Those stones are still on the bridge and I myself lifted one in each hand on many occasions and one market day, I carried them across the bridge and back, some four to five yards - Donald Dinnie.

Laurence Shahlaei travelled to Potarch to take part in the Gathering. While he was there he arranged to attempt a lift of the Dinnie Stones. He managed a side by side lift so comfortably he was encouraged to try a few steps which again he managed in great style. Jack Shanks and all the lifters present then persuaded him to take on the world record for a continuous walk with the stones without setting them down. This record was held at the time by Brian Shaw at 11ft 6.5 inches. Laurence agreed to have another go and managed an incredible new world record of 14ft 10 inches which is only 2ft 3.5 inches off the full width of Potarch bridge! Laurence's lift was witnessed by official Dinnie Stones judges Jack Shanks, Jim Splaine, Brett Nicol and Stevie Shanks. Also in attendance to witness this incredible feat as well as Laurence's family were world record holder for the lift and hold of the Dinnies, Mark Haydock, Dr Jan Todd (the first lady lifter of the stones), Malcolm Nicol, Rosemary Splaine, and the crowd of lifters and spectators in attendance. No doubt big Loz will be back to take on the full distance!

Big Loz returned in 2023 to The Gathering and finished what he started by not only completing the original Donald Dinnie challenge of carrying the stones 17'1.5" but he also extended his current record by carrying the stones without setting them down for a mind boggling 22'4"! Well done Loz, we're all proud of you!

Click here for video of Laurence's lift

Click here for video of Laurence's world record carry of the Dinnie Stones

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