Hundreds of the world’s strongest men and women have pulled into Perth for the World Indoor Tug of War Championships.
Securing the top event attended by more than 700 competitors is a major coup for the town, with local businesses set to reap the benefits.
It has been estimated that the local economy will receive a significant six-figure boost as entrants from as far away as South Africa and China book into local hotels, eat at nearby restaurants and spend their down time on the High Street.
Scotland last hosted the biennial competition back in 2004 but in recent years it has taken place in Italy and the Netherlands.
As reigning champions, the Scottish men’s team are determined to retain the sport’s most prestigious trophy. However, they will face tough opponents in the other home nations, with the captain admitting the English and Irish squads were looking in ”good shape”.
The Scottish women’s team only returned to the international stage this year after four years out, but they too are hoping to take home some medals.
After the club stage of the championships, the national squads will take the strain over the weekend.
Provost John Hulbert welcomed the teams from the around the globe to the Bell’s Sports Centre and will also hand out medals to the winners. He praised the efforts of everyone involved in securing the games and those working hard to keep it running to schedule.Click here for a full photo gallery”It’s also a prestigious event for Perth to host and a new addition to our excellent annual events calendar,” he said. ”The council provided some funding to help attract the prestigious championships, after the Scottish finals took place here last year.
”I would encourage everyone to go along and support the competitors at Bell’s and create a great atmosphere that Perth can be proud of.”
He added: ”The Scotland Tug of War Association (STOWA) has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the top indoor exponents in the world, so we’re hoping to have some home-grown success.”
STOWA vice-chairman Bill Meston said much of the national team was made up of farmers some from Perthshire, Angus and the Mearns.
The 62-year-old from Stonehaven, who still plays the strenuous sport, said: ”People think you need to be big and burly and fuelled by porridge oats but it’s more about core strength, which farmers have in bounds.
”A lot of the young men and women start playing through the Young Farmers clubs and continue on to club and then national level. They have to train for more than two hours three times each week and show so much commitment, despite holding down their day jobs.”
He added that Perth had proved a popular venue, saying: ”When we bid for the World Championships in 2008 we had a number of locations in mind. However, it was Perth that could provide the whole package of excellent venue, good transport links and high-quality accommodation.”