus (on page 10-11). This if the concept of 4 session blocks can be involves setting out Yellow standard controls extended to another time in the year.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 19 coaching corner

by Lynne Walker (BASOC) SOA Coaching Coordinator

Are you paying the right tax?

his article is going to be If a club employs a coach - for a bit different from the example, a club might employ Tones in the past. First a coach with more experience of all, Helen O’Donoghue took and qualifications than their up the invitation to be the first own coaches to run a session ‘guest coach’ to write something for their adult improvers - then - thank you Helen! There will be the club should ensure that the future ‘guest coach’ articles in coach is declaring earnings for this part of SCORE: volunteers tax. If someone is self-employed Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, are welcome; please get in they will have a UTR (Unique Tax touch with me by email. Reference) and this would be on The information below should their invoice. be read by club committee sportscotland have also members as well as coaches! produced a range of guidance and There is the question of “Are you resources about the employment paying the right tax?” Most of us and deployment of individuals are volunteer coaches, giving our (including volunteers). This is part time to coach athletes; we might of their comprehensive pages be able to claim travel costs from ‘Help for clubs’ which backs the club / squad / whoever. The up the workshop ‘Supporting coach and the club / squad should coaches’ (a free workshop, ask know where they stand with your Community Sports Hub regard to payments and tax. officer or sportscotland regional To ensure that you are keeping sporting partnership manager). on the right side of the law (and http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/ British Orienteering have had to clubs/help_for_clubs/employment_ provide HMRC with details of all deployment_homepage/ coaches and other volunteers I am bringing this to your like organisers) there are a few attention so that you can make online resources you can benefit yourself aware of the implications from. HMRC have created a of receiving payments. If anyone self-learning package specifically can add to this information, please for sport. It is free and relates to contact me, and the additional self-employment, tax and National information will be placed on the Insurance. (see websites below) SOA website.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob2/ris_sport/index.htm http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/gift_aid/rules/vol-expenses.htm https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/pay-and-expenses

20 www.scottish-orienteering.org in praise of...

by Lindsey Knox (RR)

Routegadget

outegadget is a • Sharing is good Web application (especially if it Rfor drawing and involves chocolate!) comparing orienteering I think the post-event routes. When introduced results are much several years ago, it was more interesting with cutting-edge (well for us the addition of RG, non-techies anyway) and but this obviously people put on their routes depends on lots of and comments in large people sharing their An extract numbers. Those numbers experience. from Routegadget for SOL2 at Faskally have dwindled, which is • It’s good for swotting a shame when several up on forthcoming people have put a lot of events. down slope, not at the top.” work into developing the • It lets me play with my Garmin o A bit of praise from one free program. and see exactly where I went competitor - “Great fun thanks Without going into the (sometimes I’m not 100% – nice mix of micro nagivation possible reasons for the certain!) RG1 could be a bit of and route choice.” decline, here’s why I like a faff, so I generally just drew It’s easy, why not join in to put my route on, in no on my route but RG2 so far has and put your routes on in particular order: been much easier to get right. future? • I like to read the comments; • It’s a lasting reminder of where here’s a selection: There’s lots of I went (as long as the files are o This person was out for over 2 information about kept available in the future). hours and was obviously not Routegadget, including • The comments box allows happy with their performance a user guide and videos me to get things off my chest - “#$@%&%$&*!” to show you how to use – varying from despair at o Another with a succinct it, on the Routegadget how bad my run was through message - “not good”. UK website: http://www. to praise for the planner. I o After a very wet and windy event routegadget.co.uk/index occasionally make comments, - “Wearing glasses made it a My favourite function is hopefully constructive, about challenge, great for blowing out the replay, which allows small aspects of the course the cobwebs.” you to choose a set or map, because I suspect o Someone with a slow time for of people and start an that most planners read the the first control - “Was 4 mins animation running (mass comments. late for my start” start or real time) to see • I can check my splits and routes o Excuses for other bad splits - their progress round the against other people and see “Great course, caught me out at course, who passed who, how much time I really lost. 5 where I thought the knoll was and when. - Ed

www.scottish-orienteering.org 21 behind the scenes

by Colin Matheson (MOR) SOA Professional Officer

LiDAR Data and the Holy Grail

ight Detection and Ranging only in the past couple of years (LiDAR) is now a well- has suitable LiDAR been available Lestablished technology for Scotland. An initiative by capable of creating superb data SEPA (the Scottish Environment for use in orienteering mapping. Protection Agency), Scottish

