Tough challenges await contestants in John O’Groats Strongest Man
The title of John O’Groats Strongest Man will be up for grabs again this weekend as musclebound competitors put themselves through a series of tough challenges.
Organiser Kevin Macgregor is hoping for a big turnout of spectators on Sunday at the end-of-the-road turning area near John O’Groats harbour, with some seating available.
It starts at 11.30am and over the next two or three hours the contestants will face seven gruelling tests of strength including Loading Medley, Apollon’s Axle, Farmer’s Walk and Power Stairs.
Jason Anderson is the only Caithness competitor. He will be lining up against Aberdeen’s Dave Mcneillie, who was runner-up last year, and Edinburgh pair Peter Borland and Brian Corfield.
Calum Elder, from Orkney, had been hoping to enter but he could miss out after picking up an injury during a competition in Shetland.
There will again be prize money on offer along with a steel plate trophy for the winner. The title went to Liam Goldie of Stirling in 2023.
Kevin (32) won John O’Groats Strongest Man three times, in 2018, 2019 and 2020, before suffering an arm injury that prevented him competing in 2021 and 2022.
He had to settle for third place last year, having only returned to training seven months earlier. His role this time will be referee.
“I started with a new coach in November and we just went back to basics,” Kevin explained. “He wants me to take the whole year to build up to the Scottish qualifier next spring.
“It would take away from my training if I did this competition, so I’m just going to referee it this year.”
He is encouraging spectators to come and support the event.
“Obviously you’ve got big strong guys lifting very big and awkward implements and very good-quality equipment, and also there’s a good camaraderie,” Kevin said.
“There’s a good atmosphere and there should be some impressive feats of strength performed.”
John O’Groats Strongest Man has been well supported by local businesses over the years.
“That’s the only thing that has kept it going, really,” Kevin said. “The main thing is just trying to get guys to compete. It’s a shame that there aren’t more local boys.”
