Feeling on top of the world with record-breaking events

As Susan Boyle becomes a record breaker three times over, Gemma Fraser looks at some of the other weird and wonderful feats that have earned locals a place in the record books

AFTER selling 411,820 copies of her debut album in its first week in the UK alone and singing for the Pope during his visit to Scotland last week, Susan Boyle may have thought she had no more dreams left to come true.

But the West Lothian singing sensation has clocked up yet another milestone - by securing three entries in the new Guinness World Records 2011 book.

She now holds the record for the fastest-selling album by a female (UK), most successful first week UK debut album sale and oldest artist to reach No.1 with a debut album (US & UK).

But SuBo is by no means the only record-breaking local to reach the dizzy heights of Guinness World Record success.

From serious athletic achievements to publicity stunts, creative entrepreneurial opportunities to the downright bizarre spectacles, here are just a few.

Who: Elaine Davidson

Title: Most pierced woman

Where: Edinburgh

When: August 9, 2001

By August 9, 2001, Elaine Davidson, who lives in Edinburgh, had a record-breaking 720 piercings.

She first broke the record in May 2000, when a Guinness World Records official examined her and found 462 piercings on various parts of her body, including 192 on her face area alone. She now has 6925 piercings.

Ms Davidson, who has just opened a new shop on Candlemaker Row, said she is determined to maintain her crown indefinitely.

She said: "Every year I go and do it again and every year I break the record.

"I think it's fantastic, though some people don't like it. It's something I really want to do and I'm so happy.

"I want to maintain my record as long as I can because it's something I want to do with my life.

"If I lost my record, I would be crying for days."

Who: Stoats Porridge Bars

Title: Largest bowl of porridge

Where: Edinburgh Farmers' Market

When: September 15, 2007

Stoats Porridge Bars broke the record for the largest bowl of porridge by producing a breakfast weighing 81.6 kg (179 lb 14 oz).

It smashed the previous record, which was set at 66.26 kilograms at a farmers' market in Warwickshire.

The record was achieved after a 218-pint stock pot was hired from caterers to cook it in and craftsmen designed a special 1.6-metre long cherry wood spurtle.

It took 110 litres of water and milk and 50 kilograms of organic oats.

The finished product was dished out to hundreds of local schoolchildren, as well as hungry shoppers.

However, after holding the record for a year, it has since been broken twice, with the most recent record-holder making 690 litres of porridge.

Bob Arnott, co-founder of the company, said he is considering attempting the record again. He said: "Because we held the record for a year, it was good publicity.

"We have been talking about doing it again but it's a tough one to beat and we would need to find someone with a big enough pot."

Who: Edinburgh 500 Legs

Title: The longest multi-legged chain (three-legged race)

Where: Edinburgh Academy Sports Centre

When: April 25, 2010

A group of 265 people gathered to break the world three-legged race title in order to raise money for local charity 500 Miles, which aims to raise funds for amputees and other disabled people in Malawi and Zambia.

Organiser Bill McWilliam, 44, from the Grange, developed the idea for 500 Legs and although originally hoped to get 500 participants, managed to secure just enough people to break the previous record of 261.

He said: "It took a bit of organising but it was a great relief to finally achieve it.

"It was probably the worst day of spring and it was pouring down and we ended up going to the Botanic Garden and pulling people out to take part, but we got there."

Who: "Marathon Man" Mark Cooper and friend Andrew Murray

Title: Fastest time for running the course of Hadrian's Wall

Where: Hadrian's Wall

When: July 31, 2010

The pair slashed the previous record by three hours - despite running an extra 16 miles after getting lost.

They ran the course in 16 hours and 59 minutes, and believe aiming to break the world record spurred them on.

Mr Cooper, from Mountcastle, said: "We set out just to run the course, it was never meant to be a record-breaking attempt.

"But once we got half way through, we wanted to make a go of it.

"Everybody has a competitive streak and if the record hadn't have been there, we might not have done it in such a fast time.

"The vast majority of records these days are a bit novelty and silly but it's good to get some recognition and I think it's good fun."

Who: SkyFest

Title: Largest air guitar ensemble and largest rendition of If You're Happy and You Know It

Where: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

When: September 5, 2009

Thousands of people turned out for SkyFest - a giant carnival party thrown for all Sky TV workers and their families.

A total of 1535 people set a new Guinness World Record for largest air guitar ensemble.

Despite needing just 200 people to secure the record for the largest rendition of If You're Happy and You Know It, a grand total of 755 singers led to SkyFest smashing a second title.

Who: Hanna Miedema

Title: Faster mile on a moon hopper

Where: Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

When: June 12, 2010

Despite two failed record attempts involving cramming snails on to her face and eating M&Ms with chopsticks, Hanna Miedema finally found success earlier this year.

The 26-year-old Edinburgh University graduate broke the world record for the fastest mile achieved on a moon hopper.

She beat the previous record of 43 minutes and 9 seconds - held by American Ashrita Furman, the man with the world record for having the most world records - with an impressive 26 minutes, 49 seconds.