2013 Scottish Six Days Trial

Just over two weeks from now the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) will roll into Fort William, with this year's event taking place from 6th to 11th May. The Scottish Highlands will welcome riders and fans from all over the world for this unique annual competition, which continues to have a major positive impact on the local community. Donald Campbell, a local Police Area Inspector whose first involvement with the SSDT dates back to 1988, is perfectly placed to explain just what this event means to Fort William.

"I have been in the Police service for twenty-six years now, for most of which I have been stationed in Lochaber," began Donald. "I did do a four-and-a-half year tenure on the Isle of Lewis, since then I have been based back in and around the Lochaber area."

Donald continued. "My first professional involvement with the SSDT was in 1988, where as a young officer I was detailed with some traffic control and marshalling duties at the popular spectator sections at Trotters Burn and Witches Burn. Since my transfer to Glencoe in 2007, I have become heavily involved in the planning from the Police side of the event, liaising with the trial committee and other interested parties through a series of well-structured meetings."

Talking about the event further, Inspector Campbell went on to say. "The planning stages are critical from a Police point of view in ensuring that routes and identified spectator points of interest are well covered to prevent traffic issues and problems for other motorists, as well as to ensure the safety of all road users. The Police locally have an excellent working relationship with the trial committee, now through Jeff Horne and previously in my time with Mark Whitham. They, along with their colleagues, put in a fearful amount of work to ensure all runs smoothly, or indeed as smoothly as possible!"

"On a personal level my involvement with trials didn't begin until 2002, when my six-year-old son, Donnie, took an interest in the sport through a neighbour who had previously competed in the SSDT. Since then he has continued his interest and I'm sure like every youth rider he has an ambition of one day competing in the SSDT, which continues to be a wonderful spectacle." explained Donald.

Confirming the importance of the SSDT to Fort William and the wider region Donald stated. "There is no doubt in my mind that the SSDT brings a massive boost to the local economy and also helps to keep Lochaber in its entirety on the world map as the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK'. Business communities throughout the length and breadth of Lochaber benefit through the volume of people, competitors, spectators and support teams who follow this important event."

"Unfortunately in recent years I have been unable to watch the trial as much as I would like to due to work commitments, however I do try and sneak a spot of spectating in at one of the more accessible sections during the course of a working day if I can!"

"I would like to sign off by wishing everyone involved in the SSDT - a safe and trouble-free event and enjoy your week in the beautiful Lochaber area." ended Inspector Campbell.

To find out more about the Scottish Six Days Trial and spectating opportunities, please visit the website at www.ssdt.org.