GIANTS gathered near Dumfries last Saturday as they each took the first step in their quest to be crowned Scotland’s Strongest Man.
The official qualification event at Burns Gym at The Racks, Collin, attracted athletes from the length and breadth of Scotland, each hoping to secure a coveted spot at the national finals later this year.
Crowds of spectators basked in glorious sunshine as they watched the 36-strong field test themselves over five gruelling events.
These included a 315kg deadlift for reps – the equivalent of lifting a grand piano multiple times in 75 seconds – in addition to a sledge load and drag weighing over 400kg in total, and a run of iconic Atlas Stones.
Among the line-up of strongmen competing under the watchful eye of event organiser and head referee Stuart Murray were three Dumfries athletes, each looking to take advantage of competing on home turf.
George Beamish finished in seventh place overall to qualify for his third consecutive national final, while Steven Murray recovered from a shaky start in the overhead press medley to secure qualification for his first final in nine years.
And Stuart Bradley was unlucky to miss out of qualification after hitting personal bests in two of the five events.
Top honours from the day eventually went to Fraser Gullan, who drew on all his experience to ensure top-6 finishes in each of the events.
Shetland’s Andrew Goodlad finished in second place, building on the potential that saw him crowned Best Newcomer at last year’s finals, while Turriff’s Gavin Bruce, reigning Scottish champion in the under 105kg category, rounded out the podium placings.
The top-ranked athletes will join pre-selected former champions Chris Beetham, Connor Cullan and Callum Crozier to compete for the title of official Scotland’s Strongest Man at the finals at Glasgow’s SEC on September 19.
One partner. No competitors. Visible across local sport.
