A darts superstar has celebrated his recent success at the oche by visiting one of Moray’s newest tourist attractions.
Gary Anderson, who lifted the Professional Darts Corporation’s World Darts Championships crown for the second year running in January, was “fascinated” by the exhibits at the Morayvia Science and Technology Centre.
The Flying Scotsman was in the area over the weekend after headlining a Betway Premier League event in Aberdeen, and competing in exhibitions at Elgin and Keith.
Mr Anderson’s manager, legendary boxing promoter Tommy Gilmour, asked if Morayvia volunteers coould show him around the base.
Mr Gilmour said the darts ace was attracted by the group’s charitable efforts, and spent time there signing pieces of memorabilia which will be auctioned off for worthy causes.
He added: “One thing Mr Anderson is very good at is helping others less fortunate than himself, and he was glad to support the group with its charity work.
“He ended up sitting in the Sea King helicopter, and really enjoyed his day there too.”
After a mammoth fundraising campaign, Morayvia managed to secure a legendary Sea King search and rescue copter for its Kinloss base last summer.
The famed machine now stands there as a lasting tribute to the area’s search and rescue staff.
Mr Anderson had intended to visit the venue only briefly, but his visit stretched on for hours as he listened eagerly to tales of the search and rescue heroics performed in the region.
Morayvia chairman Mark Mair added: “He arrived at 11am and stayed until 3pm, he was fascinated by the place.
“He asked a lot questions, and had a huge amount of respect for the servicemen and women that served in Moray.”
The 45-year-old Musselburgh native is ranked just below Dutch darts player Michael van Gerwen in the PDC’s ranking system.
After years of planning, the Morayvia Science and Technology Centre opened its gallery of exhibits to guests last October.
A successful first season ended in December, and members are now gearing up to reopen the site at Easter.
The venue also boasts a Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft, and other items which highlight aviation engineering.