Games scotland

Here are some key pieces of trivia about the Highland games which are a highlight in the Scottish summer calendar and one of the country's oldest and most treasured traditions. The Braemar Gathering , held in September, is the biggest and most prestigious Highland Games event and enjoys the annual attendance of the Royal Family. Its origins are Royal too. The contests of strength — jumping, running, throwing and riding — were introduced by Malcolm Canmore in as a means of selecting the most able men for soldiers and couriers.

Highland games events take place almost everywhere in Scotland each year. From major towns and cities to tiny villages and far-flung islands, wherever you are in Scotland, you can be sure there is somewhere nearby which hosts its own games. Discover more about highland games events at visitscotland.

Over time the Games grew in number and popularity but suffered a mortal blow with the Act of Proscription in following the crushing of the Jacobite Rebellion. Competitors are judged on how closely their toss lands to 12 o'clock. The hammer throwing event features a hammer made from a metal ball weighing around 22 lb for men or 16 lb for women, attached to a wooden pole or handle.

Participants use the handle to whirl the hammer around their head and then throw it as far as they can. The shot put is a favourite at all good Highland Games. Competitors throw a large stone of around 20 - 26lbs in weight as far as they can. The stone is thrown either after a short run-up to the toeboard or from a fixed standing position, depending on the rules of the competition.

The contestant who throws the furthest wins. Sometimes referred to as 'weight over the bar', this game requires competitors to throw a weight over a raised bar. The object thrown is a With each successful attempt, the bar is raised higher and higher, eliminating the contestants one by one. Cookies are required to view this content. Change your preferences at Manage Cookie Settings. Highland games have been a part of Scotland's culture for hundreds of years and are just as popular today as they've ever been.

And it's no wonder when you experience the sense of community, heritage and celebration at each of Scotland's Highland games. Every Highland games event has a unique character and traditions, and many are held in simply stunning locations. Make new friends with the locals and other visitors as you enjoy our Scottish hospitality and watch a gripping sporting spectacle of champions, with dancing, music, and more. Find a Highland games event. Next year you should be able to experience the Highland games in person and enjoy the amazing atmosphere that the games offer.

Want to know how to caber toss, shot putt or weight for height? Whether you're a budding Highland games athlete, or just want to know more about how these amazing champions pull off these feats of strength, watch our 1-minute videos below to find out more.

Learn how to hold your own fun games with our Homemade Highland Games eBook! Kids will love trying out these great Scottish events. Let the games begin. Scotland's Highland games are usually one-day events taking place in outdoor spaces across the country.

Built around traditional Highland sports such as the caber toss, tug o' war and the hammer throw, a Highland games event also includes Highland dancing and music, and lots of family fun such as food and craft stalls and games. Many events will also involve livestock events, parades and even best-dressed pet competitions. Some Highland games continue into the night with more music gigs, ceilidhs and discos.

Our Highland games are so popular, that when Scots emigrated to other lands, they took the tradition across the world with them.

Highland games have taken place in America since , but also run in other countries such as Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Brazil. Cowal Highland Gathering 25th — 27th August , Dunoon.

Most events will have numerous stalls, piping and drumming competitions, highland dancing competitions, and many athletic events, including throwing the hammer and famous tossing the caber. See the Scotland Highland Games page to find out more.

See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the information you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Get helpful advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and much more.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Cookie settings Accept. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.