Highland Games
Modern day Highland Games are fun, social events that are celebrated around the world.
Legend has it that Highland Games started when Scottish clans would compete against each other in sporting events. A Clan Chieftain would choose the best fighters and protectors, the strongest men for defence and the best entertainers to amuse them in the evenings.
Clans would traditionally compete against each other and take part in events like the Caber Toss, Stone Put, Scottish Hammer Throw, Weight Throw, Weight Over the Bar and the Sheaf Toss.
Lighter events like piping, drumming, dancing and exhibitions on Scottish culture also take place throughout Highland Games.
Highland Games events use many items that would’ve been part of everyday life hundreds of years ago: round stones from river beds became the original Stone Put, a pine trunk with cut off branches became the caber in the Caber Toss. Today’s equipment is much more specialised.
Modern day Highland Games
Almost two hundred years ago, at the Inveraray Games the prize of a “fat sheep” was offered to competitors for “twisting the four legs off a cow”. Thankfully, nothing like that occurs today.
The Highland Games season runs from the end of May until mid September each year. They’re big sociable events where people often travel long distances to spend the afternoon soaking in the atmosphere and watching competitions.
Scotland’s biggest Highland Games is the Cowal Highland Gathering held in Dunoon every August and attracts up to 3,500 competitors and approximately 20,000 international spectators.
The Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) is the governing body for Highland Games in Scotland and represents over 60 Highland Games and associate members overseas.
Taking part in Highland Games
All Highland Games encourage spectators to get involved and get into the spirit of competition.
To participate in events and take part in competition, firstly register with the SHGA.
More on the Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA).
Highland Games across Scotland