About Highland Games
Oral tradition holds that some version of the Highland Games has been in existence within the Celtic/Gaelic Community since before the dawn of Christianity. In those days, the gatherings were essentially "war games" designed to select the best warriors in each family tribe or "clan".
The 11th Century saw the first Games in Scotland organized and designated as a sporting event. During the reign of King Malcolm III (1058-1093), a fairly flat meadowland, the Brae O¹Mar, along the river Dee, was used for a royal contest to find the swiftest and strongest in the kingdom... fast, with the necessary stamina to carry Malcolm's messages across the land.
Games were held throughout Scotland until the Battle of Culloden in 1746. After Bonnie Prince Charlie¹s defeat by the English, the Act of Proscription banned playing of the bagpipe, wearing of the kilt, gathering together of the people, and the carrying of arms under the penalty of deportation or death. That effectively squelched a good part of the Highland culture, and literally destroyed the old clan structure.
After the repeal of the Proscription, in the latter part of the 18th Century, Highland Societies began forming, and in 1781 the first society “Gathering” was held at Falkirk. The success of this venture led to the Gathering of the Clans and the Highland Games as we know them today. By the end of the 1820s Games were once again being held throughout Scotland.
Scottish Highland Games and other Fairs or Festivals
There are many wonderful events to see in Scotland. Not just Highland Games but also Village Fairs and Festivals. When in Scotland try to attend some of these events, especially in the smaller towns.
Athletic Events
Scottish athletic competitions comprise the following categories: the Scottish Highland Athletic Competitions (or Heavy Events), team sports and traditional Celtic sporting events. The Heavy Events test the athletes’ strength, skill and endurance. Events containing the word Toss generally refer to competitions for height whereas events containing the word Throw are for distance.
Tossing the Caber: The caber is a 90 to 120 pound log, 16' to 20' in length, that is tossed end-over-end. Once the narrow end of the caber is vertically balanced in the arms of the athlete, the athlete runs forward, stops and heaves the caber upward. The caber must spin in such a way that the large end hits the ground. The caber will then fall over with the narrow end falling away from the athlete. A perfect throw will land at the 12 o'clock position, straight away from the athlete that released it.
Sheaf Toss: The sheaf toss involves hurling a bag of hay straight up into the air over an adjustable crossbar with a three-tyned pitchfork. The bag of hay weighs 16 to 20 pounds for men and 10 to 12 pounds for women. The winner is the athlete who tosses the sheaf the highest.
Weight Throws: Men throw 28 and 56 pound weights for distance in this event. For women, the weights are 14 and 28 pounds. The athlete grasps the weight in one hand and begins swinging the weight from side to side. Once a bit of momentum is achieved, the athlete spins the weight around, usually twice, to impart additional momentum and releases the weight. The winner is the athlete who throws the weight the farthest.
Weight Toss: Men will use a 56 pound weight, which is thrown for height, in this event. Women will use a 28 point weight. The athlete stands beneath an adjustable height crossbar, grasps the weight with one hand and swings the weight back and forth between the legs. On the final swing, the athlete brings the weight up in a smooth arc and releases the weight so that it will pass over the crossbar. The winner is the athlete who tosses the weight the highest.
Stone Throw: A rounded stone, called a clachneart, weighing between 16 and 32 pounds for men and 8 to 12 pounds for women is thrown for distance in this event. Some athletes spin to gain momentum before releasing the stone, in much the same way a shot put is tossed, while others impart momentum via a forward glide. The winner is the athlete who throws the stone the farthest. As the weight of the actual stones used is so variable, distances achieved vary from festival to festival.
Braemar Stone: This is similar to the Stone Throw except that the heavier stone must be "tossed" without the glide or spin.
Hammer Throw: For this event, a metal ball is attached to a wooden handle, usually rattan, to create a hammer. The total length of the hammer must not exceed 4' 2" (50"). For men, the "light" hammer weighs 16 pounds and the "heavy" hammer weighs 22 pounds. For women, the "light" hammer weighs 12 pounds and the "heavy" hammer weighs 16 pounds. The athlete spins the hammer in a circular motion building up momentum. When ready, the hammer is released. The winner is the athlete who throws the hammer the farthest.
Farmer's Walk: In the farmer's walk, the athlete picks up two weights, each weighing up to 150 pounds, and walks around series of pylons. The winner is the athlete who walks the farthest.
Team Events. Tug-of-war: The traditional tug-of-war with a Scottish flavour. All participants are kilted. Some games have teams from the various clans and families compete against one another. Others permit anyone to compete. the winner is the team that pulls the opposition past the center line.
Traditional Celtic Sports are those sporting events that originated centuries ago that are considered part of the "heavy" events.
Battle Axe Throw: The battle axes used in the modern competition are frequently replicas of the type issued to the 78th Frasers Highlanders, a military regiment from the Highlands of Scotland. The axe is light enough to be used with one hand and heavy enough to dent or puncture armour. In the competition, axes are thrown at increasing distances towards a target. The winner is the individual who's ax, thrown from the greatest distance, strikes blade first in target center.
Children's Games: Some events have competitions that mock Scottish athletic events. Others include special events like sack races, egg-and-spoon races, pillow fights and lawn bowling.