Picture: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, Lasers are fired in very rapid Water, the Scottish Government pulses, thousands of times a and Local Authorities has led to second, and essentially the something like 17% of Scotland processed data of millions of being captured by LiDAR. The 3D coordinates can be joined percentage cover is nearly 100% up to form 3D models of the in the Central Belt, and river valleys landscape. and coastline prone to flooding When LiDAR is used over a are well covered. Following light-porous surface, such as a rather protracted discussions forest, some of the laser energy with the Scottish Government, is reflected back from the canopy and with major assistance from and some is reflected off the forest sportscotland, it has been agreed floor. Two sets of data are normally that the Scottish Orienteering derived – a Digital Terrain Model Association can have access to all (DTM) that accurately picks up existing data free of charge. Usual the ground surface, and a Digital conditions apply – e.g. not for Surface Model (DSM) that shows commercial gain, not to pass on to the vegetation (in the case of a third parties. field or other open area these two The complete data set will be surfaces are coincident). held by the Professional Officer (a Mapping packages, including 2 TB disk purchased for this) and up-to-date OCAD, can process site specific data will be extracted the LiDAR in different ways, using software called Global for example creating detailed Mapper. LiDAR has already been contours or subtracting one layer successfully used for the new from another to determine tree Faskally map, and the SOA paid heights. Line features such as for LiDAR to be flown for Highland paths, ditches and streams show 2015. The results are impressive, up clearly but typically have to be and Stirling Surveys and Deeside on-screen digitised rather than just Orienteering & Leisure Maps have pressing a button to create a base incorporated this data into new and map. updated mapping very effectively. LiDAR has been flown at various As with any data collection, resolutions (i.e. level of detail), but caution must be exercised – I am

22 www.scottish-orienteering.org Typical DTM showing tracks, streams and other detail

5m contour generation in about 10 seconds

Typical DSM showing scattered trees and small afforested area in stream valley

not sure if sheep and/or deer have indication here that this area is best been picked up as boulders, but avoided? There is still no substitute experience in Glen Strathfarrar for good field mapping, but LiDAR highlighted a couple of issues. In is making a significant difference to one area, the birch saplings were the way we can map areas. too thin and not in leaf and what British Orienteering funded a appears as a fairly substantial area pilot scheme in 2012 and details of light green forest is nowhere can be found here: http://www. to be seen on the LiDAR DSM. britishorienteering.org.uk/images/ In another area, the trees were uploaded/downloads/mappers_ too thick and though the DSM is digitalelevationproject.pdf well represented, the DTM was incomplete as the laser energy Enjoy running on some superb failed to hit the forest floor – an new maps in 2015!

www.scottish-orienteering.org 23 junior squad news

by Maureen Brown (ESOC) ScotJOS Squad Manager

uniors in Scotland have been having a busy time over the spring. The Scottish JJunior Orienteering Squad (ScotJOS) had a training weekend in Moray at the beginning of April, where we were joined by members and coaches from local club Moravian, and for part of the time by coaches led by Hilary Quick and Lynne Walker as part of their Continuing Personal Development (see report on next page by ScotJOS member Kathryn Barr). ScotJOS members have their own training camp in Sweden in July, helped by their

