Big name brothers weigh-in to support Highland Games gathering

Back again for 2023, the Inverness Highland Games returns, where as well as traditional sporting events - like Highland dancing and piping - there will as be attractions, trade stalls, and the funfair.

Chair of the Games Committee Angus Dick said, "It's probably a bigger games than it ever was pre-pandemic

"Visitors will look for an old-fashioned Highland Games, but on the outer field the locals will look for newer attractions

As well as the Highland Games, the evening also includes a ceilidh for locals and visitors alike.

Event Manager Kim Rait said, "We are welcoming people from all over the World. As well as all the heavy events and the track and field, we also have music throughout the day as well as the evening ceilidh.

"Younger attendees will enjoy our colour fun-run over three-and-a-half kilometers and then they get splashed with bright powder

"There are things happening through the whole day, whether it's bands, the dancing, and the Stoltman brothers are also doing a demonstration.

"The traditional aspects also include the Clans tent with over 15 clan attending which gives a real history and shows what the Highlands has to offer"

In looking ahead to a 'home' event, Tom Stoltman said, "It's our second year here and with the tradition of it we love getting involved, meeting all the people going round the stalls and seeing the tourists too"

His brother Luke relishes being part of a special occasion steeped in history, "(Traditionally) It was always seen as test to see who the best in the clan was - and then they took on the best from the other clans - and it's great to come back to where it all started in Inverness

"We just look to have some fun with everyone, watching them throw down, lift some big weights - and hopefully Tom and I can get involved too"

Angus Dick admits the necessity for the Games to move-with-the-times is paramount; "I started off as a time-keeping official back in the 1970s - not long after my daughter became an athlete - and then as a councillor I was given the role of Games Chairman. I can't get rid of it now(!) - but I do enjoy it

"We usually start (preparations) in April and really begin to get busy a month beforehand, as now we've things going on right into the evening which didn't happen back in the day

"My main worry is the weather - and that people will turn up - which is always a bit of an unknown factor about how many may come"

As to the international flavour, Angus adds; "We get them from all over the World - especially the heavy competitors - from all over Europe and there are some from America also"

In looking at the traditional strength events, Tom said, "Weight for height and the stones are certainly events which have come through to the strongman competitions present-day, but we'll leave the tossing of the caber to the guys on the day(!)"

However both Stoltman brothers are keen to enjoy the day aside from showing off their physical prowess, as both enjoy chatting in general.

"When people see both of us - well Tom especially - the questions are usually - what do you eat, what size are your feet, do you want an arm-wrestle and what's the heaviest you can lift?

"There have been a few proposals, but as we're both happily married, the answer was always a no!

Luke said, "We enjoy the fiddle music, the bagpipes, the dancing and it's great to have this event at home for us to enjoy - rather than spending time in America or wherever - it's just something really special here in the Highlands to celebrate"