It is believed that the origins of the Highland Games came from the 11th century, when King Malcolm III (infamous for killing MacBeth), held a contest in the Braes of Mar to find the fastest runners and toughest fighting men. Other games events have been added over the centuries, perhaps stemming from the events such as weddings, and from the simple amusements of working men.
During various times of the English occupation, from before the Wars of Independence to the suppression after the Jacobite wars, the men of Scotland were forbidden to bear or train with arms, in an attempt to prevent another popular Scottish uprising. Scots continued to train for war; they simply did so with the implements of war replaced with the implements of the Highland games.
Interested in competing, check out the Heavy Games Practice sessions.
Caber Toss
A long tapered pine pole or log is stood upright and hoisted by the competitor who balances it vertically holding the smaller end in his hands. The competitor then runs forward attempting to toss it in such a way that it turns end over end for one rotation, preferably with the larger end striking the ground first. It is ideal to end with it pointing as close to 12:00 of a clock as possible.
Sheaf Toss
A traditional Scottish agricultural sporting event originally played at country fairs where a pitchfork is used to hurl a burlap or canvas bag stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar above the competitor’s head. The bar is raised until only one person can clear the bar.
Putting the Stone
The same as the Olympic shot put, except is uses a rounded stone that weighs ~17 pounds.
Tug of War
A traditional tug of war.
Hammer Throw
A round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 pounds for men and 12 or 16 pounds for women), attached to the end of a shaft about 4 feet in length and made of wood, bamboo, rattan, or plastic. The feet are in a fixed position, and the hammer is whirled about one’s head and thrown for distance over the shoulder.
Weight for Distance
Actually two separate events, one using a light (28 pounds for men and 14 pounds for women) weight, and the other a heavy (56 pounds for men, 42 pounds for masters men, and 28 pounds for women) weight. The longest distance thrown wins.
Weight over the Bar
Also known as weight for height, the athletes attempt to toss a 56 pound weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each height, the final competitor with the highest height wins.
Interested in Competing?
If you feel like you might like to compete, please click here for an athletic entry form! Good luck!