Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Game of Thrones star beefs up shop’s image
Butcher’s steaks win Mountain’s approval
Winter came to Airdrie as the town was graced with the formidable presence of a star of TV sensation Game of Thrones.
Imposing Icelandic strongman and actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, aka The Mountain in the fantasy television show, popped into local butcher Ferguson’s of Airdrie as he aims to continue to make mincemeat of anyone who stands in the way of his fitness regime.
The 33-year-old, who stands at a massive 6ft 9 tall, has been spending time in Airdrie recently, training at the gym of Billy Nelson – Scotland’s most accomplished and successful boxing coach.
And during his visit, the Hollywood actor has developed a strong penchant for Ferguson’s of Airdrie’s mouthwatering produce, with the Icelander saying the butcher has “the best steaks in Scotland”.
He also posted a picture at the Buchanan Street business along with the caption: “The best steaks in Scotland! Guess how many kg of steak I’m holding?”
Björnsson followed this by posting an Instagram story showing a hearty breakfast along with the caption “Best steak and eggs in Airdrie” while tagging the butcher in the story.
Björnsson, who, on May 20 this year deadlifted a record-setting 501kg (1105 lbs) under strongman rules at his own gym in Iceland, then tucked into the breakfast, which won the approval of his followers.
During his trip to Scotland, Björnsson’s Instagram feed showed he has visited Stirling Castle and taken a dip in Loch Lomond, while the actor also popped along to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall to meet up with WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury prior to an event he was hosting.
Björnsson’s glowing recommendations of Ferguson’s of Airdrie’s delicious treats come just months after the butcher tasted success at a national awards ceremony after impressing judges with their barbecue products.
They took the top prize for their beefburgers at the Scottish craft butcher awards, as well as silver medals for their bacon burgers and Louisiana chicken burgers.
Scottish Craft Butchers president Scott Jarron said: “These evaluations always reveal appealing products that craft butchers make and sell – the superior quality of barbecue and grill products is widely acknowledged by customers. It’s always worth going the extra mile for something extra special.”