With a 37 point lead in the Scottish 1000cc Superstock Championship, Bruce Birnie had some tough choices to make. Not only which tyres to use but a tactical points game was likely to come in to play as well.

Several riders from the British Championship had made an appearance in a bid to get some track time prior to next month's British Superbike round at Knockhill. With these talented visitors in the fray it was likely to rob regular riders of valuable points.

Fresh back from his podium place at the Isle of Man TT and successful runs at the Irish North West 200, former track trival and close friend and professional rider Keith Amor was the most likely to be a thorn in Bruce's side.

Keith, originally from Falkirk and now based in Ireland was out on his Wilson Craig Racing Honda Fireblade for the first race. With Amor on pole and Bruce second a good start was key for both riders.

Amor led into the first turn with Bruce close behind. Unfortunately for Bruce, Danderhall rider Michael Robertson managed to squeeze himself in front of Bruce. Two laps later Bruce charged past Michael on the brakes into the hairpin, by which time he had lost the tow from Keith Amor.

With raindrops starting to fall Bruce played a tactical game and finished a safe second. Nearest championship rival Torquil Paterson had ran wide braking from 150mph for the highspeed Duffus dip. Out of points contention, Torquil retired from the race. Another visitor Jimmy Storrar took third place from Robertson, resulting in Bruce increasing his lead by eight points.

Sunday morning saw heavy rain causing all sorts of issues for several of the classes. The rain stopped shortly before the premiere class were due back out for the second Scottish Championship leg. Tyre choice was now in the lap of the gods. With water lying on the track and black clouds hanging overhead Bruce opted for full wets.

After a frantic tyre change it was off to do battle again. With no championship at stake Amor had decided not to race in the difficult conditions and was content to sign autographs for the fans instead.

For several laps, Bruce led the field, but as the track dried Torquil Paterson edged to the front. With his wet tyres rapidly deteriorating Bruce had to fend off veteran Inverness rider Donald McFadyen twice on the brakes at the hairpin to secure his second spot and 20 points.

Injured from a big accident in an earlier 600cc race Michael Robertson hung on well for fourth.

Now 52 points clear in the championship, Bruce said: "It was really difficult out there today with such a fast pace in horrible conditions.

"While I'm never happy finishing second I had to settle for that as my tyres were destroyed after four laps. I love racing in the wet, but it just wasn't wet enough for my choice of tyres. Going home having extended my lead must be be good. It has been a good weekend overall for me and the team."