P&J steps in to save stone-skimming championships

A STORY to melt even the stoniest of hearts, the Press and Journal newspaper has stepped in at the 11th hour to save the Scotland-based world championships in stone skimming.

The 15th World Stone Skimming Championships were in jeopardy when organisers needed £1,000 to pay the owner of the land near Oban where the event is to be staged this weekend.

In a P&J media release, editor, Damian Bates, is quoted, as saying: “We were absolutely determined that this fabulous competition, that attracts people from across the globe to take part, would go ahead. It seems a terrible shame for the people of Easdale that it might fail for the sake of £1,000, so we decided to step in and pay the bill.

“It’s just brilliant fun and everyone – young and old – has a chance of winning. I might even sharpen up my skimming skills and have a crack myself.”

Last year’s championships attracted hundreds of people and competitors from 19 nations.