Bonkers for conkers

 

 

 

Almost certainly the most prestigious competition being held in Scotland this weekend, the ninth Scottish Conker Championships offers guaranteed fun and chuckles. And best of all, it’s open to everyone!

They come from far and wide – some old, some young, some grizzled veterans, others wet-behind-the-ears newbies. But all want to be crowned champions in their category in the prestigious Scottish Conker Championships … an honour bestowed on only the very few!

Organised by Treefest partner Borders Forest Trust, the conker championships have become a much-loved part of the festival. Older participants have a chance to rekindle their youth, while youngsters use all the wiles of today’s playground to batter their opponents’ conkers into submission.

And this year’s ninth Scottish Conker Championships should be a cracker with more than 100 competitors expected across four different categories. Organisers lay on conkers for those competing in the Junior, Youth and Adult categories, while the final category – Rogue – sees participants use their own conkers (cue all the tricks of the trade).

This year’s smash off begins at midday, with registration in the morning. The hope is that some of last year’s winners – Kate McLuckie (Junior), Jordan McMinn (Youth), Alan Mitchell (Adult) and Jamie Craigen (Rogue) – will return to defend their crowns.

As well as bragging rights in playgrounds and around dinner tables, the winners also receive some very beautiful conker trophies made by Bruce Frost at Woodworks, just up from Tweed Green on School Brae. Be sure to also visit his studio while at the festival!

Further info

The ninth Scottish Conker Championships will take place on Tweed Green, Peebles on Sat 24 Oct. Smash off begins at midday. Competitors and spectators alike will be able to keep themselves well fed and watered by sampling the many local food products also available as part of the weekend-long Food Market on Tweed Green.