Elgin set to host sporting championships this summer
The Moray town is to play host to the British & Irish tug o' war championships
Elgin will host a major tug o’ war competition this summer with the British and Irish Championships are heading to Moray in August.
Around 300 competitors are expected to take part in the two day event, so it will also provide a boost to the local economy.
It is the first time the competition has been held in Elgin and only the second time its been held in the North East, after Banff staged it 14 years ago.
David Mckenzie is a member of the Cornhill team and is involved in organising this year’s championships.
Mr Mckenzie has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, first taking the strain when he was a teenager.
He said: “It’s a sport you can compete at to a good age.
“Because it’s not a contact sport you don’t get the same injuries you do with the likes of rugby or football.
“So you can do it at any age, and it’s something different.”
Saturday will see national teams compete against each other. Then on the Sunday there will be an open event in which any team can take part.
There are light and heavy categories for both women and men and a mixed event with teams made up of four men and four women.
The competition will also include events for junior teams.
Permission has been given by Moray Rugby Club to hold the event on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August at Morriston Playing Fields.
Elgin Town Hall is booked to host a gala dinner for those taking part, while Moray College is offering some student accommodation for competitors.
Teams wishing to take part and businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact the Scottish Tug of War Association via its Facebook page.