Click play to watch strongman Craig Reid win the dinnie stone carry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For iPhone or iPad viewing, change player to MPEG4
options={AutoStart:false,Player:"flv",Speed:"low"}
Strongwoman video at end of story
THE Highland Games at Beechworth’s Amulet Winery yesterday received a Scottish tick for authenticity — except for one North East twist.
Visiting Scotsman Michael Elder was among a record crowd of 650 people at the annual games.
The strongmen impressed him, the pipe and drum bands made him nostalgic and even yesterday’s warm August sun reminded Mr Elder of the Scottish summer.
But what was in his hand?
“It’s all very authentic except for this delicious wine,” Mr Elder said.
“It’s a good addition but if they had wine at the games in Scotland I think things could turn dangerous.”
The local flavours extended beyond Amulet wines and muscats, with pies, soups and ciders all produced in the North East.
“All the food and drink served today is local so it’s a great advertisement for the region,” Amulet winemaker Ben Clifton said.
“It’s easily our biggest crowd, the weather has helped.
“But I think the event is really growing in popularity.”
Like many people, Tanya McAlpin, of Wangaratta, arrived at the Highland Games unsure what to expect.
“I didn’t think there would be many people here, to be honest” she said. “But when we arrived we saw how big it is and now we know why — it’s been a great laugh.”
A favourite was the Guns and Hoses showdown between Wangaratta police officers and Everton firefighters.
The firemen were victorious.
But the professional strongmen stole the show, wowing the crowd as they threw and carried back-breaking stones and concrete balls.
Australian Highland Games champion Craig Reid added the Beechworth title to his CV after smashing his rivals in the dinnie stone event.
But it wasn’t just the men throwing their muscle around.
Denai Derecki, 26, lifted her way into the record books in the Yoke, carrying the awkward 221-kilogram structure more than six metres.