Geocaching treasure hunt hits gold

Published on Saturday 31 July 2010 08:42

AROUND 1,400 people descended on Perth yesterday for a hi-tech treasure hunt organised as part of celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the city being made a Royal Burgh.

Competitors used handheld GPS technology to seek out treasure containers hidden in the "Geocaching" competition. Enthusiasts from 40 countries - including Australia, New Zealand, the US and South Africa - took part, many of them having shared information online. Perth conference manager Moira Bartrop said: "So many people have come from all over the world. We've even got people queuing up to get signed up for next year's event in Wales.

"We've got people of all ages here, from kids in prams to grandparents. Everybody's having a ball, it's tremendous.

"Perth and Perthshire are also benefiting massively from the influx of people. A lot of people have used their summer holidays to be here for the week of events."

Hundreds of local caches have been set up for the occasion.

Perth and Kinross Council said the gathering, the first of its kind in Scotland, is expected to generate around 300,000.