The Fifer bagged five birdies in posting a three-under-par 69 to sit in a share of fifth place, three shots behind leader Brandon Stone. Pollok’s Conor O’Neil, who had six birdies, and Leven’s Brian Soutar, helped by an eagle-3 at the 15th, both shot 70s to sit just outside the top 10, while Danny Kay (Dunbar) and Fraser McKenna (Balmore) each opened with 72s. Kay, beaten finalist in last year’s Scottish Amateur Championship, was out in 40 but had five birdies in his last eight holes. Lundin’s James White, the Scottish No 1 last season, could only manage a 75, two less than Paul Shields from Kirkhill.