TAY pull out the stops for the CompassSport qualifier

Well February is always a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to weather and this year’s CompassSport Cup/ Trophy qualifier date (23rd February )was no different. Tayside Orienteering Club (TAY) had to content with weather warnings of wind and rain, trees landing on control sites and reports of those travelling from the north considering forecasts of high winds with rain, thunder and lightening for their journey.

Despite all of this TAY put on a great event which provided a fun and testing challenge on Kinnoull Hill. They probably wished they had picked a more sheltered spot but the planners had used the area to create a challenge for all age groups. The intricate path network lead to many confused faces and there were plenty of contours to test fitness as we limber up for the rest of the year.

Whilst the rain managed to remain simply a constant presence, the wind caused the organisers some issues as it whistled around the assembly flattening the clothing dump tent and causing the signs to seem to have a life of their own.

All these challenges did not stop participants turning out for their club and we say well done to Forth Valley Orienteers (FVO) who as the only Scottish club competing qualified for the in the CompassSport Cup final and to Interlopers Orienteering Club (INT), Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club (ESOC), Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC), Mar Orienteering Club (MAROC) and Moravian Orienteering Club (MOR) who all qualified for the CompassSport Trophy final. Final results from the events can be found here. The CompassSport Cup/ Trophy final is being held near Redcar on 14th September 2025 by Cleveland Orienteering Klub and more details can be found here.

None of this could have happened without the hard work of the planners Allan Downie and Grant Downie, the organisers Fran Loots and Fiona Downie (all part of TAY) and the controller Terry O’Brien (STAG) for which we were all very grateful.