Crowds of thousands saw German chainsaw carver Michael Tamoszus work his magic to blow away the competition to collect a hat-trick of titles at Carve Carrbridge.
His captivating carving ‘Girl in the Wind’ truly captured the movement of the elements and wowed the crowds of almost 4,000 at the Highland village.
Not only did the woodsman from the Black Forest win top price, the coveted Claymore Trophy, he also won the Peoples Choice and the Carvers Choice titles.
This was Martin’s sixth year as a competitor – having previously won Best New Entrant in 2009.
Taking second place this year was long-time entrant and multiple podium place star, Pete Bowsher.
And former opera singer Martin Kalman wasn’t singing the blues, taking third spot and as a result, also walking away with the ‘Best New Entrant’ title.
Now in its 16th year, Carve Carrbridge attracts chainsaw sculptors from around the world and is deemed the world’s ultimate chainsaw carving competition, attracting some 3,500 spectators.
Carve Carrbridge organiser Gavin Gerrard said: “There was horses, bears, bagpipers, warriors and even Oor Wullie.
“What an amazing array of chainsaw carving talent has been on display today and Michael is a very deserving winner of the Claymore Trophy, many congratulations to him.”
He added: “A very big thank you to all our sponsors and brilliant volunteers who make Carve Carrbridge such a success every year with all the money raised at the event going to good causes in the community.”
Other highlights included Adrian Bois from Argentina, the competition’s first entrant from South America.
Based in Villa Elisa, near Buneos Aires, he has been carving wood for 10 years.
Also competing was Alice Buttress, a local artist and potter, who has taken part several times at novice standard before entering the competition as a carver for the first time eight years ago.
The only lady contestant this year, Alice is the creator of the forest spirit that proudly stands at the Inverness/Grantown road junction and, in conjunction with husband Jeff, prepared the Bridge 300 carving in the public car park.
