Speedway fans will get to say a fond farewell to Armadale Stadium this weekend.
Saturday's Scottish Open is set to be the final event held at the venue before the doors are closed for good, bringing an end to the Edinburgh Monarchs’ 26 season stint in West Lothian.
Opened in 1939 originally as a greyhound track, the Monarchs moved into the stadium in the late 1990s with greyhound racing being brought to an end in 2016.
A total of 16 riders – all of whom have competed for the Monarchs during their 26 season stint in West Lothian – are set to tussle it out in the final event held at the stadium before its expected closure.
A string of famous names from the club’s history are also expected to be in attendance while a fireworks display will light up the sky and round off the festivities.
A number of club legends will be taking to the shale, including current team captain Sam Masters and track record holder Craig Cook.
Both riders were part of the all-conquering 2014 and 2015 squads that clinched successive Premier League and Premier League Cup titles and both will be aiming to scoop a second Scottish Open title, with Cook claiming the 2013 trophy and Masters winning two years later.
Current Speedway Grand Prix ace Dan Bewley headlines the night.
The 23-year-old was a talented up-and-coming youngster when riding in the blue and gold of Edinburgh as he started his career in West Lothian in 2016.
The current British Champion finished sixth in the world last year and will no doubt be the one to beat.
The full line-up for the Scottish Open is as follows: 1. Josh Pickering, 2. Chris Harris, 3. Aaron Summers, 4. Sam Masters, 5. Justin Sedgmen, 6. Craig Cook, 7. Dan Bewley, 8. Lasse Fredriksen, 9. Leon Flint, 10. Richard Lawson, 11. Richie Worrall, 12. Max Clegg, 13. Jacob Hook, 14. James Sarjeant, 15. Theo Pijper, 16. Kye Thomson. Reserves: 17. Ace Pijper, 18. Gregor Millar.
The top three scorers after 20 heats will progress straight to the Grand Final while the next four best scorers will compete in the Semi-Final with the winner taking the final spot in the Grand Final.
With a large attendance expected, spectators are advised to purchase their tickets in advance .
A special 60-page souvenir magazine, priced at £5, will be available on the night and includes a year-by-year account of the Monarchs’ time in Armadale.
For more ticketing information, including how to purchase the live steam, visit the club’s website at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
