Men battle it out to be crowned the king

The games chieftain is Derek Finlay of Mains of Grantully who is a keen supporter of the event.

He will be led, with Clan Menzies and Olympic torch bearer Kelly James, around the arena by Coupar Angus Pipe Band to start tomorrow’s games.

In an effort to uncover another Sir Chris Hoy or Bradley Wiggins, a new De’il Tak the Hindmost cycle race has been added to the events, sponsored by Spirit of Wood, Aberfeldy, for young cyclists over the age of 16.

The horse and pony classes take place today, as well as a pet show between 1 and 2pm, while the cattle and sheep sections, as well as the Shetland ponies and Clydesdale horses, take place tomorrow. PERTHSHIRE’S TOP heavies are involved in a titanic struggle to be crowned king of this year’s Highland Games season.

Each year the region’s top strongmen pit their strength against traditional events including the tossing the caber, the hammer and weight throwing.

The very best fight it out in the PSPC Heavyweight League and at the half-way stage in the season one athlete in particular has been impressing crowds.

The rain in Killin last week failed to dampen spirits and there were a number of fine throws from competitors, though none better than those by Lorne Colthart.

The heavy took a maximum 28 points – as he did at Lochearnhead – with Stuart Anderson close behind with 25 points from each venue.

Lorne (20) hails from Blair Atholl and is games regular, taking part in heavy events around the country with increasing levels of success.

In 2011, he achieved the distinction of smashing the world haggis hurling record at the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games.

He hurled the iconic pudding a staggering mammoth 217ft – a throw so long that adjudicators ran out of measuring tape.

Lorne now leads the games standings with 137 points, while Stuart follows close behind with a score of 119.

Fellow heavies Pete Hart and David Colthart Jr are g fighting for third place, with scores of 102 and 100 respectively.

In the McCash and Hunter Tug-o-War League, Strathardle were beaten by their “B” team at Killin but nonetheless retain their lead.

Heavy rain forced the dancing competition indoors at Killin, where a packed hall appreciated a high standard of dancing all day.

Crieff ’s Isla Bendall remains in the lead, while junior piper Andrew Clark extended his lead in the Highland Bagpipe Co League.

All leagues will be contested at Aberfeldy tomorrow, when the action gets under way at 11am for the confined to Perthshire Dancing and noon for the confined to Perthshire Heavies.

There are 14 Highland Games held in Perthshire each year, all of which are members of the PHGA.