The MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, opened the Glorney Gilbert international chess competition at Stirling University on Friday, 18th of August. 

The competition has been running regularly since 1949 – moving online due to the pandemic. This year’s competition at the University of Stirling is the first in-person Glorney Gilbert international competition since the pandemic. 

The event is an under 18’s chess competition. The Scottish, Welsh, Irish and English chess teams were all represented. The teams are competing for four cups – the under 18’s Glorney Cup, the under 14’s Robinson Cup, the girls under 18 Gilbert Cup, and the Stokes Cup, which is for under 12’s.

Following his opening speech, MSP Keith Brown opened the event, making the ceremonial ‘first move’ on the chessboard.

In his speech, Keith Brown MSP said:

“It’s great to be here in my capacity as the local MSP to welcome you all to the Glorney Gilbert international chess competition here in Stirling today. 

“As I’m sure many of you will know, it’s not the first time that this competition has been held at Stirling University. It’s an honour to have you back at this fantastic venue – I hope that you will take the time to appreciate your beautiful surroundings, as well as what the rest of Stirling has to offer. 

“Starting in 1949, the Glorney Gilbert chess competition has been running regularly ever since. Unfortunately, this competition has seen some disruption over the past three years due to the pandemic – though that makes this year’s competition particularly special, as it’s the first in-person competition since 2019. 

“One of the things that stands out to me about this particular chess competition is its ability to bring together young people from all across these Islands – and in previous years from elsewhere in the continent – with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all represented here today. I want to pass on a heartfelt welcome to all of you and wish all the teams well for this weekend. 

“Before making the ceremonial first move today, I want to thank Chess Scotland, the University of Stirling, the Glorney Gilbert international and everyone else involved in the organisation of this event, as well as everyone in attendance, for bringing what I’m sure will be a successful event to Scotland and to Stirling.

You can follow the matches live here: Gilbert Cup • Round 1 • lichess.org