Halkirk heavyweight runner-up in virtual Braemar Highland Games
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Halkirk heavyweight Jamie Gunn was the overall runner-up in the virtual Braemar Highland Games – his best result to date at this event.
It was the only Scottish Highland Games heavy event competition to go ahead this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Jamie (28), who works at the family farm at Gerston, was one of the top six competitors in the Glenfiddich league last year selected to take part in the games.
He came first in the 16lb Stone and the 28lb Throwing Weight events and was the joint winner with Kyle Randalls in the 56lb Weight Over Bar.
Jamie was also second the in the 16lb Hammer and third in the tossing of the caber. He was beaten to the overall top place by Kyle, who featured in the Netflix series Home Game.
The local heavyweight said he got into Highland Games through his father Alistair Gunn who was a regular competitor locally as well as overseas.
Pleased with the result, Jamie, who was in America in January taking part in a Scotland versus USA Highland Games competition, said: "I actually surprised myself with some of the throws."
Commenting on the lack of spectators at the virtual event, he said: "It was a lot different, you usually hear everybody cheering and clapping. It was a lot more relaxed – just like a practice day." He added that all that could be heard was the voice of Robert Lovie, the games commentator.
With all the games on the local circuit cancelled this year, Jamie said: "It was something to look forward to over the summer."
Although filmed on Saturday, August 29, behind closed doors the Braemar event did not go live until Saturday, September 12. Support for the virtual games was tremendous with over a quarter of a million people watching the competition in the first 48 hours.
The virtual games were opened by the Duke of Rothesay who made a visit to the venue on the day of filming.
The games included exhibition Highland Dancing, solo piping as well as track and field events.
Jamie also took part in the John O'Groats Strongest Man competition for the first time this year, coming second to Kevin Macgregor.
