The Inver Stone is an oval shaped granite stone, with 265 lb carved into the side. The stones actual weight is 260 lbs, or 118 kg. It's believed it was used as a lifting stone, around the 18th century. Then in 1760 it was situated outside The Inver Inn and used as a weight measurement. At the beginning of the 19th century the stone was used for lifting again.
In 1963 The Inver Stone was taken to The Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. This one event changed the history of stonelifting, and strongman forever.
In 1979 Bill Kazmaier, from the US, lifted the stone overhead; the 1st man to do so. The 2nd man to press the stone was a Scottish man, Hamish Davidson. Born in Inverness, he trained in a cow shed in Cawdor. He had a great career in The Highland Games and competed against some of the greats in Strongman. Since then another 10 men have pressed the stone.
The Inver Stone now sat beside The Inver Cottage, where June Richard would be the stones keeper, until her death in 2020. The Inver Cottage is situated just along the road from The Inver Inn/Hotel. In 2004 June started a book, which could be signed by anyone who lifted the stone. The 1st 3 entries were all on the same day, 4th of April. All 3 struggled, barely lifting the stone. Just over 3 months later, all 3 men came back for another try. This time they all lifted the stone to their chest.
In July 2021 the stone was moved, to were it's situated now, Braemar Highland Games Center. The tradition of a lifting book to sign has carried on.
