Contacts

Championship Organisers

Alex McFarlane

(Congress Director)

Alex mixes arbiting and organising. Whilst still happy to do all types of events he is perhaps now better known for major events such as the British, London Classic Open and Hastings Masters where he is the chief Arbiter. He is also Chief Arbiter of the arbiter’s association the CAA. As well as the Scottish, Alex is co-manager of the British Championships. He was for many years a member of the organising committee for the Glasgow Congress. Perhaps the wackiest event he has organised was an all night Allegro in a circus tent in a Paisley park!

Donald Wilson

(Chief Arbiter)

Donald is one of the most active and well respected arbiters in Britain. There are very few congresses in Scotland where he is not present either as arbiter or player. Having retired from HM Revenue and Customs has not affected the amount of time and effort he has donated to chess activities. Indeed it allowed him to become more involved in the junior scene. Donald is the immediate past President of Chess Scotland where he excelled in uniting the chess communities across the country.

Andy Howie

(Arbiter/Live Games)

Andy is Scotland’s up and coming arbiter. He is currently completing the requirements for his FIDE Arbiter title. He is also Scotland’s driving force in broadcasting live games over the Internet. He was at the London Classic in that capacity.

Andy is actively involved in junior chess circles. His administrative talents have seen him become Chief Executive of Chess Scotland.

If you see Andy rushing out of the tournament hall during the event please do not stop him as he will possibly be on his way to the birth of his second child which is due towards the end of the event.

Dave Clayton

(Live Games)

Dave is a great chess enthusiast. Former organiser of the extremely popular Blackpool Congress he is now to be seen up and down the country ensuring that the temperamental sensory boards do indeed transmit to the world. If you have watched the games from the British, London Classic, 4NCL or Hastings then you have enjoyed the fruits of Dave’s labours.

Dick Heathwood

(Entries Secretary)

Dick has recently been appointed Membership Secretary for Chess Scotland. This puts him in an excellent position to confirm that the FIDE conditions on membership are fulfilled. He has been involved in the organisation of many of the congresses which are held in Edinburgh. Dick has even been known to push plastic with varying degrees of success at other congresses.

Peter Woods

(Website and Bookstall)

The Woods family became involved in chess through their son Connor. They are now both ‘weel kent’ faces throughout Scotland due to running Chess Suppliers and providing the bookstall at most Scottish events. Peter has also designed the website for several events including the Glasgow League and Congress and is the former Marketing Director of Chess Scotland. The family continue to have a heavy involvement with junior Chess, Peter being a founder of the Chess for Kicks events.