The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Games ‘heavyweight legend’ Bill Anderson, 82
Bill Anderson MBE was a “true Highland games heavyweight legend” whose name was known in strongman circles around the world.
He competed in all manner of events, in Scotland and abroad, until he was 50 years old – winning title after title.
Following his death at the age of 82 after a period of ill health, his family and the Scottish Highland Games Association have been looking back at his glory days.
The great- grandfather from Aberdeen started his sporting career at the age of 18 at Alford in 1956.
He would go on to excel in heavy events such as caber-tossing and hammer-throwing.
Over the course of his decorated career competing in heavyweight sports, he won 16 Scottish championship titles, as well as British, European, America, Canadian and World championships.
His reputation earned him positions as judge at the Aberdeen, Crieff, Aboyne and Braemar Highland Games.
In 1997 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen.
It was far from his only meeting with her, as his many successes at the Braemar Gathering brought him face to face with the monarch as she handed out numerous trophies and accolades.
He was also inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
His son, Mark, said: “He wasn’t in any pain and passed quickly. We are all obviously devastated, but getting on with it.
“He was an amazing dad. You couldn’t ask for a better role model. I grew up going to all the games with him, so I saw a lot of Scotland.
“He was always winning and we were always so proud of him, but he was also a down-to-earth guy who never let his fame go to his head, like a lot of folk do these days.
“He wasn’t that sort of guy. He was a good man.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Highland Games Association said: “Bill was a true Highland games heavyweight legend.
“He competed home and abroad for more than 30 years and won numerous titles and championships, including the Scottish Heavyweight Championship 16 times.”
Mr Anderson had four children, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
Funeral details are to be confirmed.