A heavyweight show of strength in the north saw plenty of competitors – but for one man in his category, no-one turned up to take on his challenge.
Kevin MacGregor, from Caithness, organised a Strongman competition yesterday afternoon in John O’Groats – but in spite of plenty of competition in the under 17 stone category – no-one turned out to test his strength in the upper weight event.
Undeterred Mr MacGregor, 27, who is 6ft 4ins and weighs more than 17 stone – put on a show for the 500 people who came out to see some of Scotland’s strongest men take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Mr MacGregor, who trains almost full time for strongmen events, put on five daring challenges for the eight men who turned out to pit their strength in the under 17 stone championship.
Mr MacGregor, who is sponsored by Sinclair’s butchers in Wick, said: “I was a bit disappointed that no one turned out to challenge me, but it didn’t stop us for a minute having a good day. I just challenged some people in the audience to take me on.
“There was a superb competition in the under 17 stone competition. There were five events altogether including walking with heavy weights, pulling 30 stone chains, carrying a 25 stone yoke and lifting dead weights – it really was a sight to be seen.
“The winner was Kevin Doig from Inverness with 37 points, second was Daz McNab with 33.5 points and Michael Elder from Thurso collected 32 points to make him a very worthy third place holder.
“The competitors came from all over Scotland.
“When no one turned out to challenge me, I was disappointed, but I wasn’t put off at all. I still pulled a 41 stone timber frame with two inch handles up a 25ft long ramp in less than 10 seconds, and I flipped a 40 stone tyre five times in 20 seconds and I lifted a 15 stone creel over my head – I even pulled a massive American truck 70 foot.
“I challenged people in the audience to take me on, and I had good fun showing off. But yes, it would be really nice to have someone come and challenge me. Maybe next year.”
Mr MacGregor thanked everyone who made the day possible, including sponsorship that allowed him to offer more than £1,200 prize money.
Next year he plans to extend the event to give women an opportunity to take part.