A major heavy event can go ahead at Pitlochry Highland Games on Saturday, thanks to a piece of bamboo brought all the way from Indonesia.
When local heavy Lorne Coltart threw the 16lbs Pitlochry hammer at another Highland games, it flew through the air with the greatest of ease shaft first and cracked as it hit the ground.
“I don’t know anyone who has seen that happen before,” said Pitlochry heavy events coordinator Raymond McIntosh.
“When it landed the shaft cracked and we have had to look around for a new one.
“Luckily a few years ago heavy competitors attending the Highland games in Jakarta yes, there is such a thing had brought back lengths of bamboo.
“We have a small supply in Pitlochry, they are solid with no hole in the centre and are very sturdy these make the best shafts for competition hammers.”
After the new shaft was fitted, the cast-iron-headed hammer was officially recalibrated to ensure it was the right weight and did not need additional pieces welded on. At the same time the 28lbs distance lead weight was also recalibrated.
“Over the years it has had some heavy treatment so we felt it was necessary to check that at the same time,” said Mr McIntosh.
“We share equipment with other games and it would be a nightmare if someone set a new distance record and it was found the equipment was under weight,” he added.
The games on Saturday takes place at the Recreation Ground, Pitlochry, from 10.30am.
As well as the heavy events there will be athletics, piping and Highland dancing.