A POWERLIFTING star from Saltcoats has won gold at the Scottish Championships.

And Aimee Brown achieved it in real style, with the highest points total and biggest squat in her weight class in Scottish history.

Aimee, 27, who works at SW Fitness in the town, told the Herald: "I am absolutely delighted. I won silver at the championships last year and was chasing gold.

"What a day and what a year it’s going to be for Team Scotland.

"I couldn’t be any more proud to be a part of it all, surrounded by the most talented, genuine people I’ve ever encountered in my life."

Now she has set her sights on two more targets - going for gold at the European Championships in Glasgow in June, then at the World Championships in Hungary in October.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Powerlifter Aimee Brown

Aimee, who is mum to Ava, revealed: "I dipped my toe in to the powerlifting world three years ago.

"I lift for the first-ever independent GPC Team Scotland along with the most incredible people.

"In 2022 I got the opportunity to compete internationally for the first time, flying to the European champions in Czech Republic then on to the World championships in Slovakia, where I bagged myself a silver medal."

Aimee said she had always been a fitness fan, but added: "I never thought I would be where I’m at now.

"I’m just an example of ‘anything is possible’, if you work hard for it. It was never going to be easy - if it was easy everyone would do it."

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Aimee represented Scotland last year

She continued: "I juggle a busy schedule putting in the hours at home/work/mum duties/family/clients and somehow manage to fit in my own training week to week.

"I joined the SW Fitness gym as a member the day they opened their doors and have now been an employee for three years."

Congratulations to Aimee from all at the Herald.