The World Stone Skimming Championship is held every year on the last Sunday in September on the beautiful island of Easdale near Oban. Easdale was once the centre of a thriving Scottish slate mining industry, and one of the disused quarries forms a perfect arena for the championships.

Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter. Each competitor is allowed three skims using specially selected Easdale slate skimming stones. For a skim to qualify the stone must bounce at least three times – it’s then judged on the distance achieved before it sinks. There’s also a barbecue and kids’ activities, including a bouncy castle.

On the Saturday night before the event, you can warm up at the famous ‘Pre-skim Party’ in Easdale Island Community Hall, where there will be a bar and live music.