Game of Thrones star to lead Highland Games
A mountain of a man is will make his presene felt as a Game of Thrones star takes over as Chieftain for Carmunnock Highland Games’ 10th anniversary.
Hafpor Julius Bjornsson, nicknamed ‘The Mountain’ in the hit American TV show, will take centre stage for the annual celebrations in the village. Bjornsson, who plays Gregor Clegane in the fantasy world, was recently named the World’s Strongest Man. Games committee member Douglas Edwards can’t wait to see Hafpor in action – and expects him to take on some of the traditional Scottish challenges.
“Hafpor is making a big name for himself worldwide, he is having an Arnold Schwarzenegger kind of impact almost,” he told Lanarkshire Live.
“He does weightlifting and body building – and apart from this he is a monster! He is nearly seven foot tall and must be about 35 stone of muscle.
“He is a big star now in Game of Thrones, he is getting all sorts of publicity worldwide.
“Hafpor has never been to Scotland so we talked about it and decided it would be a good idea to have him in as Chieftain for out tenth anniversary.
“So we are building the Games around him. There is an awful lot of excitement.
“One of the things he is going to do is demonstrate his enormous power by taking part in the weight over bar event – and we expect him not just to break the record but initiate it!
“He’ll be there meeting everyone and will be a big presence at the Games!”
Alongside the big name and an international field of athletes competing in the games, there will be live music along with popular freestyle combat athletes showing their skills.
The popular community challenge also returns with locals competing in two-man teams in events such as ‘The Pole Push’, ‘Bale Rolling’ and ‘Taxi Pull’.
They also have individual events such as ‘Swingle Tree’ and ‘The Manhood Stone Lift’.
“You are going to see something special when you come to Carmunnock,” continued Douglas.
“It’s going to be a thoroughly entertaining day for kids and adults – or people who just want to get their autograph books out!” Admission: £7 adult, £5 children Under-16s/concessions. Under-fives go free.