Airth Smiddy Stane
| The tradition in Scotland of lifting stones as a feat of strength is as old as recorded history. Young clansmen would be required to lift a "manhood" stone as an initiation test and prove his strength. Recruiting sergeants might choose only the strongest men who could lift a stone or anvil etc. Airth, like all villages in the 19th century, had a local smiddy. Outside Airth smiddy the blacksmith had a large stone with a ring which was used for tethering horses waiting to be shod. This stone was used by the local lads as a contest of strength. Only the strongest could lift the stone. |
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It is recorded that when Donald Dinnie, the famous Victorian athlete,
competed at Airth he was invited to lift this stone. To prove his exceptional
strength Dinnie lifted it and walked some ten yards. It has been decided
to reintroduce this event into the games and all are invited to try - the
first man (or woman) to emulate Dinnie's great feat of strength will receive
a bottle of whisky. |