Tractor pulling champion prepares to defend title.

Competition: Businessman well prepared to take on all-comers at Brechin

A Mearns tractor dealer is gearing up to defend his British tractor pulling title.

Martin Ross, managing director of Ross Agri Services Ltd, turned British champion in 2017 after dreaming of taking the title for seven years.

Mr Ross, who grew up with the family business in St Cyrus, was also the Scottish champion four years in succession from 2014 after building his tractor Dieselross in 2010. He will now defend his title at the Angus Show in Brechin.

He had assisted the Scottish Tractor Pullers Club for many years at their events before catching the pulling bug.

Mr Ross said: “Turning British Champion in 2017 was the best feeling ever.

“I had been chasing the title for seven years and at the last event of the season the conditions suited well and we did it.”

Mr Ross said he’s as well prepared for tomorrow’s event as he can be but admitted anything can happen when you push tractors to their limits.

“I take it event by event, putting a lot of time and effort into checking and preparing Dieselross.

“The week leading up to the event is very busy – my company Ross Agri Services Ltd have a stand at the show.

“Along with being chairman for the Scottish Tractor Pullers Club that doesn’t leave me much time but I always look forward to my local event.”

g.strachan@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Martin Ross will defend his title with his tractor, Dieselross, at Brechin.