20 Years of Scottish Skateboarding

2026 marks a major milestone for Scottish skateboarding.

This year is the 20th anniversary of War of the Thistles (WOTT) — a cornerstone event in the Scottish skate scene and officially the longest-running skate competition in the UK.

What started as a grassroots contest has grown into something much bigger: a yearly gathering point for the entire scene. Not just a competition, but a full celebration of Scottish skateboarding — its people, its progression, and its community.

A Legacy Built Over Two Decades

For 20 years (minus the Covid interruptions), War of the Thistles has brought together skaters from across Scotland and beyond.

It’s been hosted across some of the country’s most important skate spaces — including Unit 23, TX and, more recently, The Loading Bay, where the event has found a strong home over the past five years.

Each location has added its own flavour, but the core of WOTT has always stayed the same:

• Open to everyone
• Focused on participation over pressure
• Built around the session, not strict competition formats

It’s this approach that’s kept people coming back year after year.

More Than a Competition

WOTT has never been about polished runs or overly structured formats. It’s about who shows up and how hard they skate.

The event is built around jam sessions across the park — street, mini ramp, and bowl — where the energy stays high and the skating stays constant.

Instead of traditional podium-focused formats, WOTT leans into what skateboarding does best:
spontaneous moments, crowd hype, and progression happening in real time.

One of the defining features of the event is the cash for tricks format in the main jam. When something goes down, it gets recognised immediately — keeping the session moving and rewarding creativity, commitment, and style.

At the centre of it all is the “Shralper” trophy — awarded to the skater who has gone in the hardest across the entire park. Not just one trick, not one run — but the person who’s put in the most throughout the day.

It’s less about perfection, more about presence.

The Sword Trophy

Alongside the Shralper title, WOTT is also known for one of the most iconic trophies in UK skateboarding — the sword.

Awarded to the overall winner, the sword has become a symbol of the event’s history and status within the scene. It’s not just about winning on the day — it’s about joining a very small group of skaters who have etched their name into WOTT history.

Over the past 20 years, only a limited number of riders have held the sword, making it one of the most respected honours in Scottish skateboarding. Each name represents a different era of the scene, reflecting how WOTT has evolved while staying true to its roots.

It’s rare, it’s recognisable, and it carries serious weight.

Supporting the Next Generation

Alongside the main event, WOTT continues to create space for the wider community.

This year will once again feature:

• 16 & Under Jam
• Women’s Jam

Both sessions focus on accessibility and encouragement, with product prizes up for grabs and a strong emphasis on participation.

These jams have become an essential part of the day — giving newer and underrepresented skaters a platform while keeping the atmosphere inclusive and supportive.

2026: Back at The Loading Bay

For its 20th anniversary, War of the Thistles returns to The Loading Bay Skatepark on Sunday 3rd May.

The park has played a key role in recent years, helping push the event forward while staying true to its roots. With a mix of street, transition, and open space, it’s the perfect setting for the kind of all-day session WOTT is known for.

Keeping It Grassroots

One of the most important aspects of WOTT is how it operates.

There’s:

• No pre-registration
• No barriers to entry
• No overcomplication

Just turn up, pay your entry fee, and skate.

All funds from the day go directly back into supporting skateparks, helping maintain and grow the spaces that make events like this possible in the first place.

Why It Still Matters

Reaching 20 years isn’t just a milestone — it’s a reflection of how strong and connected the Scottish skate scene is.

War of the Thistles has outlasted trends, formats, and generations of skaters because it’s built on something simple:
people showing up and skating together.

No matter your level, background, or style — WOTT has always had space for you.

And that’s exactly why it’s still going strong.

See You There

Whether you’ve been coming for years or it’s your first time, this year’s event is set to be one of the biggest yet.

Come down, get involved, and be part of 20 years of Scottish skateboarding.

Sunday 3rd May
The Loading Bay Skatepark