sponsors Apache, which takes in the prestigious Picture: Maureen Brown, ESOC O-Ringen competition, including an inter- ScotJOS and friends at Roseisle (Moray coast) district junior relay at which Scotland will be M/W16s to the Trossachs will be announced represented. There are several other training after the British Championships, but the team camps and competitions which are available for Stockholm (organised by Nick Barrable) to aspiring juniors if they do well enough in the has already been selected and includes Sasha, various selection races, and some juniors will Jenny, Alex and Thomas. have a busy summer. Also yet to come (taking place as SCORE goes As I write this, the Scottish and British to press) are a training weekend on Deeside at Championships are yet to come, but a number the beginning of June, and the annual Jamie of selections have already been made, based on Stevenson Trophy inter-club competition for results in the JK, and Scots are well-represented. juniors which is taking place at Deuchney Wood, The British Orienteering website has already near Perth, on 15 June. Will MAROC win for announced the teams for the Junior World the 7th time in succession? Rumour has it that Orienteering Championships (including Sasha some of their top juniors will be taking part in the Chepelin and Chris Galloway), and European Jukola Relay in Finland over the same weekend, Youth Orienteering Championships (including so it’s possible that there will be a new name on Andrew Barr, Kathryn Barr, Alex Carcas and the trophy this year! As ever, it promises to be a Emma Wilson, reserve Daniel Stansfield). Emma, fine day out. Alex, Andrew, Daniel, Matthew Galloway, Sam The Ward Junior Home Internationals will be Galloway, Ross McMurtrie, Jenny Ricketts, held near Oban this year, at the end of August, Callum White and Thomas Wilson have all been organised by ECKO. The Scottish team plus selected to attend the British Orienteering Talent reserves has already been announced on the Development Camp in the Lake District. SOA website. Team members please note The JROS (Junior Regional Orienteering that Creag Mhic Chailein and Ardnaskie are Squads) camps for M/W14s to Lagganlia and embargoed.

24 www.scottish-orienteering.org ScotJOS training weekend – Moray

by Kathryn Barr (MOR)

cotJOS had their second training weekend of the S year in Moray on 12-13 April. On Saturday, we met at Roseisle Forest. Whilst we waited for everyone to arrive, we had great fun sand-dune jumping, but it was really windy so sand was blowing everywhere making it a bit challenging. The focus for the afternoon’s training was simplifying the map, Picture: Mike Rodgers, MOR to practice for the JK competition. control but other than that it was Fiona Berrow and I was in a group with the other all fine. After that, we went back to Kathryn Barr (on right) at Roseisle W16 girls and Fiona Berrow as the Roseisle and did a “talk-o”. I was coach. We had a fun afternoon with Rosie Getliff and we took it in and I was running quite well, turns directing each other to the hitting the controls bang on. This control and we tried to be really might have been partly from my accurate. knowledge of the area, however I The final exercise of the day did concentrate on the parts I often was a clock relay. There was an make mistakes in and got them odd number of people, so Fiona right, which I was pleased with. Berrow joined in and I was in her In the evening we stayed at team which was great fun. Duffus Village Hall. We had Overall we had a great weekend. a session of strength and Our normal ScotJOS coaches conditioning with Hilary Quick were joined by Ian Maxwell, Kirstin which was interesting, and then Maxwell, Ross McLennan and we had a great meal cooked by Fiona Berrow, and also other some of the local Moravian mums. local ones, which meant that we The hall was excellent as it had hot could have fairly small groups showers and a great park outside and got lots of useful feedback to play in. which was helpful just before the On Sunday, we started off the JK competition. It was also really day by doing some sprint training good to catch up with all my in Lossiemouth. I had quite an friends again, and I am already accurate run but it was quite slow. looking forward to the next training I lost a bit of time at the furthest weekend in June.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 25 elite news

by Jess Tullie (BASOC)

