Kyle Scott: The Aberdeen First Bus driver hoping to become the world's strongest man

Strongman Kyle Scott, 24, flies out to Texas on November 19 to take part in the Official Strongman Games.

He will be up against around 40 competitors in the under 90 kilogram weight category and says he is confident he can fulfil a dream to be crowned champion after finishing fourth in his previous attempt.

First Bus is sponsoring Kyle in his bid to add international glory to UK and Ireland titles he already holds.

Kyle said: “It will be a tough field but as long as I can produce the performances that helped me win UK and world titles in the Natural Strongest Man, I believe I can do it.”

His rivals have nicknamed Kyle ‘The Taxman’ due to his ordinary appearance.

“I look unassuming so if you saw me wearing a suit you wouldn’t think I did this,” he added.

Mr Scott also held the world record for the heaviest Atlas stone lift for his weight – a staggering 184 kilos – in 2024.

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Watching the World’s Strongest Man on TV in December 2019 sparked his interest in strength exercises and weightlifting.

He entered his first competition in his home country Northern Ireland in February 2020, just before the pandemic, finishing in 7th place.

He was twice runner-up in the Natural Ireland Strongest Man in 2021 and 2022 for the under-85kg category. In 2023, he won the Natural Ireland Strongman, Natural UK Strongman and Natural World Strongman titles in the under-80kg category, the first to hold all three titles in the same year.

This qualified Mr Scott for the Official Strongman Games, where he finished fourth in his weight category.

Kyle aiming to reach ‘optimum fitness’ ahead of US trip

At the Official Strongman Games, held in Arlington from November 20 to November 23, he will compete in six events to test stamina and strength with disciplines including a Log Press, Sandbag Steeplechase and Timber Frame Carry, which he says is his speciality.

In between shifts driving for First Bus, Kyle is now deep into a punishing training regime at his local Results Gym in Aberdeen and following a strict diet. His routine involves weightlifting and strength building exercises timed to reach optimum fitness as he travels out to the United States.

Mr Scott’s been with First Bus for a year after moving from his family home in Northern Ireland.

“I used to go to my uncle’s farm which has a shed full of kit to use,” he added.

“But I’ve found a gym down the road and the team there are really good at giving me support.”

Linda Shields, Operations Director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “Kyle is a determined and focused person and we’re delighted to support him to achieve more fame in his sport.

“Everyone will be rooting for him and hoping he can bring back the trophy.”