A WREXHAM man has become the first Welshman in recorded history to pick up the Scottish Inver Stone.

David Procter, 37, travelled to Braemar Highland Games Centre in Scotland with his partner Iveta last month, (December 3) to lift the esteemed lifting stone, etching his name in history. 

The Inver Stone is one of the most famous lifting stones in the world, the stone weighs 118kg (260lbs) and influenced the modern day atlas stones.

The stone's history can be traced back to the 17th century when it was used as a test of strength for Scottish clans.

From the mid 18th century to early 19th century the stone was believed to be used as a weight for weighing wheat and corn, this is why the stone has 265lb engraved on the front of it. 

During the mid 19th century it became a lifting stone once again and sat outside the Inver hotel.

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The 20th century saw the stone move across the road to the Inver cottage owned by June Richards. June was the keeper of the stone for over 40 years and started the record book in 2005.

June sadly passed away in 2020 and the stone was relocated to the Bramaer highland game centre in 2021 in order to keep the stone safe.

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Discussing his record-breaking achievement, David said: "I had a brilliant time travelling around Scotland meeting all involved and lifting the stones, and was grateful for the hospitality shown.

"I feel very proud of becoming the first Welshman in recorded history to lift the Inver stone and I’m glad I can help grow and promote stone lifting to a wider audience. 

"A special thank you to Hazel Williams at the Braemar highland game centre for arranging the lift and to Iveta for putting up with driving to random fields in Scotland to lift the stones."

He added: "I’ve been into stone lifting for roughly 20 months. I have plans to do more of the historic stones across the UK, I’m currently trying to research historic stones in Wales and have done two of the known four stones in Wales this year.

"I have in the last few days created an Instagram account called Historic stone strength and would appreciate any stone related information to be messaged to myself via the page."

During David’s 800 mile long journey he successfully lifted another four historic lifting stones - The Saddlin Mare 99kg, The stone of the Fianna 127kg, The Puterach stone 94kg and the Monachyle stone 120kg.