New Statesman Scotland
Jousting makes a comeback After something of a lay-off, George Stephen, colonel of the Scots Greys, has plans to revive the ancient jousting tournament held at Edinburgh Castle. Queen Annabella, wife of Robert III, started this sporting event in August 1398. Her son David, Duke of Rothesay, took part with 11 other knights. These annual chivalrous head-bashings continued for another 300 years and then petered out for no discernible reason.
"The Military Tattoo is a splendid event, but I think the return of the royal jousting in Edinburgh could be a match for it in spectacle," said Colonel Stephen, an international equestrian expert.
Knights came from all over Europe to compete for prizes. A German, Jan Clokbuis, even toppled James IV. The king had already won the tournament several times, since the refereeing tended to be deferential, rather than independent. One year his prize was "a Mooress".
Colonel Stephen says he would rather like to offer women as prizes but doubts he will be allowed. "It will be more exciting than Gladiators. Within a few years everyone will think it has existed for ever, just like Edinburgh's Hogmanay party."
From the "Edinburgh Evening News"
Rugby Borders rugby has an awesome reputation as rough, tough and vengeful. Vendettas are carried on from season to season, with the summer's warmth only serving to keep wrath simmering. And in characteristic style, a flanker from a Hawick junior team nursed his grievance long enough to exact satisfaction at a local sevens tournament. When the object of his hatred received a pass near the touchline and ran the ball out of play, the Hawick flanker kept on coming. He chased his mark behind the stand, along the terracing and finally nailed him a few yards from the turnstile. The referee, a city man, was bemused and, after considering calling in the Lothian and Borders police, lamely gave a penalty. No one was sure where the kick should be taken since the offence occurred behind the goalposts.
A startling headline From the Southern Reporter: "Duke in favour of hunting". Well I never.
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