Rock stars gather on tiny Easdale island for stone skimming championships

Contenders from around the world are converging on a tiny Scottish island for one of the country’s most unlikely international sporting events – the world stone skimming championships.

The annual contest on the isle of Easdale, in the Inner Hebrides, has attracted a record number of international entries, representing more than 30 nations, with some flying in from New Zealand and Canada.

Last year’s competition was rocked by a cheating scandal after some contestants were accused of stone tampering.

Toss Master Kyle Mathews, co-organiser of the event, said an official tournament geologist had been appointed this year, leaving no stone unturned in keeping the 400 challengers in order.

The contest was first held in 1983, inspired by an alcohol-fuelled conversation in a pub, and has been held every year since 1997 apart from an interlude during Covid.

Traditionally a male-dominated sport, efforts have been made to make it more inclusive, with this year’s event attracting a record number of women and under-16s.