THE contest for what is reputedly the world’s oldest sporting trophy still competed for was held in Musselburgh on Friday.
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.
About 20 archers took part in the contest and the winner was Michael Younger, who also won in 2022.
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 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.
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