Bill Sharman

TEAM CAPTAIN

Team Captain's Introduction   It is a great honour to have been appointed to lead the first Scottish Rifle Team to tour Canada since 1995. I believe we are also the first national touring team to include ‘F’ Class shooters who will represent Scotland in International matches abroad.   We have selected a team that has a core of experienced shots complemented by a group of shooters who are keen to develop their shooting experience and represent their country abroad. We are taking a team with a balance of age and experience and thus truly representative of Scottish Target and ‘F’ Class Rifle shooting at this time.

Our tour will take in the British Columbia Provincial Championships at Chilliwack and the DCRA Meeting at Connaught. We look forward to meeting old friends from Canada who visit Bisley regularly as well as making many new friends. The friendships formed during fullbore rifle tours invariably last a lifetime, both within the team and with those we meet on our travels. With our younger shots and first-time tourers particularly in mind, I hope there will be many opportunities to forge friendships that will far outlast the memories of the tour; certainly this has been my experience in all the overseas tours that I have undertaken.

I owe David Hossack, my Vice-captain, a huge debt of gratitude for his wise advice throughout our preparation and planning for this tour. Likewise Allan Mabon and Hamish Hunter, for so tirelessly carrying out all the hard work and myriad tasks that the Adjutant and Treasurer have to do .

I must also take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the team through sponsorship or financial contribution. The team has already received support in various form of sponsorship, monetary and in kind, and it is to these individuals and organisations that we express our thanks for making the tour more financially bearable.

I feel sure that whatever the outcome of this tour, the team will enjoy the experience on and off the range, make and renew lasting friendships, and continue the past record of sportsmanship and excellence that has become the hallmark of Scottish touring teams.