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20 April, 2026
Tinker creates history before bumper Brigadoon crowd
Organisers couldn’t have hoped for anything better – blue skies, bumper crowds and big guys setting records.
Organisers couldn’t have hoped for anything better – blue skies, bumper crowds and big guys setting records.
Thousands turned out for this year’s Bundanoon Highlands Gathering in spectacular autumn conditions.
No washouts. No COVID. Just the best in Scottish dance, Scottish music and everything Scottish - with a dash of international cuisine and traditional Australian barbecue on the side.
Macauley Tinker became the first person in Brigadoon’s history to take out both heavy titles on the same day and cemented himself as a crowd favourite.
The 33-year-old from Dee Why in Sydney took out the Heavy Weight title before also taking out the ‘lifting of the stones’ event shortly afterwards.
He told The Southern Wire it was one of the greatest achievements of his distinguished international career.
He said he would take a day off – because recovery from a day like Saturday was like being “hit by a truck” – but he would be easing himself back into training by the start of the week.
And will be back next year to defend his titles?
“You’d better believe it,” he said.
Unfortunately glory for one came with a gracious defeat and a devastating announcement from another.
Luke Reynolds – a crowd favourite – announced he would be bowing out of Brigadoon after 14 years.
Read More: Bundanoon, Southern Highlands