All eyes were on a small Highland village over the weekend as the top heavyweight Highland Games stars tested their strength in Caithness.
Halkirk, population around 1,800 people, followed in the footsteps of last year’s hosts San Francisco – home to around 864,000 – in hosting the World Highland Games Heavy Events Championships.
It is the first time that the village has played host to the world class field of 10 selected athletes who challenge for the prestigious title.
The champion emerged as 38-year-old strongman Scott Rider from Kent, who beat last year’s winner Daniel McKim from Kansas into second place.
Another American, Matt Vincent of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, completed the top three.
Overcast conditions and a soft surface meant that although the competition was closely fought, there was not much scope for breaking records.
However, PE teacher and overall winner Mr Rider was able to beat the ground record for the 16lb Light Ball.
The heavies were cheered on by a crowd of some 3,000 spectators who packed into the village’s Recreation Park.
Halkirk Highland Games Association president Alistair Swanson hailed the weekend as a major success, saying the elite athletes had put on a “thrilling contest”.
He said: “It was very good event. We were quite lucky because although it was overcast it stayed dry apart from one slight shower so I think everyone was able to enjoy themselves.
“We were delighted to be following on from San Franscisco which was the host last year.”
The world event is held around every year, including as far afield as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Nigeria.
The event is organised by chief judge Steve Conway from California who said Halkirk has an “excellent reputation” as one of the best Highland Games in Scotland.
As well as the heavies, all the regular entertainment of a Highland Games were in place, including performances by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipe Band.
Star performers in the regular games was Allan Hamilton of Edinburgh who broke the ground record for the high jump, while Grantown cyclist Charles Fletcher swept the board in the cycle races.
Mr Swanson added: “We are very grateful for the support of everyone involved and particularly our numerous local sponsors.
“Without that an event like this wouldn’t happen.”
