Highland games facts for kids

Opening ceremonies of 2004 Canmore Highland games

Highland games are exciting events that celebrate Scottish culture. They are competitive sports held in spring and summer. You can find them in Scotland and many other countries. These games are a way for people with Scottish heritage to connect with their roots. Famous parts of the games include bagpipes, kilts, and amazing strength challenges. Some of these challenges are the stone put, Scottish hammer throw, and the caber toss. Besides sports, the games also feature music, dancing, and other fun activities about Scottish and Gaelic traditions.

The Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Scotland, is the biggest Highland games event in Scotland. It attracts thousands of competitors and spectators. Around the world, some events in the United States are even larger. For example, the Scottish Highland Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, California, has been held every year since 1866. It is one of the largest in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is believed that Highland games even inspired Baron Pierre de Coubertin. He saw them at an exhibition in Paris in 1889. This experience helped him plan the modern Olympic Games.

History of Highland Games

How the Games Began

The idea for Highland games is very old. One of the first stories is about King Malcolm III of Scotland (who lived from about 1031 to 1093). He asked men to race up a hill called Craig Choinnich near Braemar. He wanted to find the fastest runner to be his royal messenger. This shows that physical challenges were important long ago.

Later, in 1703, a letter asked members of Clan Grant to come to a gathering. They were told to bring their Highland coats, guns, swords, and pistols. This suggests that early games might have included contests of skill with weapons. People also believe there were events to find the strongest and bravest soldiers. Musicians and dancers would also show off their talents to honor their clans. Some people think these games might have grown from hunting traditions in the Scottish Highlands.

Modern Highland Games

Massed bands at the Glengarry Highland Games, Maxville, Ontario, Canada, 2006

Weight over the bar event at the Carmunnock Highland Games, Scotland

Highland Dancing Competition at the Dornoch Highland Gathering, Scotland

The Highland games we see today mostly developed in the 1800s. This was after a time when traditional Scottish clothing, like the Highland dress, was banned. The games helped bring back and celebrate Scottish culture.

By the mid-1900s, annual Highland games were popular not just in Scotland. They spread to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many people with Scottish family history live in these places. These modern games have done a lot to promote tartan patterns, kilts, and other parts of Highland culture. Thousands of people attend these events, often wearing traditional Scottish clothes.

There are dozens of Highland games events in Scotland. Worldwide, there are over 260 annual events. More than 100 of these are in the US alone. These games often include bagpipe band competitions. These competitions are a big part of the Scottish image. They feature bands in uniforms inspired by old Scottish regiments.

For many people of Scottish descent living outside Scotland, these games are a way to connect with their heritage. They offer a sense of shared roots and identity. It's a way to celebrate their family history and feel part of a larger Scottish community.

Exciting Events at the Games

Heavy Athletics: Tests of Strength

Long ago, Highland games were mostly about sports and athletic contests. Even today, the "heavy events" are a super important part of the games. They show off incredible strength and skill.

Stone Put: Throwing a Heavy Stone

Stone put

This event is like the shot put you might see in the Olympics. But instead of a metal ball, athletes throw a large, heavy stone! There are two main ways to do it. In the Braemar Stone event, men throw a stone weighing 20-30 pounds (9-13 kg). Women throw a stone weighing 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). Athletes must stand still when they throw.

In the Open Stone event, men throw a 16-25 pound (7-11 kg) stone, and women throw an 8-12 pound (3.5-5.5 kg) stone. Here, throwers can use different styles, like a "glide" or "spin" technique. The stone must be held in one hand near the neck until it's released.

Scottish Hammer Throw

This event is similar to the modern hammer throw in track and field. But the Highland Games version is a bit different! Athletes throw a metal ball attached to a long handle, about 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. The ball weighs 16 or 22 pounds (7 or 10 kg) for men. For women, it's 12 or 16 pounds (5.5 or 7.25 kg).

The thrower stands still, spins the hammer around their head, and throws it over their shoulder. Some athletes wear special shoes with blades. These blades help them dig into the ground. This helps them keep their balance and throw the hammer farther.

Weight Throw: How Far Can You Throw?

Weight throw

In this event, athletes throw a heavy metal weight with a handle. There are two types: a light weight and a heavy weight. Men throw a light weight of 28 pounds (13 kg) and a heavy weight of 56 pounds (25 kg). Women throw a light weight of 14 pounds (6 kg) and a heavy weight of 28 pounds (13 kg).

Athletes throw the weight using only one hand. They often use a spinning technique to get more power. The goal is to throw the weight the farthest distance possible.

Weight Over Bar: How High Can You Throw?

Weight over bar

Here, athletes throw a heavy weight with a handle over a high horizontal bar. Men throw a 56-pound (25.4 kg) weight. Women throw a 28-pound (12 kg) weight. They use only one hand.

