Behind the World Stone Skimming Championships - News

Event venue is year-round attraction

The World Stone Skimming Championships are boosting the local visitor economy on the island of Easdale and helping raise the global profile of Argyll & Isles.

The competition takes places every September and is supported by VisitScotland, through the National Events Programme, managed by its EventScotland team.

The Championships have captured the imagination of stone skimming fans from all over the world. The event’s unique natural quarry venue is a year-round attraction, where the sport’s enthusiasts stock up on souvenirs at the local museum and use nearby hospitality businesses.

We spoke to one of the organisers, Dr Kyle Mathews, about the impact of the event on the local visitor economy.

Dr Kyle Mathews, one of the organisers, making sure the event runs smoothly. Credit: Kirsty Mclellan

How did the the World Stone Skimming Championships come about?

Easdale Island is made of slate, it is the island that roofed the world, as a centre of slate mining in the 1700-1800s, with slates from Easdale travelling across the world to Australia, Canada and America.

In 1881 a large storm hit the island flooding the 7 quarries overnight. Today these look like 7 Olympic size swimming pools on the island, perfect for cold water swimming and skimming stones. One of these is the championship quarry where the tournament takes place.

The World Stone Skimming Championships first started on the island in 1983 by Bertie Baker. Like all the best ideas it came out of a conversation in the island pub.

How has the event developed?

Since returning after Covid the event has grown and grown in popularity. In 2023 entries sold out in just under an hour, in 2024 this was under 30 minutes and this year they sold out in just 3 minutes as over 2000 people clicked online when entries went live.

There are up to 400 competitors who take part, roughly 50 volunteers on the day, and a team of 6 organisers who are also volunteers. Last year saw over 1200 people attend the championships.

Last year our visitor survey recorded that 90% of those who attended came from outside of Argyll and Bute.

8% of overall attendants were international, and this year we have competitors representing 27 different countries competing.

We have competitors from throughout Europe but regularly have competitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, often flying in just for the event.

They come for the spectacle of the day, and a shot at skimming immortality. Almost everyone has skimmed a stone so it is a very universal and bonding activity.

One of the former slate quarries on Easdale that now hosts the Championships. Credit: Kirsty Mclellan

What impact does this have on the island and the region?

On the island itself our local pub The Puffer does huge business and trade, whilst the Oyster Bar and Restaurant has a big spike in business.

Last years’ survey showed that the majority of people from outside the area stayed for 2-3 nights, with over 50% staying in hotels or B&Bs. 40% stayed in Oban, whilst another 40% stayed on the Isle of Easdale, Luing and Seil.

This has clear benefit to the local hospitality sector, as all accommodation close to the event is snapped up almost as soon as tickets go on sale.

The food industry also benefits – 40% of attendants said they had eaten at an Oban restaurant.

Do the World Stone Skimming Championships have a lasting legacy?

Visitors are an absolute lifeline to the local businesses and to keeping services such as the island ferry running.

All year long people visit the island because it is the site of the World Stone Skimming Championships. This is highlighted by our island museum which sell skimming merchandise throughout the year. These visitors often stop at the local cafes and as a result the championships provide year round benefit.

The most important aspect of the event is that it's run by volunteers from the island and all the proceeds go to charity. The majority going to Easdale's own charity Eilean Eisdeal which raises money to maintain the island harbour, hall and museum - vital lifelines for the community.

Yet as the event grows it also raises significant amounts of money to our neighbouring island, the local primary school, and local charities including the community choir, cinema club, and elderly hospital transport club, as well as raising money for the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Last years’ event raised over £15,000 all of which went to charity.

Visit the website of the World Stone Skimming Championships

A competitor in action at The Championships skimming a stone Credit: Kirsty Mclellan