Prestigious orienteering festival finds its way into the Lothians

A TOP international sporting festival is mapping a course for West Lothian.

Livingston is set to welcome an estimated 2000 participants for the opening race of the Jan Kjellström International Orienteering Festival on Good Friday, April 6.

The festival, which was last held in Scotland in 2000, is one of the top multi-day events on the European circuit.

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It will consist of timed sprint races around a circuit in the Howden and Almondvale areas of Livingston between noon and 4pm, with the West Lothian Civic Centre used as both the finish and a base for competitors.

The event is part of Livingston’s 50th birthday celebrations, with Scottish Orienteering also celebrating its half century this year.

West Lothian’s community regeneration manager, Ian Hepburn, said: “It’s a real coup to attract a prestigious event of this stature to the area, and it’s an ideal chance for local spectators to see the sport first hand, as most orienteering events tend to be held in wooded areas.”