So that’s it – 40 years after the first Scottish 6 Days we end another successful event.  Once again the weather gods were kind to us and much of the day’s competition was staged in bright sunshine.  Light rain fell on the prizegiving!

The final results were determined for all classes, though some had already accumulated enough wins during the rest of the week to be assured podium places.  The podium itself was a fine affair with Aberdeenshire Council Leisurelend’s mini-podium on top of a more substantial trailer pulled into place by farmer Peter Downie.  Sheila Reynolds did a great job with floral decoration (complete with bracken) and some of our colourful Scottish 6 Days scrim completed the picture.

The big screen showed live footage from around the arena and spectator control (also broadcast on YouTube) along with snippets of GPS tracking provided by SEDS.  Many thanks go to EventScotland for supporting this aspect of the event, along with the very popular daily videos filmed and produced by Jason Sinclair of Poppycock films.

The commentary team provided extensive coverage of the Elite races – Mark Nixon of Forth Valley Orienteers was the fastest man on the day but Ali McLeod of Clydeside Orienteers was a clear overall winner.  Unlike some other multi-day events the Scottish 6 Days is based on 4 best results out of 6 – this gives everyone a sporting chance even if days are missed through injury,  organisational commitments and orienteering off-day disasters.  In the Women’s race, Megan Carter-Davies of Mid Wales Orienteering Club was fastest on the day but Jess Tullie of Badenoch & Strathspey Orienteering Club was the clear winner.  Closest rival Hollie Orr sat out today with damaged feet and made her debut in the commentary box.