Muscles flexed for strongman classic
Strongmen and women from across Scotland head for the Nevis Centre, Fort William, every November for a heavyweight contest in memory of a late fellow competitor.
Organisers hope this year’s Haldenby Strongman Classic will be as big as ever with many locals flexing their muscles for the first time at this level of competition in the centre on Saturday.
The event, staged in memory of the late Mark Haldenby, is a family affair and, as well as the strongmen and women competitors doing their stuff, there is also a bouncy castle, face painting and a strong children’s event with medals up for grabs.
Log lift, giant tyre flip, 320kg sandbag loading, team axle deadlift and Atlas stones will all feature as the athletes battle it out for the prizes.
For the third year in a row, the event will feature Scotland’s Strongest Team Under 105kg event which has attracted seven two-man teams.
There will also be the Haldenby Strongest Woman competition with eight female entrants.
Local strongman and organiser Stuart Whyte told the Lochaber Times that this year the event will raise money in aid of local man Jamie MacDonald and his family.
Just last year, at only 34, Jamie was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
The father of two and stepdad of two, a production operator with Liberty, has been a keen marathon runner.
Stuart said: ‘We are delighted to help Jamie and his family as they face difficulties, just as we have helped others in Mark’s name over the years.
‘Hopefully, we will get a great turnout of spectators and, while entry is free, we will be taking donations. Lots of companies have also stepped in to sponsor the event which means all the money raised will go towards helping Jamie.’