The Dinnie Stones

The Dinnie Stones are located outside the Potarch Hotel between Aboyne & Banchory, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.     Together they weigh approximately 8 cwt.

Legendary, world famous Scottish strongman Donald Dinnie was born at Birse by Aboyne in 1837, the son of a stonemason.     Donald Dinnie was the worlds first sporting superstar and achieved international fame from his exploits in America, Canada and Australia.
Potarch hotel is currently closed and scheduled for redevolopment. The Dinnie Stones could be stored elsewhere

The Dinnie stones are 2 giant rocks.  In the 1830’s huge iron rings were attached to the stones so that they could act as counterweights; for scaffolding; during the pointing of Potarch Bridge.

Ordinary folk would struggle to lift even the smallest Dinnie Stone.  Donald Dinnie carried them both across the width of Potarch Bridge, and back  – a distance of 4-5 yards.

Several people have successfully lifted both Dinnie Stones, but walking with them is completely different !

The photo shows both Dinnie Stones being lifted by Aboyne strongman and Highland Games Heavies participant Tommy Fyvie. 
Potarch Bridge spans the beautiful River Dee, on Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Click here for Aboyne Highland Games    Mark Felix attempts to lift Dinnie Stones-click here

Tommy Fyvie takes the strain and the pain as he lifts both Dinnie Stones.

Mark Felix attempts to lift both Dinnie Stones and walk with them