It's a Carrbridge carve-up, by George!
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A Mongolian carver called George had a 'Hairy' time at this year's spectacular Carve Carrbridge – to sweep the board in his very first attempt.
George – known back home as Lhkhagvadorj Dorjsuren – scored the quadruple with his outstanding Highland coo, Hairy and her beautiful calf.
He not only claimed the coveted Claymore Trophy but also cut a dash as winner of the People's Choice, Carvers' Choice and Best New Entrant.
The carving genius, who at 48 has been sharpening up his act for some 30 years, told the Strathy he had done some serious homework before heading out to the Highlands.
"I wanted to know what I should create," he said.
"Back home we have Yak and I could have done a Yak, but Google told me here you have Highlan' Coo! That was my choice today."
And it worked a treat for him as he took on his first ever four-hour carve.
He told us he was far more used to 10-day events back home.
Strathspey's version was challenging but incredibly special, he felt.
“It’s a very special feeling I have, this being my first trip to Scotland and the UK and winning this competition."
Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of Carve Carrbridge, with its longevity a testament to the passion and dedication of chainsaw carving mastery from around the world as well as the many local volunteers and sponsors who come together year on year to deliver such a massively successful event.
Joining George on the winners' podium were second-placed Johnny Stableford with “Ya Wee Dancer”, and in third came last year’s winner Sam Bowsher with “Live Giraffe Love”.
With only four hours to create something truly special, the end results are judged on artistic merit, technical difficulty, and originality. Once the four-hour carve is completed, there’s no rest for the carvers who then have to produce another mini masterpiece in the 30 minute quick carve competition.
After a summer of less than summery weather, the sun shone down on Carrbridge yesterday making ideal conditions for the carvers and the (almost) 3,000 spectators.
Gavin Gerrard, event co-ordinator said: “If you are going to travel half way across the world to attend Carve Carrbridge, what an amazing result for George to win not just one category but four!
"All the team are delighted for George, a truly talented chainsaw artist. He is well known for his carvings of big beasts with craggy faces and his creation today for us at Carve Carrbridge was very special – he’s a very well deserved winner and absolutely loved by the crowd. Once again the judges had some really clever creations to choose from.
“Carve Carrbridge is 20 years old this year and continues to go from strength to strength thanks to a dedicated band of volunteers and generous local sponsors who continue to support the event.”
The only disappointment yesterday was the unavoidable non-appearance of the American contingent.
A field of 21 carvers had been pencilled in for yesterday's competition and the day saw Mongolia, Germany and a host of other exotic places represented as usual, with Carrbridge steadily gaining itself a real global reputation both for its carve art and its cooking prowess – the world porridge making championships are next up, in October – but problems with finding effective insurance cover meant three of the North American visitors had to cry off quite late in the day.
Old favourite and multi-champion Pete Bowsher delighted the local crowd with his witty creation of the bird watcher looking for a capercaillie which, hilariously, was sitting at his feet!
He promised the Strathy he would be returning next year, especially now with more time on his hands.
After being laid off from his timber-milling job he has now joined his son Sam as a full-time carving professional.
