Kyleakin Lofts

Probably end up losing you a 1, 2. We didn't know there were 2 Unikon systems.

We need more birds for a separate lib. The advice is a couple of hundred. I was requested to become involved in promoting this race just for that very reason. The Valley Club knows all about the difficulties. Their Open race has run for some time now. It was at first supported by the Federation, but was not part of the race programme, I believe. Latterly it has been supported by a few Federation members. This year we extended the Open aspect to include all lofts flying 300 miles to Lerwick. We have discovered an anomaly regarding the distance for our Fraserburgh Open, so the Lerwick qualification will be the main one in future. We also managed to gain sponsorship for both races, so we are trying. This year's numbers were 65 birds for Fraserburgh and 33 birds for Lerwick. We know we require more birds, but we also know this is only the first year where we have actively attempted to attract entries. We hope to achieve a separate liberation in the near future.

You are correct. It is no longer a race. The race finished around 13.00 on the second day. I don't understand the crazy though. Andy Eadie timed his bird bang on time. The rest were late, some well late. When was the last time birds were timed into Ayrshire from over 1000 miles? The last I knew was Davidson in the 70's and some from Irvine around a similar time. No disrespect to the guys, they are far better fanciers than I am, but their birds and their preparation was just not good enough and that is why they are late. The ones that haven't shown up, at best are not even that good and at worst are subject to predation. I think this race is not supported because it is far too difficult for the majority of north roaders. We do not have the numbers to be able to have a separate liberation, so will be subject to the English drag, making the race a lot longer than its measured distance. The birds that make it back have shown a great deal of spirit and character, have proved their homing ability and have shown up their trainers as "not up to standard". They themselves are also "not up to standard", due to their inability to break. The proof is Andy Eadie's bird. What are the numbers entered into Alencon by Ayrshire fanciers? Probably not 100. Years ago, Ayrshire was a hotbed for distance racing, now it is just a shallow excuse. The number of birds entered reduces drastically race by race. After 5 races they had dropped from around 3000 down to around 500. I appreciate the difficulties faced. The north roaders got sick of it, but instead of packing in they changed direction. At best they are able to reach 230 miles on land and some are quite happy so to do. Others wanted the most distance they could achieve and that is Lerwick. These north road pioneers probably realise the difficulties they and their pigeons face and are experiencing the learning curve, just as in the past the distance pioneers experienced before Rennes became a household name in Scotland. I so wish I could become a failure and time my birds from Lerwick, but I am just not good enough.

Full information now known; Jim McKelvie timed at 3.45 and 8. 45 this morning.

5th pigeon into J. McKelvie, Drongan this morning around 4.00. Only another 28 to come, including my 2.

Good going Austin.

W. Johnston, Drongan timed at 17.50.

Eadie and Kelly's 2nd bird arrived at 7.50 this morning, but because he had to use a T3 he didn't time until 11.19. 2 / 2 Brown of Drongan timed at 9.30. this morning. Clock checking at Hurlford tonight 20.00.

Excellent, only two I've heard of. Going to phone Wullie soon.

I'll let you know later today after I've checked with Wullie.

Some more of you will have to enter next year to give Andy a run for his money.

That is certainly where it would be if it was mine. I am still waiting, like everyone else, from what I can tell.

Excellent!!! :emoticon-0167-beer: First one I've heard.

We always hope our day will come.

Well done Gary.

I don't have any, but that isn't unusual. If they are in, I am usually late.

Hey!!! What about me? We only have 33 in the entry, so some NRCC birds must be there. Did you see any AN rings at the front? :emoticon-0140-rofl:

Thanks John.

Thanks John. Always looked like a Tuesday / Wednesday lib.

Apparently the birds were being buzzed by a micro light.

Are you going to watch the lib, whenever?

Tuesday lib probs.

Thanks John.

I was actually thinking about the birds.

Well done Andrew.