World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman and brother Luke meet their match at 150th anniversary of country show
THE World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman had his work cut out to overcome his latest challenge which he thought would be child’s play.
The Invergordon heavyweight, who won the accolade earlier this year in America, was the star attraction on Sunday at the 150th anniversary of Keith Show alongside his brother Luke, who is also one of the world’s top 10 strongest men.
Children from the crowd were invited to compete against the brothers and they were not daunted by the challenge.
So many came forward that Tom and Luke took on 50 at a time.
The brothers from Invergordon stand 6ft 8in and 6ft 3in, and weigh 29 and 26 stone respectively.
They had great fun and the brothers survived to compete another day.
The pair also put on a great display of strength which wowed the crowd.
Sell-out crowds came along on both Saturday and Sunday, with the two-day event also seeing a great turnout in terms of trade stands and entries for its famous livestock contests.
Because this year marked such a special anniversary the organisers have spent the last 12 months trying to ensure everything was going to be extra-special.
Happily, the weather decided to play its part.
A very pleased Carly Mackay, the show’s secretary, said: “It surpassed all our expectations and we were blessed with absolutely glorious sunshine.
“Keith Show means so much to the local area as does the fact that it’s been running for so many years.
“It’s just wonderful that so many people were able to come along on both days and really enjoy themselves.
“The bar did great trade and there were still people coming along at 4pm on the Sunday.”
The overall livestock prize went to Reece Simmers of Backmuir Keith for a cow named Annick Ginger Lucia and its calf Backmuir Rocky.
Meanwhile, a personal message from King Charles III congratulating the town on the historic anniversary, which was read out by Andy Simpson, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
The show also boasted a really popular memorabilia area, populated with press cuttings and photos from over the years which had been collected by Alison Hunter.
In addition there was a children’s education area which seemed successful in its mission to inspire the next generation of farmers.
