The Natural Stones of Strength event is one of the most iconic and demanding challenges in the Highland Games, testing raw power, endurance, and determination. Deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, lifting stones—known as 'clach cuid fir' or 'manhood stones'—were historically used to prove a young man's strength and readiness to serve his clan. Successfully lifting a clan’s testing stone to waist height was a rite of passage.
Among Scotland’s most legendary lifting stones are the Dinnie Stones, a pair of massive stones in Potarch, Aberdeenshire, made famous by strongman Donald Dinnie. Few have ever lifted them, and only seven individuals have completed the original lift—carrying the stones across the Potarch Bridge, spanning approximately 5.22 meters.
At the Hunter Valley Highland Games, this tradition lives on through the National Highland Championships, where strongmen and strongwomen attempt to lift progressively heavier stones onto barrels as quickly as possible. The event is a true test of willpower and heritage, drawing competitors and spectators alike.
This commitment to strength and tradition is showcased at Saltire Estate, a Scottish family-owned winery that proudly hosts the annual Hunter Valley Highland Games. As competitors lift the Natural Stones of Strength and take part in the National Highland Championships, spectators can enjoy the stunning vineyard setting and a boutique range of wines and craft beers by the glass. Just as the Highland Games celebrate resilience and history, Saltire Estate continues the time-honoured craft of winemaking, offering a taste of Scotland’s enduring spirit in every bottle.
