Scottish surfing contest to mark 50th anniversary

The 50th anniversary of the Scottish National Surfing Championships is to be marked this weekend.

The competition, which has been running since 1973, is held at Thurso on the north Caithness coast.

Three-time men's and women's open division Scottish champions - Mark Boyd and Phoebe Strachan - are to defend their titles.

Other divisions in the Scottish Surfing Federation-run championships are masters, longboard, and junior boys and girls.

Federation director Jason Simpson said surfing had grown in popularity since the first championships were held.

He added: “The north coast is a spectacular location to host this special anniversary championships and we are excited to show what Caithness has to offer to the world."

The competition runs from Friday to Sunday and is open to spectators. It will also be live streamed on the federation's website: www.thessf.scot.