What a turn out! What nearly great weather! What a great final display by Steve Johnson! What an inspiring lecture by Andy Turner! All in all a great day was had by all.

There were only two competition places left from a potential 60. As the momentum for the Scottish Tooling Series grows, so does the enthusiasm, humour and radical moves. The first two time slots had dry clear weather. The final 20 had their sense of humour challenged as the heavens opened and the rain came down...and down...and down. I did not hear one winge, only that they had a great time. That is the kind of people these events love!

The other joy of these events is the range of ages that take part On Saturday the youngest was 12 and the oldest was over 50+. There is also a great increase in the number of women. The mystery of tooling is going as more and more people realise this sport is fun and totally inclusive.

Mark Chadwick and Scott Webster set the problems. They managed to really stretch the top climbers while allowing the new comers to get some points on the board and enjoy the challenge. The final was a traverse followed by a steep and technical overhang onto a hanging log. They thought they had over cooked it as all the other finalists failed to get past the ¾ point. Then the last to come out of isolation was Steve Johnson who managed to almost make it look easy and the crowd let him know it as they cheered and chanted him onto the last move.

Andy Turner ran beginner workshops and a master class and then presented a totally awesome lecture on his past year of activities which included Nepal, the Alps and Scotland. The images and chat really captured the audience and left them chomping at the bit for winter conditions.

Thanks again to the sponsors for the all the great prizes that were received with big smiles and open arms.

FINAL EVENT & PRIZE GIVING FOR THE SERIES IS AT THE ICE FACTOR ON DEC 5th.

Time: Registration 08.15. Briefing 09.00. Start 09.00.
Cost: £20 Adult (£25 on the day) / £10 Youth (£15 on the day)
Entry: By Phone
Contacts: Tel: 01855 831100