Well done to East Lothian Orienteers (ELO) who pulled together to host their first every Scottish Orienteering League event (SOL) at Hartside Hill. The Hartside Hill event was ninth event of the 2025 Scottish Inter Club Championships and as well as the third SOL of 2025.
Not only was it the first SOL that ELO had ever hosted but they also offered us the challenge of fresh terrain in an area mapped for the event. Whilst for some it brought back recollections of Limeriggs, it proved to be as promised a large plantation forest with deep cleughs, varied rides, and an extensive ditch network. For most the errors were of our own making and certainly there were quite a few sticks carried home by those whose hair had provided some protection.
The September session in the SOA’s monthly online Community Conversations series focused on access to orienteering areas and navigating permissions. Arranging access for orienteering is often viewed as at best a drain on clubs’ organisational resources and at worth a headache that ultimately can thwart an event from happening. So how can clubs work best with landowners and tenants, to get good outcomes all round?
Building Good Relationships with Landowners
As for pretty much everything, building relationships is key – whether with individuals where land is in private hands or with employees as representatives of statutory or charitable organisations (councils, Forestry Land Scotland, RSPB, National Trust, MoD etc). Finding out who exactly to speak with can sometimes take a bit of detective work but persevere and engage positively: we are all ambassadors for our sport. There may be other land users to build relationships with too, to achieve good outcomes. Shared use is the norm, whether with the general public or with other specific interest groups (mountain bikers, archers, clay-pigeon shooters etc).
Do you know of someone who has gone above and beyond for the benefit of orienteering? The President’s Medal is handed out annually at the AGM (22nd September) to recognise significant contribution to the sport.
We are aware that there are plenty of people who work tirelessly within their clubs, giving hours of their time to promote the sport, but never seek recognition. We truly welcome all nominations so we ask you to ensure we hear of everyone who deserves recognition.
The President’s medal was awarded to David Robertson (ESOC) last year as recognition of his efforts promoting orienteering in schools and youth groups.
Previous winners are:-
2023 Jon Cross (FVO)
2022 Judy Bell (ESOC)
2021 Tim O’Donoghue (SOLWAY)
2020 Janet Clark (ESOC) and Sheila Reynolds (MAROC)
The SOA accounts for the year to 31st December 2024 have now been finalised and approved. They are available to view before the online AGM on Monday 22nd September 22nd September at 7pm.
The 2025 AGM Booklet can be viewed and contains the zoom link for the online meeting but if there are any issues please contact nikki@scottish-orienteering.org
We’re very excited to share the news that the British Schools Orienteering Championships are coming to Scotland this year, hosted by Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club – and ENTRIES ARE NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!
The SOA AGM will take place on 22nd September online at 7pm.
Today we have published the AGM booklet in respect of the 2025 SOA AGM. Accounts will be shared on the website ahead of the AGM once the audit is completed.
