Historic competition takes place at Musselburgh Links
The contest for what is reputed to be the oldest sporting trophy in the world still competed for annually will be held in Musselburgh on Thursday 16 May.
The shoot for the Silver Arrow will take place on Musselburgh Links, where around 20 members of the Royal Company of Archers, the Queen’s Bodyguard in Scotland, will compete in this historic and colourful event.
First recorded details of the competition date from 1603, and actually pre-date the formation of the Royal Company of Archers itself. Since 1676 however, the annual competition has been restricted to members of the Royal Company.
Exercising their rights as Freemen of the Burgh, the Royal Company will parade through the town accompanied by a pipe band both prior to and immediately after the event. The shoot starts on the Links (Musselburgh Racecourse) at 4.30pm and the presentation of the coveted trophy will take place at around 6.30pm.
- 4pm Archers assemble at Gracefield Car Park, Brunton Hall Musselburgh, and move off via New Street and the pedestrian bridge to Musselburgh Racecourse.
- 4.30pm Shoot begins on Musselburgh Links (Musselburgh Racecourse)
- 6.30pm (approx. ) Presentation of Silver Arrow to winner of the contest. March back to The Brunton via Linkfield Road, High Street and Bridge Street