AMONG a plethora of options for entertainment at this year’s iteration of the Bute Highland Games was the heavies competition.
And according to the games organisers, for the first time in a long time locals had a Brandane to cheer on, as Ross Jamieson took to the field.
Although Ross’ day didn’t go as well as he would have hoped, his performance was full of grit and determination that the local crowd responded to.
He said: “Aye, it was good fun.
“I think I was probably about half the weight of everyone else.
“It wasn’t a bad performance, I just wanted to try something different, so a couple months ago I decided to give something else a g0–a different sport.”
Ross previously competed in drug-free bodybuilding, but felt the time was right to move on from the discipline, adding: “I took that as far as I could and was getting a bit bored.”
Despite narrowly finishing at the foot of the standings, the Brandane was confident of a return for 2026 and is hoping for an improved result.
He said: “I’m hoping to place next year.”
Jamieson was also quick to praise the brilliant backing he had from the crowd as their local hero, however, he wasn’t the only person to receive high praise from onlookers, as winner, Angus McInroy, referenced the cracking crowd.
On his triumph, he said: “I came to Bute for the first time last year but I missed the ferry and turned up halfway through the second event, so this is a bit of redemption.
“I made sure to get the 9am ferry and be here two hours early.
“I really enjoyed the weight for bar in front of the crowd, everyone was so supportive.
“It was really enjoyable.”
Another contestant who had a joyous afternoon was the female winner, Mhairi Porterfield.
It was a family affair for her, competing alongside Graham, and Mhairi was overjoyed to finish two clear of Lucy Marshall in second place.
She said: “I am delighted with the win because as I’m getting older it’s harder work than it’s ever been, and it’s getting even harder each year.”
On the crowd and the people of Bute she added: “Thank-you so much because you don’t realise how much that noise and them cheering us on actually helps, it genuinely does, and they did so well today it was amazing.”
Despite taking home the win, Bute’s fan favourite was in fact German competitor, Pauline Roeske, who impressed with 22 points and finished in third place despite being only 17 years of age.
Overall, the heavies event was a resounding success, with all the contestants buoyant after an incredible show of support from the Bute audience, which should do no harm to the competitors’ prospects of returning next year.
Full results
Male: 1, – Angus McInroy (39); 2, – Brian Docherty (33); 3, – Alan Butler (27); 4, – Graham Porterfield (26); 5, – Mace Paterson (21.5); 6, – Uli Muller (15.5); 7, – Malcolm Banks (8.5, better caber toss); 8, – Ross Jamieson(8.5).
Female: 1, – Mhairi Porterfield (25); 2, – Lucy Marshall (23); 3, – Pauline Roeske (22); 4, – Stacey Wilson (19); 5, – Jen Little (8, better caber toss); 6, – Rebecca Maule (8).
