55,000 scones needed for fight night contest

Warriors from across the globe descend on palace for medieval battles

Truckloads of sand, a vast haul of iron weaponry and at least 55,000 scones are needed for a brutal knight fight at a Perthshire palace.

More than 500 competitors from across the globe will descend on the region this week for the International Medieval Combat Federation (IMCF) World Championships.

Scone Palace, the ancient crowning seat of Scottish kings, will host four days of full contact fighting by armoured warriors using battleaxes and longswords.

It is the first time the unusual sports spectacular has been held in Britain.

Organisers have promised medieval dualling, team fights and archery, as well as a host of side attractions.

Preparations for tomorrow’s launch have involved the delivery of 60 tonnes of sand and more than 2,300 pieces of ironmongery. About 830 metres of Scottish spruce have also been brought in to build the fighting area, known as The List. All of the wood will be recycled once the event is over.

And it wouldn’t be a medieval clash without a near bottomless supply of baked goods. Around 55,000 scones will be made for the competitors living in the encampments during the tournament.

There will storytelling and behindthe-scenes events across the four days, as well as live music by Glasgow-based Clann An Drumma. There will also be some equine jousting, Les Amis D’Onno, on Thursday and Sunday.

Stephen Brannigan, head of house at Scone Palace said: “Scone Palace is proud to be the official host of the IMCF World Championships as this incredible event takes place in the UK for the first time.”

Picture: Andrew Cawley. Member of the Scottish Knight League Ralph Campbell-Smith gets some practice in.