Sports teams turned out to test their strength as the British and Irish Tug of War Championships arrived on Tayside for the first time.
The two-day event was held at Piperdam Leisure Resort in Fowlis throughout Saturday and Sunday, and showcased the top tug of war talent.
Scottish competitors usually face a trip to Wales or Ireland for the annual championships but guests from around the world made their way to the popular resort for the competition’s Courier Country debut.
Indoor tug of war differs from the outdoor summer sport in a number of ways, with pullers placed on rubber mats and wearing specially-designed flat rubber-soled shoes.
This weekend’s event saw pullers compete for both club and country over a variety of different weight classes in men’s, ladies and mixed teams. The first day was for national glory, while the second was an invitational format for clubs.
Welcoming participants on Saturday, The Provost of Angus Ronnie Proctor said the competition would be fierce but new and lasting friendships would be forged “within the splendid surroundings”.
“Piperdam here at Fowlis has a superb and well-deserved reputation for its wealth and quality of sporting and leisure facilities,” he said.
“But I am sure this place has not seen your like before and this prestigious event will introduce the resort to a new breed of athlete, and to all your feats of strength and teamwork.”
Mr Proctor said he had been part of an 88-stone and under tug of war team as a young solider which found success and won “many competitions” of its own.
He added: “Until now, my insight into tug of war has stretched from coaching and captaining teams at our Regimental tug of war competitions in places as far apart as Belize in Central America to Berlin, Hong Kong and in the UK to being a spectator at the outdoor competitions I have visited over many a year at our various Highland Games here in our Angus Glens.
“I do know that for all its apparent simplicity, tug of war is a fascinating contest that depends not just on the individual’s size or brute strength, but on teamwork, collective determination, co-ordination and co-operation and tactical skill.
“No wonder its popularity has persisted since ancient times.”
Results and action from the event can be found at its Facebook page.