lot has happened in the brilliant 5th place in the relay. world of the Scottish Scott has been showing some A Elite Development Squad early season form; he had a great since the last edition of SCORE! run at Tiomila*, to help his team, I will try to pinpoint the main Södertälje-Nykvarn, to a 3rd successes, but rest assured placed finish. there are many more exciting Doug Tullie also had an amazing results and training weekends run on his leg of Tiomila, finishing going on too. in 3rd place, however his team The World Championships had some problems throughout selection races were hosted on the long night and finished back in limestone terrain in the Lake 24th position. District, the most similar terrain to In other news…we’ve enjoyed Italy (and the World Champs) that some beasty ‘Lochnagar’ burgers Picture: Jess Tullie, BASOC Picture: Jess Tullie, Britain has to offer. Following on in Deeside; Midge (the SEDS Murray Strain on the run-in, as Interløpers from the weekend, SEDS are well puppy) herded up any stragglers win the Men’s Open at represented at the international in the Pitlochry training before the Scottish Relays. races this summer. (See listings below) the SOL event at Faskally; Murray The European Championships Strain is still posting a photo of took place in Portugal in April, with every day’s training on Twitter many SEDS members racing for (@murraystraining) and last but Great Britain. by no means least, Doug Tullie Most notably, Claire Ward has been spotted back in the finished 34th in the Long race, homeland planning some mighty Murray Strain 20th in the Sprint courses near Inverness! and Hollie Orr 25th in the Middle. Murray and Scott Fraser were * The Tiomila is an overnight 10-leg joined by Ralph Street to take a relay held annually in Sweden.

World Orienteering Championships - 5 to 12 July, Italy Scott Fraser: Sprint, Mixed Sprint relay pool, Relay pool Murray Strain: Sprint, Mixed Sprint relay pool, Relay pool

Picture: Wendy Carlyle, AIRE Picture: Wendy Hollie Orr: Long, Middle, Relay pool Claire Ward, on the way Claire Ward: Long, Middle, Relay pool to winning the Grand Hector Haines: Middle, Relay pool Slam: JK, Scottish and British Championships Douglas Tullie: Middle, Relay pool World Universities Orienteering Championships - 12 to 16 August, Czech Republic Kirstin Maxwell: Sprint, Mixed Sprint relay, B team relay Alan Cherry: Long, Middle, B team relay Scott Fraser: Long, A team relay Rhona McMillan: Long, B team relay (still a junior, but hopefully a future SEDS member!)

26 www.scottish-orienteering.org veteran news

by Janice Nisbet (ESOC) Veterans Team Manager email: [email protected] Pictures: Crawford Lindsay, ESOC Pictures: Crawford Lindsay,

Scottish veterans in action. Clockwise from top left: Eddie Harwood (M60, MOR), Hazel Dean (W50, FVO), Hilary Quick (W55, BASOC), Graeme Ackland (M60, INT) and Martin Dean (M55, FVO)

hope everyone has had 13/14 September in the Forest an enjoyable “O” season of Dean. I so far. For everyone who is doing If you haven’t made enough well – and that means you, of the selection events but if you have been in the first think you are still a contender, three or four in your age please also get in touch, as class over the recent SOLs we can’t consider you if we and Scottish Championships don’t know about you. The – please remember the date team should be announced of the VHI, on the weekend of in July. Janice receiving her SOL 2013 trophy

www.scottish-orienteering.org 27 future events rota

by Terry O’Brien (STAG) SOA Operations Director email: [email protected] SOA Area/Club Events Rota 2015 > 2024

his is the final year of the present rota where Scottish TAreas/Clubs were Championships devolved the responsibility Weekend for hosting Scottish events. Area committees coordinate The current arrangements with their Clubs. have worked very well for the majority of competitions, and with the support of the Scottish orienteering community it is Night intended to draw up proposals Championships for similar allocation from 2015 Area committees seek a to 2024. volunteer Club to run the event. As well as the Scottish Championships Weekend (Individual & Relays), the events Scottish currently included are the Scottish Score Championships Night Championships, the and Scottish Score Championships Scottish and the Scottish Inter-Club Team Inter-Club Team Relays Relays (8/11 Person Relay). The Clubs are assigned this event Scottish Sprint Championships directly on an Area rotational was introduced a few years ago, basis, e.g. STAG (West) > and Clubs have been invited ESOC (East) > to bid directly to host this new BASOC (North) > championship event. Should this CLYDE (West) event now be included in the rota?

