Orkney’s sharp shooters who are aiming for island games glory. Pictured at the front is team manager Victor Smith. Behind him, from the left are: Alan Clouston, Rab Wilson, Richard Oliver, John Craigie, Derek Firth, Brian Foreman, Dennis Stevenson and Stewart Clouston. (All pictures: 59°North/Frank Bradford)

Orkney’s clay pigeon shooters are getting ready to pull the trigger at this year’s Island Games in Shetland.

Clay pigeon shooters have represented the county since the games’s introduction in 1985, and as this year’s team begin preparations for the event, they are confident of hitting the bullseye, as far as medals are concerned.

Despite a medal-less campaign in 2003, Orkney’s clay pigeon shooters have tasted success in previous games, and the determined nine-strong team are convinced that they will be on target for success this time.

It may not be a mainstream sport, but clay pigeon shooting is an exciting contest that simultaneously tests competitors’ co-ordination and composure.

The nine Orkney shooters will be representing the county in four different disciplines at the games, these consist of: automatic ball trap, universal trench, skeet and sporting.

Stewart Clouston takes aim.

The diversity of this sport is evident within the different techniques needed to succeed in each of the disciplines.

A mixture of youth and experience will take to the clay pigeon range at the Shetland event, and according to Victor Smith, team manager, there’s an abundance of medal potential.

Mr Smith’s optimism stems from previous games successes, where he has taken his place on the podium.

Orkney’s best islands games achievements from clay pigeon shooting came in 1997, in Jersey, and at the 2001 event on the Isle of Man.

Victor, and Alan Clouston, who again take their places in this year’s squad, won bronze in 1997 and 2001 in the automatic ball trap event and the Olympic trench competition.

What made the 2001 result more impressive was that the pair were competing in the trench category as a duo for the first time.

In 1985, at the first games, Kenny Learmonth and Stan Headley missed out on a medal by one clay, and, during the Aland Games, Graham Fraser and Kenny Learmonth were again denied by a single clay.

Bullseye! Another clay is hit by team manager Victor Smith.

This year’s squad meets up every fortnight as part of the Orkney league programme, but in an attempt to repeat Smith and Clouston’s games feats, the side are upping the anti and meeting every Sunday to prepare for Shetland.

Victor said: “We have started to meet every Sunday to prepare for the games.

“We want to be as prepared as possible as we genuinely think we have medal potential.

“It is difficult knowing what we have to do, we have some experience of winning medals so, hopefully, we can use this to help our cause.

“The standard is really high at the games so all we can do at the moment is group together and work to make sure we are as prepared as possible.”

The Orkney squad has an abundance of experience, but, during the Shetland games, they will be unleashing a 16-year-old secret weapon who is looking forward to the experience.

Youngster Richard Oliver, who has already been making headway in national youth competitions, said that he will savour the experience of pitting his wits against the older players.

Richard Oliver, at just 16, will be the youngest member of the team.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to Shetland. It is a big step up for me, but one that I am looking forward to.

“I am really pleased to be part of the team, as there is a lot to learn here. It will be my first Island Games experience and I’m looking forward to it.”

Optimism surrounding the youngster has been echoed by medal winner Alan Clouston who said the games will be a beneficial experience for Richard.

He said: “Richard is doing really well. He gained the S.C.T.A special award which is only given to four players each year. He is really young but doing really well, and importantly, is a valuable member of our team.”

Victor believes that the conditions in Shetland will give the Orkney squad a sizeable advantage.

He said: “Thankfully, this year’s games will be held in a location that has weather conditions similar to our own.

Dennis Stevenson will be hard at work preparing for the games.

“In Guernsey 2003, it was really difficult to adapt to the conditions, they severely hampered our performance - one player even got sunstroke, it was that bad.

“We can hopefully do better in Shetland than we did in Guernsey, we want to get back to the games and show what Orkney is made of.

“I am really pleased because we have medal potential from a number of areas and it will be really interesting to see how we all perform.

“Alan Clouston is maybe our strongest competitor and, with his experience, he has a good chance of doing well. It is not only Alan, but a lot of the boys.

“We are represented in the four events and we have competitors in each category who can do well.”

He concluded: “The island games are a great championship and nothing we compete in compares to them.

“It is a really pressurised occasion, especially if it is your first time.

“For beginners it is bound to be nerve-wracking, but they will get a lot from it - that’s what the games are about.

“One of the best features of the games is the atmosphere. The opening and closing ceremonies show exactly how big this is.

Rab Wilson will be on the range for Orkney at the island games.

“It is great fun to be part of, and hopefully, our competitors will get out there and enjoy it, which is the most important thing.

“You don’t get to compete in events of this size often, so it’s all about getting out there and doing your best and we are all really looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can fulfil our potential and bring some medals back to Orkney!” Orkney’s sharp shooters in Shetland will be: Alan Clouston, Stewart Clouston, John Craigie, Derek Firth, Brian Foreman, Richard Oliver, Victor Smith, Dennis Stevenson and Rab Wilson.