City archers fire their way to Euro glory

EDINBURGH archers are ruling Europe after claiming six gold medals in the elite class of the sport.

Gilmerton club Drumfield Archers also won two silvers and a bronze as well as a gold in the B class and a silver in the C class at the European Field Archery Championships held over five days in Estonia.

It is the first time a club representing Scotland has returned with every squad member winning a medal.

Silver-medal winner William Marr said: "It is unprecedented for everyone to come back with a medal. For six of us to come back as outright European champions is amazing."

There were 270 archers competing in the championships which took place in Julume, with competitors facing up to eight hours' action each day.

European records - across the various archery disciplines - were set by Ranald Hutton on his way to a bronze, and Kayleigh Ashall, who became Junior female compound freestyle European champion.

It is not the first time 15-year-old Kayleigh has achieved international success. Last year, the talented youngster won the World under-17 title to add to her under-13 crown.

Drumfield, which is self-funded, has more than 40 members. The club will compete in the Scottish Championships at Innerleithen, near Peebles, this weekend.

Medal winners: Gold and European Champions: Archie Scott (veteran male compound freestyle); Philip Sutherland (male compound freestyle); Andy Logan (male recurve freestyle); Kayleigh Ashall (Junior female compound freestyle); Robert Tweedie (male compound barebow); Connar Marr (Junior male recurve bowhunter). Silver medal winners: Erick Rowbottom (Junior male recurve freestyle); Pauline Ashall (Female compound freestyle). Bronze medal winner: Ranald Hutton (Male compound unlimited). Gold medal winner B class: Linda Sutherland (Female compound freestyle); Silver medal winner C Class: William Marr (male recurve freestyle).