Axe-throwing set to be a big hit at this summer's Moy County Fair
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The increasingly popular sport of axe-throwing is making its debut at the Moy Country Fair this summer.
Visitors will have the opportunity to try it during the two-day event at Moy Estate on August 4 and 5.
Matt Harrison, from Skye-based A.C.E Target Sports, will offer the sport along with archery.
“I had a coach party at our site in Portree recently with 32 American tourists in their 70s, 80s and early 90s,” Matt said. “They were trying the axe-throwing and were an absolute riot.
"It’s a very universal thing and we’re hoping for lots of interest from people of all ages at the Moy Country Fair.”
Participants will be supported and guided by experienced instructors with bespoke targets depending on the person and their physical ability. The axe itself is 18 inches long, and people will be shown how to throw it with one hand.
“At Moy we will have playing cards on the targets,” Matt said. “From 3.5m away, you can throw the axe and slash the playing card. If, over the course of the weekend, 500 people come and have a go, we would hope that 95 per cent of those people stick one axe target. That’s the goal for us.
"It’s a very interactive and social thing so we hope there’s quite a buzz around our little area.
“This will be the biggest stage we’ve worked on. You don’t get events like this over on Skye. It’s a great opportunity for us.”
Above all, Matt is just really looking forward to spending the weekend at Moy and introducing his team to the popular event.
“In the seven years I have volunteered at Moy, I’ve met friends for life," he said. "Everyone works really hard and as a team. They just get on with the job and make an awful lot of people very happy. It’s a real privilege to be part of it all.”
Axe-throwing hit the headlines in Inverness earlier this year when plans for a new activity bar featuring the sport were approved.
James Campbell, chairman of the Moy Country Fair committee, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a range of new sports and activities added to the roster. Many of us are excited to go along to try our hand at the archery and axe-throwing.”
At this year’s event, visitors can enjoy the traditional main ring activities and displays including the pipe band, gundog and fishing demonstrations and the popular pet parade and terrier racing to name a few. A variety of field sports will also be returning including clay pigeon and musket shooting, air rifles and catapults.
There will be a range of exhibitors including the RNLI running water safety demonstrations, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, West Sutherland Fisheries as well as lots of crafts, homeware and clothing stands for visitors to peruse. Also, many local food producers will be showcasing their produce in the food hall and food theatre.
