Secondary school pupils from Inverness do Highlands proud as part of Target Technique at Scottish Schools Shooting Championships
Four youngsters from Inverness proved that they can compete with the best in the country at the Scottish Schools Shooting Championships earlier this month.
Held at Grangemouth, organisers had to change the format due to the level of interest, with 84 entries leading to a reduction in the number of shots per competition to accommodate everyone.
Among that number were a squad from Target Technique, who claimed four gold medals, one silver and one bronze.
From Millburn Academy, Lewis Dillon competed n the senior 10m pistol event and finishing eighth.
Representing Culloden Academy, Callum Kydd overcame a rifle malfunction to claim bronze in the senior 10m precision rifle category – perhaps leaving him to wonder what could have been if he had no equipment issues.
However, he can take consolation from knowing that his place at the British Schools Championship has now been secured.
There were two shooters from Inverness Royal Academy – Imogen Mann and Emily Jack.
Mann is Target Technique’s most recent recruit, and was competing in her first ever competition, but defied that lack of experience to record a new personal best and finish fourth just two points behind Kydd in the same category.
Jack took up the sport to help complete her Duke of Edinburgh award, but found a passion for it and has continued.
After only six months of training, she claimed a silver medal, finishing just two points behind vastly more experienced Scotland squad shooter Freya Allen.
The Target Technique squad was completed by Forres Academy pupil Debbie Bexley, and together they won overall team gold.
Coach Maria Maoileoin commented: “Inverness can take a bow. We are extremely grateful to Jacks Hire Company for providing the youths with a minibus for the occasion, which gave us a form of unity and team spirit.
“Lewis gave a great performance on the day, and it was unfortunate that results did not reflect that.
“Callum’s skill could have had him in first position. He will return to Inverness to resolve equipment issues and focus on training for the British finals.
“Imogen showed a few nerves to begin with, but getting a personal best on her first attempt is a fabulous feat.
“Emily intends to compete at all Scottish Target Shooting National Grand Prix events this year, culminating in the Scottish Open Championships in March, and it was an extremely exciting day to see all athletes compete so confidently and successfully.”
Target Technique now await final confirmation of who will qualify for the British Schools finals, which will take place in early February.
