Invergordon's special couple prove big attraction at pre-wedding 'ambush'!
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EASTER ROSS strongman Tom Stoltman and Sinead Tulloch made for a striking couple in their local community ever since romance blossomed at a music festival three years ago.
Standing at 6ft 8in and decked out in his size 18 shoes, Tom towers head and shoulders — and then some — above Sinead. And, to be fair, pretty much everyone else around.
Tom (21), who has won the title of Scotland’s Junior Strongest Man and who surpassed expectations by taking third place at the recent UK Strongest Man event in Belfast, met Sinead at the Belladrum musical festival. The couple have been inseparable ever since.
And there was certainly no missing them shortly before their wedding when they were ambushed by family and friends on a surprise prenuptial blackening near their Invergordon home.
The quirky and uniquely Scottish tradition has been likened to a form of Medieval torture and used to see the happy couple covered in soot, treacle, flour and feathers.
The good luck ritual performed with great gusto generally sees the couple noisily paraded through their village or town by friends who endeavour to make the experience as memorable as possible.
Tom’s proud mum Sheila, who helped plan the surprise, said: “It went really well.
“We made sure they would be home and the blackening took place in a big field behind their house. Sinead’s face just dropped! Tom was delighted. There was a huge turnout with adults and children running and waving as they were taken through Invergordon and Alness in my son-in-law’s truck. It was lovely.”
The couple were given a great, noisy reception in both communities as the procession wended its way through the towns. Sinead, who recently turned 21, is herself originally from Alness.
Said Sheila: “I think in the old days people were tarred and feathered. We just used spices, sauce and hard-boiled eggs. It will be a nice memory!”
She said: “I think they knew from day one after they met that they would end up together. Sinead met him at Belladrum. You couldn’t really miss Tom when he’s walking around. You do tend to spot him in a crowd. They kept in touch by text and email afterwards and romance blossomed.”
The wedding itself at Kilmuir Easter Church a few days later was equally memorable with a piper and celebrations at the Shandwick Inn and Ardross Hall. The couple then jetted off for a honeymoon in Minorca.
For Tom, the wedding was the pinnacle of a year which has been marked by some major milestones. After taking second place to his big brother Luke at the Scotland’s Strongest Man event, he regained his title of Scotland’s Junior Strongest Man. He was then to take to the podium twice at the UK Strongest Man events in Belfast.
Always appreciative of the support from his local community, Tom joined the rest of the family in thanking everyone who contributed to making the wedding day so special.
• More Journal People inside this week's edition. If you’ve had a memorable wedding or special occasion, why not get in touch to tell us about it? Email us at editor@rsjournal.co.uk or give us a call on 01349 863436.
