An innovative project in Shetland is on the look out for some sharp shooters.

Extreme Paintball Shetland Ltd (EPSL) is launching on Saturday 10th July bringing this increasingly popular activity to Shetland.

Paintball is currently one of the fastest growing sports in Europe.  With thousands of new players trying it out every month. 

Peter Mackay and Mark Watt, the owners of EPSL, have lots of paintballing experience and are both qualified to marshal paintballing events.  Their new venture will be based at the old Traxx go-karting site in Lerwick.  The used tyres which once marked out the racing track now form the hides and 'buildings' needed in paintball.  Additional wooden buildings have also been constructed.

This first for Shetland has received assistance of £4,500 from Shetland Enterprise.  John Thorne, a development manager with the local enterprise company, said: "We were keen to support this venture because it gives the islands a new and exciting leisure activity.

"This is a unique development for Shetland - bringing a pastime to the islands that has proved very popular elsewhere, it's good to see a local company bringing this project forward.

"It should prove popular with local people as well as business visitors and holiday makers."

Peter Mackay said: "Most first time players attend a corporate event day, stag party, birthday party or just a group of friends getting together to have a day of fun.  But after playing for the first time we hope many will be 'bitten by the paintball bug' and return on a regular basis and try tournament paintball."

Talking about the type of people it might appeal to Mark Watt said: "Many non-players think that paintball is just for wannabe Rambos but it is a game which is great fun for anyone.  Paintball is a well organised, exciting and growing sport.

"We're planning to run leagues involving teams from local businesses which should help make it a big hit with local people."

League team members will pay an annual fee of £20, with free admission.  Individuals will be priced at £12 admission.  There is also a spectators area for those who enjoy watching the sport.

Peter and Mark hope to join mainland UK leagues to widen the scope for competition, they also plan to play their part in the 'island games'.  This will attract more players to Shetland, supporting the island's growing tourism economy.

Safety is key and on arrival people will be issued with a safety mask, specifically designed for paintball, coveralls to protect clothing and some other items of safety equipment.  A comprehensive safety talk is given at the start of the day before any player is allowed to touch a marker or gun or start the day's play

EPSL can tailor-make a package for companies or groups of friends and can be arranged to last from 3 hours to full days, including a local restaurant meal for the group of players if their package deal requires it.