Scottish Scottish Night Scottish Score Scottish Inter- Championships Championships Championships Club Team Relays

East Area East Area BASOC (North Area) AYROC (West Area) 2 014

If your Area or Club committee has any comments, please send them to me in an email marked “Proposed Scottish Events Rota 2015 > 2024”, to be received by 30 September 2014.

28 www.scottish-orienteering.org comment...

by Neil Mclean (GRAMP/MOR)

The March of Time

any years ago, I was scanning the results Mof a big event and noted that with every age group beyond M55 there was a 50% reduction in numbers competing. I checked other results and found similar figures. Why was this? Then I realised that as a young

sport we had not yet built up a ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, spread of age groups. Surely by Neil McLean in action the time I was M55 & beyond, I and difficult to regain. Of course, and my many rivals would swell loss of fitness quite naturally leads the numbers? to more mistakes. Most of us Move on 10/15 years, and I still in orienteering take part for the noted there was still a significant challenge and/or the competition. drop-off with each age group. Why It gets frustrating if you can’t was this? I was still feeling good compete, or you make the sort of about running and competing. mistakes you wouldn’t have made Where were my rivals going? 10 years ago. Surely they had less pressure at But you can compete with work, and kids should have flown anyone you choose, especially at the nest. What was happening? local events. My current ‘rival’ is a Move on 5/10 years - now I nice 13 year old girl with whom I know! As my father used to say, compare splits at Moravian events. “Old age doesn’t come on its At Grampian and Maroc events, I own”. First it was a calf muscle have other rivals, and at SOLs the strain, which kept recurring. Then other survivors in M70. it was a chronic ankle ligament 50 years ago I worked as an strain and a torn hamstring. As apprentice surveyor in the coal I compared injuries with others, mines. When underground, the it was to find that my problems miners often referred to us as were not unique: “my back”, “my ‘survivors’, and that is now what knee”, “my eyesight”. The list got I am. One of the lucky ones longer and longer. Often it was whose general health and relative not so much the injury, but that freedom from injury lets us enjoy recovery took so much longer, and the sport I’ve loved for over 40 that meant that fitness was lost years.

www.scottish-orienteering.org 29 woc & highland 2015

Signs of activity on the ground, and over the water

ecause of the World Orienteering Championships, preparations for the Scottish 6 Days 2015 are further Badvanced than for a typical 6-Days. There are a number of challenges, and Colin Matheson (SOA Professional Officer) has been tackling them with his usual energy and enthusiasm. Access arrangements are progressing well, maps are almost complete, and planners and controllers are heading out into the forests. And ambitious plans are being made for both a permanent and temporary footbridges. But then, we would expect nothing less of a former Royal Engineer. Colin’s words describe progress far better than I can: Picture: Colin Matheson, MOR Mind the gap – the River Farrar “An 18-metre-long permanent Regiment (Volunteers), who will footbridge will span a river in the provide manpower and suitable Glen Affric competition area and equipment. Work will progress offer orienteers access to prime this September and will include orienteering terrain. The bridge will improvements to access tracks in be fabricated from sections of an the area, including better drainage offshore crane, with safe working and surface grading. load capable of supporting “In Glen Strathfarrar, plans are dozens of runners trying to cross now well advanced to build a at the same time. Negotiations 36-metre-long bridge. This bridge are ongoing with 71 Engineer consists of three 12-metre-long

