Glorney and Faber Cups 2004

25-29 July 2004

First Minister Jack McConnell and Deputy Minister Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Lewis Macdonald, meet the two Scottish team captains of the Glorney and Faber Cups in Aberdeen on May 23.

Chess Scotland , Scotland 's national chess association, this year hosts the annual international Glorney and Faber Cups competed for by teams drawn from some of Europe 's top under 18 boy and girl chess players. Over 60 players, managers and coaches are expected in Aberdeen for four days from July 26.

First Minister Jack McConnell, was unable to accept a Chess Scotland invitation to open the event which will be held at Aberdeen University 's Elphinstone Hall, but was keen to support a game which has been proven internationally to have educational benefits for young people across the social classes.

He therefore invited the Scottish girls' team captain, 16 year old Louise Macnab, who attends Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen and 15 year old Christopher Macdonald the Scottish boys' team captain who attends Dollar Academy to meet him at his hotel in Aberdeen on May 23rd to wish them good fortune in July.

The Scottish Executive's Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Lewis Macdonald, was also in attendance to meet the youngsters. He will be opening the Glorney Faber event on Monday July 26th on behalf of Mr. McConnell.

Last year, Scotland , with Louise and Christopher playing, came third out of eight countries when the event was held in the Czech Republic.

Aberdeen City Council is extremely supportive of the development of chess at local school level and is also providing a generous grant towards the running costs for staging this premier European youth team championship being held for the first time for many years in Scotland.