Whether called Scottish Games, Scottish Highland Festivals, or Scottish Highland Games, the festivals are a way to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage. The Association of Scottish Games and Festivals works hard to assist in promoting the festivals across the United States.
Scottish Highland Games History
How the Scottish Games began is unknown, chiefly because the tradition predates recorded history. The earliest recorded games were a simple foot race called in the 11th century by King Malcolm III of Scotland. The purpose was to find the fastest runner in Scotland to serve as a royal messenger.
According to ScottishGames.org, the first modern games were held in 1819 at the Perthshire estate of Lord Gwydir in Scotland, and the games featured very similar events to today's.
Athletic Events at the Scottish Highland Games
The Scottish Highland Games likely started as pure sporting or athletic events, with the other activities evolving as time passed. The athletic events are still the central feature of the games.
The Caber Toss is probably the best known of the Scottish Games and is the most unusual. A caber is a long, tapered pine pole or log. The "tosser" balances it vertically by holding the smaller end and then runs forward and tosses it so that it turns in the air with the larger end striking the ground first. Ideally, the pole strikes in a strictly vertical position, and the athletes are scored based on how closely the throw lands at a 12 o'clock position.
The Stone Put is similar to the traditional Olympic style shot put, but uses a large stone in which the weight varies. There are also different styles allowed, one of which requires the 20-26 pound stone (13 to 18 lbs for women) to be "putted" from a strictly standing position, known as the "Braemer Stone". The other technique allows a run up to the toe board and is known as the "Open Stone". In this style the weight of the stone is 16 to 22 pounds for men and 8 to 12 pounds for women.
The Scottish Hammer Throw uses a round metal ball attached to a 4-foot shaft. The throw is accomplished while the feet are in a fixed position and the hammer is whirled over the head and thrown for distance over the shoulder.
Other events include the weight throw, the weight over the bar, and the sheaf toss.
Scottish Music and Scottish Dancing
For many visitors, the music and bands provide the most memorable experience. Bagpipes and drums dominate the festival, but Celtic fiddle and guitars are also present as are Celtic harps. The massing of the pipe bands is particularly impressive when all of the bands gather together, usually at the opening and/or closing ceremonies, to play and march together.
The traditional Scottish country dancing is also present with competitions, demonstrations and even lessons for the visitors.
Other Highland Games Events and Activities
Many Scottish festivals also include contest and exhibitions of herding dogs, clan tents and societies, and vendors selling everything from trinkets to swords. Of course, food and beverage vendors are also present with traditional Scottish delicacies such as haggis, scotch eggs, and more.
Scottish Highland Festivals provide a fun and interesting experience for the whole family.
Robert Bennett - Robert Bennett is a part time traveler, a more than full time dad, and has recently started in the exciting world of freelance writing. In ...
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