THE contest for what is reputed to be the world’s oldest sporting trophy still competed for was held in Musselburgh.

The shoot for the Musselburgh Silver Arrow took place on Musselburgh Links at the town’s racecourse, where members of the Royal Company of Archers, the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, traditionally compete in this historic event.

Constituted in 1676 for the “purpose of encouraging the Noble and Useful Recreation of Archery”, the Royal Company received its Royal Charter from Queen Anne in 1704.

Archery remains a principal activity to this day and the long bow is still carried by the Royal Company on ceremonial duties.

First recorded details of the Musselburgh Silver Arrow 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.

Usually the archers, exercising their rights as Freemen of the Burgh, parade through Musselburgh to the Brunton Hall, where a reception is held.

This year, a reception was held at the racecourse, as parts of the Brunton Hall are temporarily closed following a roof survey.

This year’s winner of the Musselburgh Silver Arrow was Adair Anderson.

Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian; Monica Patterson, chief executive of East Lothian Council; councillors; and representatives of local organisations attended the event, which echoed to the pipes and drums of Loretto School.

A new, large arrow was presented in 1713. The victor of the shooting retains the arrow for a year and, on handing it over to the next victor, appends a medal to the arrow with an engraved personal motto, all of which are held by the Royal Company; 103 medals were held by the company by 1816.

Members of the Royal Company of Archers wear a distinctive uniform featuring a green tunic with black facings, green trousers with black and crimson stripe, a Balmoral bonnet with the Royal Company’s badge, and an eagle feather.