Shanks is the first man to lift the Scottish Dinnie Stones of Aberdeenshire, unassisted after Donald Dinnie did so in 1860.[4][5] He achieved this feat (which is also known as putting the wind under the stones) five times in the summer of 1972.[1]
On 3 June 1973, Shanks also became the first man after 113 years to replicate Donald Dinnie's historical feat of walking the stones over the landmark distance of 17 ft 1+1⁄2 in (5.22 m) across the width of the Potarch bridge.[6][7] A large group of spectators and press were gathered to witness the event. The feat was performed on the top of a flatbed lorry for the crowd to have a better viewing experience.[1] Strength historian and sports promoter David P. Webster gifted Shanks a prize of £250 for the achievement.[8]
The leather lifting belt and tank top Shanks wore during the feats are now in display at the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports.[9]
Belfast, Northern Ireland