Strathspey teenager in the ‘throws’ of historic challenge

Already something of a Grantown legend, Highland Games champion Andrew Murphie is preparing for a world record attempt in caber tossing.

The 18-year-old sportsman is set to take a crack at the new record on Sunday at the place he spent his youth training - Grantown East’s own Highland games ground.

Specifically, Mr Murphie aims to successfully toss as many standard (16'4" & 88lb) cabers in three minutes.

“The record is currently 16 and we think he can do 20 in the time,” said his father Andy.

And the family are not given to empty boasting.

Andrew was Scottish under 18 champion in Highland Games heavy events last year and is competing in 23 games this year.

The attempt will be witnessed by the President of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, two local athletic club timekeepers and two other independent witnesses.

“We will then submit a video and photographic evidence to Guinness along with the witness statements.”

Andrew’s coach of six years now is Dave Garman, who set up the perfect training ground at the former Grantown East Heritage and Cultural Centre.

He once told the Strathy: "Andrew is the people’s champion, keeping alive the physical culture of this area of Scotland.

"The Highland Games are a critical element of that culture.

“There is hope that the next generation will take up this activity and keep it alive well into the future.”

Andrew is already a hero to Strathy readers since he hand delivers their copies each week and has done ever since the local newsagents ceased providing the service in December 2022 in the town.

Now he wants to add the glory of a unique world record.

He was delighted earlier this week to confirm that he had been given permission by Elixir Distillers to attempt the record at East Grantown, on cabers kindly arranged by Balavil Estate.

More good news was that he is expecting his mentor and trainer to return from the United States to observe the record attempt.

“Dave has said he intends to be here, which is great,” explained Andrew.

“For a while we though it might have to be at the Showfield but we now have confirmation that it’s all going to happen at the right locattion for us.”

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