The Stoltman brothers have more strongman medals than you could shake a very heavy tree trunk at. But what else do they like to do when at home in Invergordon?
Here Luke, 40, ‘The Highland Oak’ and Tom, 30, ‘The Albatross’ reveal their favourite things about their highland hometown.
What springs to mind when you think of Invergordon?
Luke: “Home! We’re both real home birds. We travel a lot for work but we’re always drawn back to the Highlands. It’s where we feel most at peace.”
Tom: “Absolutely. It’s such a close-knit, supportive community. The business of big cities just isn’t for me.
“I struggle with crowded streets and the Tube, especially at my size. I love the peace and quiet of Invergordon and seeing friendly faces.”
What are your favourite places around Invergordon and why?
Tom: “The Stoltman Strength Centre and the Stoltman shop of course!”
Luke: “Haha, yes, but in all seriousness, we’re incredibly proud to run our businesses here in Invergordon.”
Tom: “This community has supported us throughout our journey, and it’s important to us to give something back.
“It’s amazing to see people travel from all over to visit the shop or the gym. If we can help bring more visitors to the area and showcase what makes Invergordon special, that’s a real honour.”
Most memorable night out in Invergordon?
Tom: “Luke has had a few more wild ones than me in his time!
“I started competing from quite a young age so I wasn’t really one for nights out.
“Though I did have a pretty crazy time on the bus back from a Ross County away game that involved a trip to A&E.
“I won’t say too much more but I learnt my lesson with vodka quite young.”
Luke: “Back in the day, we had plenty of options. There was Johnny Foxes, the Sutor, the Caley, the Silver Dollar and Marine.
“Christmas Eve in the Caley used to be the highlight of the year.”
What is your favourite Invergordon restaurant and why?
Tom: “The Ship Inn does the best food, though it was a shame to hear they are closing down, maybe an opportunity for a Stoltman Steak House!”
Luke: “You would just eat all the profits. The Ship Inn is great. Café Tomich is nice too.”
Best places around the area when you are looking to relax?
Luke: “Shandwick beach. We have great childhood memories of being there with the whole family.
“We both do cold water dips to help with our recovery from training and also to help zone out and clear our heads.”
Tom: “Definitely Shandwick. I also enjoy walking in the Castle Grounds woods with my dogs.
“It’s so peaceful, and there’s a Polish monument there that reminds me of our Opa (granddad), who came over from Poland during World War II. It’s a special place for me.”
What is your first memory of Invergordon?
Tom: “Sitting at the rec with my brother and sisters watching Luke play football for Invergordon youth teams.
“Summers seemed so much sunnier and hotter.”
Luke: “Travelling into town on the back of Mum’s bike to get shopping.
“She didn’t drive so when Dad was offshore she would put me on the back and my sister Jodie on the front and we would cycle from Tomich into Invergordon.
“Thinking back, it must have been tough for her, but she managed it all. That’s where we get a lot of our resilience, from her.”
Best place to stop for a coffee around Invergordon?
Luke: “We used to go to Crazy Horse. It’s now changed to Clootie McToot which looks nice.
“And Dalmore Farm just outside Invergordon. The people are really friendly, quick service and plenty of choice.”
Tom: “Storehouse or Highland Farm Café aren’t too far away and worth a stop in.”
What are you up to with work at the moment?
Tom: “It’s a busy time! Aside from training and competing, we’re focused on growing our businesses.
“We run a gym and shop in Invergordon with an amazing team, and we also offer online coaching through the Stoltman Strength Academy, which is expanding quickly.
“We’re also investing heavily in our clothing line. We have been taken aback at how popular it has been so we are working hard to see how we can take it to the next level.”
Luke: “On top of all that, we’re trying to give back to the community as much as we can.
“Invergordon has played such a big role in our journey, and we’re forever grateful for the support. We want to make sure we’re paying it forward.”
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