Recognized as "The Nineteenth Century's Greatest Athlete", Donald Dinnie's athletic career spanned over 50 years, and over 11,000 successful competitions.


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The original Dinnie Stones Committee

Stevie Shanks

Brett Nicol

Jim Splaine

Jim & Rosemary Splaine

Ballogie Esate

 

 

Are you training for the Dinnie Stones?

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The Steens were returned to their ancestral home outside the refurbished Potarch Cafe & Restaurant in August 2016, and are now available by appointment for lifters wishing to take on the challenges laid down by Donald Dinnie himself in 1860. A set of guidelines has been put in place designed to protect the integrity of the Steens for future generations and the safety of lifters. These guidelines can be downloaded from the links below and we wish you all a successful conclusion to this most excellent test of strength!

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ THE ADVICE BELOW BEFORE SETTING UP YOUR ATTEMPT!

In order to set up your attempt you must provide video evidence via email (donalddinniegames@gmail.com) of lifting 300kg or more on any kind of lift without handstraps. Links to social media videos are also OK. The lift should ideally be on training rings, however partial deadlifts or trap bar lifts from 18" are OK. Lifting 300kg is not a guarantee of success as the stones are much heavier but it does show that the lifter is competent and is aware of the potential for injury when lifting heavy weights.

From January 2025 the organisers have agreed that a £30 charge will be introduced for attempts on the Dinnie Stones and for participation in The Gathering. The funds raised will go directly to the running of The Gathering and accounts will be published on this website each year.

Unfortunately due to high demand, a lifting spot cannot be confirmed or held until the prequal video is submitted and the fee paid.

Lifters are advised to agree their date from the list of available dates below before making any travel arrangements as the owners cannot accomodate alternative dates due to work commitments etc.

Lifting will normally commence around 4.30pm to allow judges time to get there from work etc.

Available dates for Dinnie Stone Lifts in 2024/25

(The team will do their best to accomodate everyone's preferred date however, depending on uptake, numbers may have to be capped and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The current limit is 8 lifters per session - a reserve list can be considered)

Unfortunately dates other than those listed below cannot currently be accommodated

Please see dates below and make your booking via: donalddinniegames@gmail.com (This page is kept as current as possible but things can change very quickly so we can't guarantee 100% accuracy)

 

Tuesday 4th February 2025 @ 4.30pm

2 Spaces currently available

Tuesday 4th March 2025 @ 4.30pm

6 Spaces currently available

Tuesday 1st April 2025 @ 4.30pm

4 Spaces currently available

Tuesday 6th May 2025 @ 4.30pm

2 Spaces currently available

Tuesday 3rd June 2025 @ 4.30pm

2 Spaces currently available

Tuesday 1st July 2025 @ 4.30pm

All spaces currently taken

Sunday 3rd August 2025 @ 4.30pm

All spaces currently taken

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 @ 4.30pm

All spaces currently taken

Tuesday 7th October 2025 @ 4.30pm

All Spaces currently taken

Tuesday 4th November 2025 @ 4.30pm

2 Spaces currently available

Huge thanks to Brett Nicol, Jim Splaine, Rosemary Splaine and the Ballogie team who give up their time to support and record everyone making their Dinnie Stones attempt.

Click here for a copy of the guidelines for lifting the stones

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The Steens were weighed officially by the Aboyne Highland Games Committee in 2014 - Click here for a copy of the Official Certificate

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Thine very truly D Dinnie

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Sponsored by The Stark Center for Physical Culture & Sports

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