BRAIDWOOD Sporting Clays near Midlem saw the end of an era last Friday with former management team Jim and Joyce Black’s last day at the venue.
The popular venue is now in the capable hands of Lucy Black and her team.
Lucy told TheSouthern: “They will be sorely missed by everyone and their efforts are appreciated by all who have ever visited.
“However, they can now finally start enjoying their retirement and free time.
“They are not the type to sit about, so there is no doubt that they will have a full schedule ahead with coffee breaks at the Braidwood cafe now and again.”
On Sunday, the venue enjoyed a great turnout despite the weather, with 57 guns arriving on Mother’s Day.
Competition was hot with entries going for a last chance at being considered for the Winter Series shoot-off.
Gordon Boertien was top gun with 37 ex-40, receiving the Game Keeper Trophy, while Rab Neil (East Lothian) and Ian Mullarky (guest) were joint second on a score of 35. Again tied on a score of 34, Dave Allison (Hawick) and Billy Williamson (West Lothian) were third. The second round saw Stuart Dawson (Newcastle) and Boertien tie on top gun with a score of 34 ex-40. Again a joint score saw Stuart Donaldson (Mussleburgh) and Jim McPhillips (Bathgate) take second on 32. All just behind, scoring 31, were Jim Brodie (Denholm), Marc Watson (Jedburgh), Jed Burn (Kelso), Neil Cattanach (Peebles) and Nigel Rock (Kelso).
The Junior Shield was also shot for, with Joe Davidson (Cockermouth) taking the honours with a score of 30 ex-40.
The top six guns competing for the Winter Series Trophy on Sunday, March 24, are: Gordon Boertien, Stuart Dawson, Jim Brodie (current holder), Donald Livingston, Nigel Rock and Jack Carlyle. The wild card is Roy McCowan.
Those not competing in the winter series are still welcome to take part in shooting for The Best of The Rest Trophy – entries close at noon.
Meanwhile, there is still plenty of time left to buy tickets for the Red Nose Day raffle, which will be drawn at Braidwood this Saturday.