As part of a volunteer assignment of fifteen sailors and the captain of HMS Sutherland to the county three days were spent in Durness. On Tuesday 2 July the school children accompanied by the teachers, Councilor Francis Keith and the sailors the Ships names built in Stone on the hillside above Laid were cleared and painted. The most poignant of these and the ones that have attracted the most interest is HMS HOOD. The sailors of HMS Sutherland were invited to add their name and this was completed during the visit..
In the evening there was a inaugural event Clay Pigeon Shoot for HMS Hood Memorial Trophy. Only one of the sailors had fired shotgun and this put the team from HMS Sutherland at a disadvantage. For the team shoot 5 teams of 3 guns were entered. The Durness/ Laid team won. and were awarded the trophy.
For the reentry 40 guns wee entered. Durness / Laid Winner Duncan Shaw 30 points, second William Campbell 29 points, third Andrew Marsham 29 points. HMS Sutherland winner JJ 27 points, Second Rodger 26 points, third Twigs 21 points prizes were given to each team.
Cdr. Thomas presented Durness / Laid with a framed photograph of HMS Sutherland and extended an invitation to hold the next event on board HMS Sutherland when the ship visits Loch Eriboll in February 2003.
Durness/ Laid Gun Team HMS Sutherland/ Durness Laid winning Teams HMS Sutherland Gun Teams
Donny MacDougall & Eddie Meyer with the HOOD Memorial Trophy
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For detailed information on the area and Parish of Durness visit www.durness.org