The World Stone Skimming Championships might sound like just a bit of fun, but the organisers of the event have been forced to clamp down on a cheating scandal after people were caught tampering with their rocks.
Every year, people travel from all over the world to the tiny Scottish island of Easdale in the southern Hebrides to compete.
The island has only got a population of 70, but due to its role in Scotland’s slate industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is covered in small, flat and round stones, which are perfect for skimming.
There are no cash prizes, just a trophy and the bravado that comes with being able to call yourself the world’s best skimmer.
But the organisers of the World Stone Skimming Championships (WSSC) said last week they had been made aware of people using doctored stones in their most recent competition, which was held on September 6.
In a post on their Facebook page, WSSC organisers said they had been made aware of people lightly grinding their stones to make them rounder.
The rules of the competition state that participants must find their stones “naturally formed” on Easdale, just like most people would do if they were playing the game in the wild.
The post said: “Selecting your own skimming stones before the event is one of the highlights of the competition that many competitors enjoy.”
But it continued: “It is with great regret that we announce that the WSSC organisers have become aware of doctored stones being used by several competitors at this year’s championships.”
Organisers said all of the competitors who were suspected of cheating were contacted. All of them admitted their wrongdoing and were disqualified.
The WSSC said: “If we are aware of future stone doctoring, we will again have no hesitation in disqualifying the competitors in question, and we will be forced to insist all skimmers use stones pre-selected by the WSSC organisers.”
Kyle Mathews, a local GP who is the “Toss Master” in charge of the event, told The Scottish Mail on Sunday: “I got calls from concerned competitors. They were worried people might think that’s how things are done here.
“I contacted the individuals, who admitted their transgressions and I had to disqualify them.
“To give them their credit, they deeply apologised for bringing the sport into disrepute and accepted disqualification and we accept that’s the end of the matter.”
The WSSC is not the only outdoor childhood game turned into adult competition to be rocked by a cheating scandal.
Last year, there was an uproar at the World Conker Championships after a brown painted steel nut resembling a conker was found inside the pocket of the competition’s winner.
After a week-long investigation, David Jakins, also known as King Conker, was cleared of cheating.
Mr Jakins said he only carried the steel conker, which organisers said was “indistinguishable” from the real thing, in his pocket to show people “as a joke”, but noted he won’t be bringing it to future competitions.
The growth in the popularity of the WSSC has led to a minor tourism industry popping up around Easdale despite the island having no roads.
Every year, hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators arrive to take part in the event, which is usually held during the first weekend of September.
The competition breaks down into seven categories, ranging from children to “old tossers” for those over 60.
Each competitor is allowed three skims, and their stones must bounce at least twice to have a chance at getting promoted to the next round.
The best skimmers often hit the back wall of the 63 metre stretch of water, which is in a disused quarry.
This year, Jonathan Jennings, from the USA, was the overall winner, with Lucy Woods winning the adult female category for the sixth time.
All money raised at the event goes to charity.
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