Aberdeen Full Bore Gun Club, in partnership with the Aberdeen Wapinschaw Association are pleased to announce the 142nd Aberdeen Wapinschaw, due to take place on 9-11 June 2023 at the Cairngall Range, near Peterhead.
History
The Wapinschaw, or weapon-show, was devised to compel the inhabitants of burghs and parishes to gather periodically to exhibit their arms and to show not only that they possessed weapons appropriate to their individual stations in life, and in good order, but that they were able to use them.
The first Wapinschaws were held over 580 years ago, for in 1424, in the reign of James I, Parliament, sitting at Perth , passed what is probably the shortest Act in the statute book.
In Aberdeen , the earliest reference to such a gathering in the minutes of the Town Council occurs in 1496 when the burgesses were required.
The establishment of the National Rifle Association, which held annual competitions in England led to the development of the Aberdeen Wapinschaw into a 3 day meeting in July 1862 with competitions for rifles, carbines and artillery, the 68 pounder guns firing at targets floating almost a mile out in Aberdeen bay.
In 1869 Queen Victoria presented the first of the prizes which she gave annually throughout her lifetime. Thereafter King Edward VII continued the practice and King George V presented a challenge cup. This generous encouragement has been of inestimable value to the Wapinschaw.
With the exception of the years of the First and Second World Wars, the Wapinschaw has been held annually since 1862. Throughout, the Association has attempted to keep the competitions reasonably in line with current shooting practices whilst at the same time trying to maintain the traditional atmosphere of the meeting.
In more recent years the Wapinschaw was financially supported by the Highland Territorial and Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Association (TAVRA) (now Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA)) and in 1996 Highland RFCA assumed the running of the event. Highland RFCA supplied members of the Committee, premises and financial support. The Committee was drawn from RFCA, tri-service Reserve Forces and Cadet Personnel and Civilian Gun Clubs. In 2004, 51st (Scottish) Brigade became the sponsor of the Wapinschaw, supplying manpower, materials and infrastructure in support. In 2010, due to financial cutbacks in the MoD, 51st (Scottish) Brigade removed all support for the Wapinschaw. HRFCA continues to give financial support.
Current Day
The Committee, comprising volunteers and members from the Cadet and Gun Club organisations assumed the running of the Wapinschaw. The Civilian Wapinschaw is recognised by the NRA as an important event.
Below can be found links to information and entry forms for the 142nd Wapinschaw, due to take place 9-11 June 2023 at the Cairngall Range, near Peterhead, with refreshments available on Saturday and Sunday.
For any questions about the competition, please contact info@afbgc.co.uk.