[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MuSxKx7Whw8]
THE WORLD’S oldest Wall of Death has arrived in Scotland – and is currently thrilling audiences with death-defying stunts.
Owners, the Messham family, have been risking life and limb to entertain the public for the best part of a century.
The daredevil family travel all over the world amazing crowds with their display of motorcycle tricks and fancy riding wherever they go.
And the two teenage riders, Jake, 18, and Junior, 16, are carrying on the family tradition which has seen the Messham’s become a revered name in the world of stunt motorcycling.
The intrepid duo are the fourth generation of stunt-riders, and the pair still use the same 600cc Indian Scout motorcycles that their family originally used in the 1930’s.
And the 20ft high solid Oregon pine wall unit they use will celebrate its 80th birthday this year.
Currently, the pair are thrilling audiences with their daily show at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.
Charles Winter, compere of the exciting exhibition, admits it can be frightening riding the wall, but that with the proper training the riders are perfectly safe.
He said: “As well as being the oldest, this Wall of Death is the smallest and steepest race track in the world, and when the riders hit their top speed it is really exciting for the crowd.
“It’s also a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s oldest fairground attractions still in operation – it really is a step back in time.
“The kids absolutely love it and it’s a great chance for the whole family to witness something totally unique.
“It looks so dangerous, but I can assure you the riders all receive hours of training before they are allowed anywhere near the wall.
“This is our second year in Edinburgh and so far the audiences have been wonderful.”
Mr Winter, 55, also takes part in the Messham’s Globe of Death where the riders career around a large metal globe at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Families can catch the Messham’s Wall of Death show in Edinburgh until January 12.