30 www.scottish-orienteering.org by Richard Oxlade (GRAMP) S6D 2015 Event Coordinator

walkways with suitable floats, hopefully anchored to the bank to avoid drifting downriver. Thanks go to Marine Harvest for their kind offer to lend us this equipment. “The crossing point is just downstream of a major hydro scheme, and excitingly the river level rises and falls by half a metre or more in a short space of time. Deep within the bowels of the University of Glasgow, one of the country’s leading geographers and hydrologists Picture: Colin Matheson, MOR (a member of FVO) is building Landowners in Strathfarrar are two Strathfarrar a scale model and subjecting it sides of the Spencer-Nairn family, to 50 miniaturised W and M60s and their assistance is greatly crossing the bridge during peak appreciated. At Darnaway we flow in a wave tank. have the good fortune that Lord “Hopefully the results will Moray accepted our invitation to prove encouraging. Once again, become WOC Patron, and he and we hope for assistance from his wife Kathy have been very the Sappers (Royal Engineers). supportive as we made more and One section of the bridge will be more outlandish requests. redeployed to Glen Affric, and “Look forward to the grand will be rolled into place using entrance to the Estate next methods pioneered in the building August! In Glen Affric, the of the pyramids. Forestry Commission Scotland “The mapping of the areas has has also been very supportive, been greatly assisted by use of holding back felling plans and LiDAR, with first releases of the new extraction lanes until the maps looking really good. GPS competition is over. Private tracks where athletes appear to landowners have also been most walk on water (with the exception helpful, and hopefully will see of bridges) should be a thing of a long term benefit of the new the past. Discussions continue footbridge, which has the full with a plethora of landowners support of the local Residents’ for access to areas, Keppernach Association and Community perhaps the most complex. Council.”

www.scottish-orienteering.org 31 event preview

any people will be looking forward to multi- Mday events in far-flung places over the summer; nearer to home, the Scottish fixture list has plenty of local events to choose from in July and August, continuing into the autumn. The first orienteering weekend after the summer holidays is the Purple Thistle, on 23/24 August. Jess Tullie reports: “The Purple Thistle is back! SEDS are organising the event, and this ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, year it’s heading to the banks of electronic punching), and a bunch Looking up the Spey Loch Ness, a beautiful part of the of likeminded people out to enjoy valley near Alvie country that will host the World a weekend away from it all, in a Orienteering Championships beautiful part of the country.” in 2015. Competitors will get bto SOUL 7, the penultimate the chance to orienteer on two Scottish Orienteering Urban great Scottish areas, Battan and League event of the year, is on 30 Abriachan; the former offering August in Aberdeen, organised typically challenging highland by GRAMP, and there’s an terrain, the latter providing opportunity to make a weekend of stunning views across Loch it by staying on for a colour-coded Ness and maybe a chance to event at Glen Dye on 31 August. spot Nessie! The areas are A couple of weeks later, AYROC only two miles apart and are are hosting the Scottish Inter- fantastic settings for barebones Club Team Relays on Saturday orienteering. 13 September, closely followed “For those of you who do not by ESOC’s SOL 5 on Sunday 14 know of the barebones concept, September at Craig a Barns. This it is all about taking the fuss out is a classic technical area (used at of event organisation as much the 2012 JK), on a steep craggy as possible, while still providing hill, so should be a terrific event. an event of the highest quality, It’s also the Junior Inter-Area with a great atmosphere and competition that weekend – look enjoyment for all - including the out for more details about this. organisers! So what’s left for There’s another great package you is the things that matter for a of events at the BASOC WOLF quality orienteering experience weekend on 27/28 September, (maps, courses, controls and including SOL 6 and the final

