It was not every day that you got the chance to do battle with a professional chess player, but for those who were interested, there was a Grandmaster simultaneous chess display in An Lanntair art gallery Stornoway on the morning of Saturday 23rd July 2011, during the period that the Lewis Chessmen, Unmasked Exhibition is running in Museum nan Eilean between 15 th April and 12th September. The simul was organised by Trish Botten from Museum Nan Eilean and Calum Wallace.

Dr Colin McNab GM, who was sponsored by Museum nan Eilean where the Lewis Chessmen will be on display and was funded by Scotland's Island and the European Regional Development Fund, pit his wits against a selection of hopeful chess enthusiasts including Calum Wallace, Roddy Murray, Jamie Doig, David Maciver, Lewis Macdonald, Iain Macaulay, James Lennie, George Riley, Norman L Macdonald, Robert Doig, John Moffat, and Steve Tunnicliff. The grandmaster won all his games but one or two contestants put up stern resistance.

Photo 1: Jamie Doig, Steve Tunnicliff, Calum Wallace and Dr Colin McNab analysing the finer points of the correct white move order against the Pirc Defence.

Photo 2: Roddy Murray receiving one of the best game prizes. John Moffat also received a best game prize.

Photo 3: Robert Doig in conversation with Dr Colin McNab while Calum Wallace, Iain Macaulay and Jamie Doig look on.

Posted on: 03-08-2011
Categories: News