By Mark Mackay

A PERTHSHIRE body-builder is set for a shot at a British novice title after success in Edinburgh earlier this month.

Ally Jackson emerged victorious from his first major competition, the NABBA Scottish Championships held in the capital’s Corn Exchange.

The 37-year-old from Bridge of Earn has been body-building on and off since he was 15 but turned to the discipline seriously just two years ago.

Achieving success in the novice category, for anyone who has not yet placed in the top three in competition, meant a rigorous training schedule.

Prior to competition Ally trains in the gym two days in every three —giving his body a chance to recover on the third day—and also undertakes a special low-carb diet from 14 weeks out.

Normally he’d now be taking the chance to rest up but victory in Edinburgh means he has qualified for the novice category at the British Championships, which take place in Southport at the weekend.

And so, rather than relax, he has extended his diet for three weeks in the hope of being in top condition come Saturday.

After that he intends to enjoy a well-earned holiday.

“It’s the first time I’ve competed at this level and I really didn’t expect to do so well in Edinburgh,” Ally said.

“My wife Debbie has had to put up with a lot of stress over the past 14 weeks but she will be with me again in Southport to offer her support.”

And Ally has high hopes for a good placing in the British competition.

“I’d like to place in the top six,” he said. “I think that would be a realistic goal.”