A burly teenager from the west coast dominated the heavy events at a Highland Games gathering in Moray over the weekend.
Murdo Masterson earned the admiration of thousands who attended the 176th staging of the Tomintoul and Strathavon Highland Games on Saturday.
The 18-year-old from Oban emerged triumphant at hurling a 28lb weight the furthest, and in throwing another weight high over an elevated bar.
In one of the most popular events of the day, he also secured victory at tossing the caber.
And Mr Masterson had little time to celebrate – as he continued his good form during the Stonehaven Games yesterday.
As he was heading home, the teenager said he would expect to experience some aches and pains over the coming days as his taxing weekend catches up with him.
But he added that he was “delighted” with how his trip to Moray turned out.
Mr Masterson added: “I won four out of the five events I was taking part in, which was amazing for me but means I still have room for improvement.
“I started taking part in Highland Games events about three years ago, but only really started getting serious about it last year.
“My dad used to be a shot-putter, and it’s something I have just developed a knack for and picked up really well.”
The traditional gathering celebrated several unique aspects of Scottish culture, with Highland Dancing displays and pipe band performances also proving popular.
There were gasps from many in attendance at the feats of strength pulled off by the competitors in the heavy events.
An annual pillow fight provided some light relief, as rivals battered each other with padded sacks.
Other good-spirited events included a barrel-rolling contest.
The games are held in a park to the south of the Moray village.
During the opening hours, organisers were concerned that wet weather had caused a sizable drop in attendance from last year.
But within hours, the clouds parted and families came flocking into the grounds.
The event has its roots in the early 19th century, when the games were held in a valley on the banks of the River Avon.
Although the games have existed for around 200 years, interruptions for wars and other major upheavals in village life prompted occasional cancellations.
THE RESULTS
2017 WINNERS
JUNIOR HEAVIES
Light hammer – Jamie Dawkins, Aboyne
Light stone – Murdo Masterson, Oban
28lb weight for distance – Murdo Masterson
Weight over bar – Murdo Masterson
Caber – Murdo Masterson
HEAVIES
Throwing light hammer – Connor Quinn
Throwing heavy hammer – Kyle Randalls, Falkirk
Putting light stone – Connor Quinn
56lb weight for distance – Hans Lolkema, Holland
28lb weight for distance – Hans Lolkema
Tossing the caber – Greg Walker
OPEN PIPING
Pibroch – Ben Duncan, Edinburgh;
March – Gordon McCready, Renfrew
Strathspey & Reel – Ben Duncan
Jig & Hornpipe – Ben Duncan
Overall Best Piper – Ben Duncan
JUNIOR PIPING (14 to 18)
Junior Best Piper – Liam Brown, Mearns
March (14 to 17) – Liam Brown
Pibroch (under 18) – Liam Brown
Strathspey & Reel (under 14) – Liam Brown
March (under 14) – Liam Brown
RACES
90 metres open – Stuart Clark, Stonehaven
400m open – Ewan Bradley, Inverness
800m open – Ewan Bradley
Hill race – Craig Campbell, Inverness Harriers
LIGHT EVENTS
High jump – open – James Thomson
Long jump – open – Stewart Clark
Hop, step and jump – Open – Stewart Clark
Tug o war – Open – Elgin A
