A world champion bodybuilder has shared the secrets of his success with pupils of a north primary school.
Highlander Tom Stoltman visited Dingwall Primary School to talk about his career – and his struggles with .
The 25-year-old first began competing at 17 after watching his older brother Luke training at the gym.
Known as The Albatross, the Invergordon athlete has gone onto have worldwide success, earning the title of Scotland’s Strongest man in 2018 and again in 2019 following a close fought battle against his 35-year-old sibling.
Following his world class success at Britain’s Strongest Man 2020 in Sheffield last month, the bodybuilder has now opened up about his journey to success.
During the talk with primary seven students, Stoltman spoke about his experiences in education and his rise to fame, as well as his personal struggles with autism.
Primary seven teacher, Shonagh Clark said his openness about his personal struggles had inspired the young students to “follow their dreams”.
She said: “Tom spoke to the primary seven children about his journey through school and how he became the success he is today.
“Tom was particularly open about his own personal struggle with autism which touched the hearts of both pupils and staff alike.
“His message inspired the children to follow their dreams, to never give up no matter what and to be who you want to be.”
His talk comes just two weeks after he set a new world record time on the Castle Stones event at Britain’s Strongest Man 2020.
The Highland athlete put on a stellar display of strength by lifting five huge stones onto their plinths in an impressive time of just 16.01 seconds.
This marked a hugely successful weekend for the strongmen brothers who both earned a podium finish, with Tom scooping the silver as his older brother Luke taking home the Bronze.
Mrs Clark said having role models like Tom can inspire the young students to greatness.
She added: “It was fantastic for the children to see a local man who has achieved so much. I firmly believe that positive role models like Tom can greatly influence the children in our local community. He has certainly got a new fan club in Dingwall Primary.”