Lochaber father and son clinch records in strongman event
Stuart WhyteA Lochaber father and son have become Scottish record-holders in a national strongman event.
Stuart Whyte, 45 and a former world champion in the sport, set two records in the masters class in the World Deadlift Council's Scottish championship in Clydebank.
His son Konnan, eight, was competing for the first time and lifted 60, 70 and 75kg to take the joint Scottish eight-years-and-under record.
Strongman competitions involve tests of strength.
Stuart, who runs his own gym, lifted in the under-100kg and pulled 330, 360, 385, 405kg in the Silverdollar Deadlift, creating a new Scottish record in the 385-405kg category.
He then went on to take another Scottish record in the 330kg Trap Bar Deadlift.
Stuart, from Caol, near Fort William, said it was a "fantastic result all round" but most of all he felt hugely proud of his son.
He added: "It was an amazing feeling as a parent, a really proud moment.
"Konnan is also playing rugby and shinty and doing really well in that, but to lift as an individual - you don't have people to rely on.
"It was pretty cool for him to do that. It takes a lot of guts and determination."
He hopes his son will continue with the sport and get the same enjoyment from it that he has.
Stuart, who is also a referee and judge, is gearing up for a number of events - including the Glengarry Highland Games, which this year will include novice competitions and children's events.
He is also involved with a local mental health and wellbeing charity, Ewen's Room, through the sport and believes it can offer something for everyone.
