THREE West Fifers are aiming to hit the target and claim European glory when they represent their country next week.

Father-and-son duo Derek and Ross Hood, from Rosyth, and Dalgety Bay’s Colin Witton will travel to the Netherlands to compete at the 2019 European Field Archery Championships.

The trio are members of the Forest Spirit Archers club, based near Cluny, that has five representatives – the others being John Kerr Sneddon, of Cowdenbeath, and Michael Dick, of Glenrothes – competing at the competition.

The event, which takes place in Doorwerth, near Arnhem, is set to attract almost 600 competitors, including 30 in total from Scotland, and begins on Monday.

Derek, who is Forest Spirit Archers shoot director, followed Ross, 18, into the sport seven years ago, and said: “There will be 595 competitors there and the shoot will take place from Monday to Friday.

“We are all representing the Scottish Field Archery Association – we’ve all got kilts and Scotland tops to wear – and it is the biggest entry we’ve had as a club for the European Championships.

“For myself and Ross, we’ve been to UK and Irish championships, and Scottish championships, but this will be our first trip to the Europeans.

“Ross has won UK and Scottish championships and, for the first time, won the young adult (male, freestyle unlimited) title at the Scottish Indoor Championships in February.

“Ross is shooting really well at the moment.”

He added: “Two weeks ago, Colin won the UK Championships, is shooting well and could be in contention for a medal, whereas in my category, there will be 60 archers from across Europe and have been hitting top scores.

“A few will have more expectations than others.”

The tournament’s opening ceremony takes place on Sunday.