32 www.scottish-orienteering.org SOUL event of 2014. Jenny Clarke, race offers the weekend coordinator, says: “The rare opportunity Highland WOLF is returning, after to run through last year’s success. A Weekend of one of the Orienteering in Lovely Forests, it is largest and most organised and hosted by Badenoch important castles & Strathspey Orienteering Club, in Scotland in one of the most fantastic areas dating from the in Scotland for orienteering. The 1100s. Most weekend will consist of a Middle of the existing Distance event on the Saturday castle walls and morning, followed by an Urban buildings have Sprint in Kingussie in the afternoon. been added since Sunday’s event will be held in then of course! Alvie forest, near to Kincraig, an The castle has area which has not been used been mapped ESOC Picture: Crawford Lindsay, for a number of years, and will for the first time and will be used Edinburgh Castle from be the 6th event in this year’s in conjunction with the historic city the east Scottish Orienteering League. More centre and other newly mapped information will be posted shortly on parts of the city offering complex the BASOC website.” route choice, narrow alleyways and See: http://www.basoc.org.uk/ areas of parkland.” Probably the most exciting series Jon Musgrave (Balmoral mapper) of the autumn will be Race the reports: “Balmoral is a great area for Castles, on the weekends of 11/12 long distance race - mostly runnable and 18/19 October, incorporating pine plantation with varying areas the Senior Home Internationals, and of contour and rock detail and SOL 7, the final event in the 2014 great views to Lochnagagr and the league. With events in Edinburgh, central Cairngorms (if the runners Stirling, Balmoral and Forvie, there’ll lift their eyes up!). A great car park be great orienteering in some and arena area will help add to the of the very best Scottish areas. excitement.” Graeme Ackland, event coordinator, Ian Searle (GRAMP) adds: “Forvie writes: “Race the Castles is a new Sands provides over 6 sq km of International event launched as part complex and intricate terrain. The of EventScotland’s Homecoming mixture of low and high relief dunes 2014. This higher profile gives us will provide challenging navigation the chance to get into places normal for all competitors on the SHI Relay events couldn’t. These areas may and SOL courses.” never come round again!” See the Race the Castles website Graham Gristwood (Stirling elite for full details: organiser) explains: “The Stirling http://www.racethecastles.com

www.scottish-orienteering.org 33 member benefits

This page provides our members with useful services and products provided by likeminded 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 CF Therapeutic Fergusson Law mediartstudio Massage Private Client (Newtonmore) Solicitors Logo Design, banners, fliers, newsletters and websites. Christopher Fitzsimons offers Tel: 0131 447 0633 Swedish Massage, at a treatment FREE LOGO DESIGN for SOA www.fergussonlaw.com room in Newtonmore at ‘Head clubs/members - One per member All services offered at fixed Kandi’ and can do home visits Contact prices. 5% discount to SOA and events. [email protected] members. Ask for Janice Nisbet for a no obligation quote. Tel: 07900 913378 (ESOC) when contacting. www.mediartstudio.co.uk 10% discount for SOA members. Quote Scottish Orienteering Quote Scottish Orienteering Association member when booking. Quote Scottish Orienteering Association member when booking. Association member when booking. Classic Forest Orienteering in Scotland

All races Sundays Compass Point Starts: 10:30am onwards Scottish Orienteering League Full range of colour coded courses 2014 From string courses for under 5s to 10k+ Black courses for elite orienteers www.scottish-orienteering.org/sol 4 16.03.14 Devilla Forest KFO www.compasspoint-online.co.uk 4 06.04.14 Faskally STAG/ScotJOS 4 27.04.14 Dunrod Hill CLYDE 4 22.06.14 Lossie Forest MOR 4 14.09.14 Craig a Barns ESOC 4 28.09.14 Alvie BASOC 4 18.10.14 Balmoral MAROC

Quality Urban Orienteering in Scotland

Courses from under-12 to Ultravet Scottish Orienteering Urban League 4 25.01.14 Edinburgh City EUOC 2014 4 15.02.14 Perth TAY 4 08.03.14 Livingston INT www.scottish-orienteering.org/soul 4 11.05.14 Glasgow STAG 4 21.06.14 Dufftown MOR 4 29.06.14 St Andrews ESOC 4 30.08.14 Aberdeen GRAMP 4 27.09.14 Kingussie BASOC

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With interest in orienteering rising and our membership and readership increasing, there’s never been a better time to advertise in ‘Score’ magazine.

Together, with our great For a full breakdown rates and loyal readers of rates and sizes - we can work with available, email us on each other to benefit communications@ all. scottish-orienteering. org