The Dinnie Stones
The Dinnie Stones are among the most famous and revered tests of strength in the world of strongman challenges, with a rich history that ties them closely to the heritage of Scottish strength traditions. Named after Donald Dinnie, a legendary Scottish strongman and athlete who reportedly carried them in 1860, the Dinnie Stones have become a symbol of ultimate strength and endurance.
Historical Background
Donald Dinnie, often referred to as the “First Sporting Superstar,” was renowned for his feats of strength during the 19th century. The Dinnie Stones, located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, are two large granite stones that weigh a combined total of 332.49 kilograms (733 pounds). The larger of the two stones weighs about 188.02 kilograms (414.5 pounds), and the smaller one weighs 144.47 kilograms (318.5 pounds). Dinnie famously carried both stones across the width of the Potarch Bridge—a span of 4.6 meters (15 feet)—and back, a feat that has challenged strongmen and strongwomen for over a century.
Significance in Modern Strength Sports
The challenge of lifting and carrying the Dinnie Stones has endured as a testament to raw power and grip strength. Unlike typical strongman events that may change in form and tools over the years, the challenge of the Dinnie Stones remains unchanged, offering a direct link to the historical feats of strength.
Attempts and Records
The Dinnie Stones are not lifted in a traditional way due to their uneven sizes and shapes. Lifters use a technique that involves a combination of a deadlift and a partial squat, gripping the metal rings attached to the stones. The challenge is not only to lift them but, for the most ambitious, to replicate Dinnie’s feat of carrying them across the bridge.
Many strongmen and strongwomen from around the world have traveled to Scotland specifically to attempt lifting the Dinnie Stones. Some notable lifters include:
- Mark Felix: A veteran strongman competitor, Felix is known for his extraordinary grip strength, which he showcased by lifting the Dinnie Stones multiple times.
- Brian Shaw: Four-time World’s Strongest Man, Shaw successfully lifted the Dinnie Stones during a visit to Scotland, adding this feat to his long list of strength accomplishments.
- Leigh Holland-Keen: In 2018, she became the first woman in over 40 years to lift the Dinnie Stones, marking a significant moment in the history of strength sports.
Cultural Impact
The Dinnie Stones serve not only as a benchmark for physical strength but also as a cultural icon within Scotland and the broader strength sports community. Their lore attracts tourists and lifting enthusiasts to Potarch, making it a pilgrimage site for those in the strongman community.
Final Thoughts
The fame of the Dinnie Stones extends beyond their physical challenge; they represent a connection to the past, a measure of one’s strength against the legends like Donald Dinnie, and a rite of passage in the strength community. As long as people celebrate feats of strength, the Dinnie Stones will likely continue to inspire and challenge strongmen and strongwomen around the world.
