Schools orienteering success for Inverness youngsters

Young orienteers have been finding their way in a series of school competitions in Inverness and further afield.

The Inverness Schools Orienteering League saw more than 120 pupils from five secondary schools and eight primary schools take part.

The events took place during May at Craig Phadraig, Ord Hill (North Kessock) and Culloden.

Pupils from Charleston, Culloden, Fortrose, IRA and Millburn took part, alongside primary pupils from Cawdor, Inshes, Avoch, Muirtown, Millbank, Lochardil and Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis.

Inverness Royal Academy came out on top in the secondary schools placings, with Avoch taking the title for large primary and Balnain bringing a contingent of eight runners for the small primary section of fewer than 100 pupils.

Dagmar Borrowman of Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC) said: "Introductory orienteering sessions were delivered by club members at Inshes, Muirtown, Lochardil, Smithton and Dalneigh and are key to growing participation in the league events. The feedback from schools was very positive and we are looking forward to 2024.

"Congratulations to everyone who participated in these events. It was amazing to see so many juniors running and enjoying themselves!"

A number of juniors also travelled to Falkirk for the Scottish Schools Orienteering Festival at Callendar Park.

Henrik Borrowman was crowned Scottish S1 Boys Champion and Charlotte Burton was the Scottish S4 Girls Champion, while Douglas McDonald was second in the S2 Boys, Hazel Cload came third in S3 Girls and Rory Black was second S4 Boy.

Inverness Royal Academy placed third overall in the secondary school category.

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