Personal Lifting Journeys and Why ‘Modern Stones’ Continue to be Important
By Andy Crawford
If I had to choose one stone that defines my lifting journey, it would be the Ardvorlich Stone. Set near the banks of Loch Earn, this smooth, beautiful 152kg boulder is perfectly framed by the Scottish landscape.
The first time I met it, I didn’t fail - but I certainly struggled. It took nine determined attempts to lap it, and eventually I managed a high chest lift/partial shoulder. That moment sparked something deeper - a 10-month period of focused training aimed solely at achieving what would eventually become only the fourth ever shoulder lift of this incredible stone.
When I returned, it was the eve of my 35th birthday. The air was sharp, the loch silent, the rain starting to fall and the setting surreal. This time, the lift was clean and steady - a true shoulder lift. In that moment, I understood what Peter Martin meant by “The Silent Realm” - the strange, solitary relationship between a lifter and a stone. The Ardvorlich became my stone, not by possession, but through a blinding pull of spirit I could never fully name. I’ve lifted heavier, and I’ve lifted harder, but nothing has ever come close to the sense of purpose and peace that came with that shoulder lift.
The Ardvorlich Stone - 152kg
As the ‘sport’ has grown, it became clear that not everyone could access legendary stones like the Ardvorlich. Many historic stones lie far off the beaten track, on private land, or have become, arguably, too weathered or fragile for regular lifting. The surge of interest in stone lifting brought with it a challenge - how do we make the tradition accessible without damaging it?
That’s where modern stones come in. Since 2021, local lifters and I have been carefully placing new stones throughout North Aberdeenshire and beyond. These aren’t just any rocks - they’re selected for their shape, weight, setting, and the story they might one day tell. From sub-50kg stones to a 221kg beast, we now have a full range for lifters of all levels.
But with this growth comes responsibility. I strongly believe we must be selective with what we place and include. If we saturate the landscape, the meaning behind the stones can get lost - it becomes overwhelming and diluted. While this sort of saturation may have existed during the historical peak of stone lifting, and is still common in places like Sweden, we’re working in a modern context. Not every stone deserves a place on the map. For that reason, I’ve deliberately omitted some of our placed stones from the new lifting map on this site. Only the exceptional ones should make the cut - those that stand on par with the historical stones in terms of story, setting, and the joy or challenge of the lift. Just look at the backdrop of the ‘new’ Bowfiddle Stone - world-class:
The Bowfiddle Stone – 127kg
Another great example of this philosophy in practice is the Bullers of Buchan Stones - 110kg and 58.6kg - chosen deliberately for their weight difference to make the site inclusive. They’ve now been lifted by lifters from Poland, Canada, India, Switzerland, USA and all over the UK (these are just that I know of). You can see why as the site is just breathtaking:
The Bullers of Buchan Stones - 110kg and 58.6kg
Or the Millshore Stone, a 125kg modern addition beside the North Sea that lifter Harris Ashraf described as his own “Silent Realm.” It resonated with him more than any historic stone he’d encountered.
Modern stones can, and already do, carry deep meaning. When someone lifts a modern stone for the first time, its story begins - and with time, it earns its place.
Millshore Stone - 125kg
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that stone lifting is a personal journey. There is no right or wrong way to lift a stone - only safe and unsafe ways. Whether you lap, press, chest, shoulder, or even just ‘put the wind under’ the stone slightly - all of it counts if it's done within your own capabilities and with respect to the stone.
Too often, I feel lifters compare themselves to others, chasing lifts that may not suit their build, stage of training, or goals. My advice is simple: be inspired by the ‘big lifters’, sure, but set your own goals and rejoice when you hit them. You never know - you might end up being one of those ‘big lifters’ after years of quiet, consistent work.
That’s how I started. I was inspired by the likes of Martin Jancsics, Jack Shanks, Andy Cairney and James Graeme to name a few off the top of my head. Crucially, I didn’t try to be them; I set my own, realistic targets, and let their feats motivate me. Walking your own path is the most rewarding thing imaginable in the world of natural stone lifting, and I firmly believe that’s why I’m just as excited to lift now as I was around four years ago when I started.
Lastly, a wee showcase of a couple more of our stone sites in North Aberdeenshire and the thinking behind them:
The Lochielair - 221kg – A tribute to the Faroese ‘Hav’ lift.
The Lochielair Stone, weighing an immense 221kg (488lbs), stands as one of the heaviest modern lifting stones in Scotland. Placed with intention, it serves as a tribute to the legendary Faroese ‘Hav’ lift - a traditional test of raw strength where individuals would lift heavy stones to prove their worth. With its flat, rugged form and imposing weight, the Lochielair demands both physical power and the patience to find its balance point. It honours not only the Faroese roots of stone lifting but also the spirit of lifters who continue to seek out feats that are both humbling and hard-won.
Louden Stones – Stones for all abilities - 75kg, 110kg, 55kg
The Louden Stones offer an inclusive lifting experience, featuring three carefully selected stones weighing 75kg, 110kg, and 55kg. Designed to cater to lifters of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned veterans, this trio embodies the welcoming spirit of the modern stone lifting movement. Whether you're attempting your first lift or pushing for a new personal best, the Louden Stones provide a meaningful challenge in a stunning rural setting. They remind us that stone lifting isn’t about ego or comparison - it’s about participation, progress, and personal pride. Moreover, the journey to these stones is almost better than the lifts themselves, with a twenty-minute picturesque walk around Pitfour Lake!
As a final reflection, I’d encourage every stone lifter to take a quiet moment to watch The Silent Realm. Then ask yourself - what is your Silent Realm stone? The one that truly speaks to you. If you feel inspired, share it here or on your own social media. This isn’t a challenge, but a celebration of the deeper, spiritual bond we form with these tests of strength. By doing so, we honour the legacy of Peter Martin and keep the soul of stone lifting alive for generations to come. If you do take up this ‘call’, please tag myself @crawfordov24 and @bigsexygrandad101 on Instagram - we would love to see your lifts and thoughts on this!
Peter Martin’s ‘Silent Realm’ – A Tribute (AI Generated)
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