The athlete swings the weight between their legs. Then they toss it up and over the bar. They get three tries at each height. If they clear the bar, they move to a higher level. The winner is the one who throws the weight over the highest bar.

Caber Toss: Flipping a Tree Trunk

Caber toss

The caber toss is one of the most famous Highland games events. Competitors throw a huge wooden pole called a "caber." A caber is usually made from a larch tree. It can be 16-20 feet (5-6 meters) tall and weigh 90-150 pounds (40-68 kg).

The main goal is to toss the caber so it flips end over end. It should land straight away from the thrower. Imagine a clock face: a perfect throw is called "12 o'clock." The thrower first balances the caber against their shoulder. They lift it, take a few steps, and then flip it. The smaller end goes up first, and the larger end hits the ground. If done well, the caber falls straight away from them.

Keg Toss: Over the Bar!

The keg toss is an event where athletes throw an empty metal keg over a high bar. They use both hands. The keg is empty to make it stable and safe. Athletes swing the keg like a pendulum. They release it when it reaches its highest point. This event is also popular in Strongman competitions.

Sheaf Toss: Pitchfork Power

Sheaf toss

For the sheaf toss, athletes use a pitchfork to throw a bundle of straw. The straw bundle, called a "sheaf," is wrapped in a burlap bag. It weighs 20 pounds (9 kg) for men and 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for women. The goal is to toss it over a high bar, similar to pole vaulting. Like the Weight Over Bar, athletes try to clear increasing heights. Even though some debate if it's a "true" Highland event, it's always a favorite with the crowd!

Maide-leisg: The Lazy Stick Challenge

Maide-leisg means 'lazy stick' in Gaelic. This is a fun strength challenge for two people. They sit on the ground facing each other, with the soles of their feet pressed together. They both hold a stick. Then, they pull on the stick until one person is lifted off the ground. The oldest competition for this event is on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

Many athletes in these heavy events used to compete in high school or college track and field. The Highland games offer a great way for them to keep competing. More and more women and older athletes are joining these events in the US. This means there are now more categories for different skill levels. Women's classes use lighter equipment.

Music: The Sound of Scotland

Massed bands at the 2005 Pacific Northwest Highland Games

Highland Pipeband Competition Circle (Prince Charles Pipe Band 2008)

One of the most exciting parts of the Highland games is seeing the "massed bands." This is when many bagpipe bands march and play together. Imagine 20 or more pipe bands playing Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace! It's a powerful and unforgettable sound.

The music of the great Highland bagpipe is a symbol of Scotland. Besides the massed bands, there are also competitions for solo pipers and drummers. Small groups and full pipe bands also compete. You can also enjoy other types of music, like fiddling, harp music, and other Celtic bands.

Dance: Graceful Highland Steps

Highland dancing is another beautiful part of the games. The Cowal Highland Gathering even hosts the World Highland Dancing Championship each year. Dancers from all over the world compete for this important title.

You'll see dancers of all ages and skill levels. Some common dances include the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Seann Triubhas. For these dances, performers wear traditional kilts. Other dances, like the Irish Jig and the Hornpipe, have their own special costumes.

More Fun at the Games

Assembling for the parade of clans at the 2005 Tacoma Highland Games

Highland games offer much more than just competitions! You can find many other exciting activities and attractions.

Clan Tents and Scottish Goods

Many clan societies set up tents. Here, visitors can learn about their Scottish family history. You can even join a clan society if you have Scottish roots. There are also many vendors selling Scottish items. You might find anything from Irn-Bru soda to toys of the Loch Ness Monster!

Displays and Animals

Sometimes, you can see displays of old weapons like swords and armor. There might even be pretend battles! You can also watch Herding dog trials, where dogs show off their amazing skills. You might even spot some Highland cattle, a special type of cow from Scotland.

Arts, Music, and Food

The games also celebrate Celtic arts. You might hear harp music or see Scottish country dancing. Many events also have a "ceilidh" (pronounced KAY-lee). This is a fun social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and stories. And of course, there are plenty of food vendors. They offer delicious traditional Scottish snacks and meals.

Major Highland Games Around the World

Highland games are celebrated in many countries. Here are some of the biggest events outside of Scotland:

Major Highland Games in Scotland

Highland Games in Australia

Highland Games in Belgium

Highland Games in Bermuda

Highland Games in Brazil

Highland Games in Canada

Canada Post even issued "Highland Games" stamps on August 1, 1997. These stamps showed the spirit of the games.

Highland Games in the Czech Republic

Highland Games in Hungary

Highland Games in Indonesia

Highland Games in New Zealand

Highland Games in Switzerland

Highland Games in the United States

Learn More

• Basque rural sports
• History of physical training and fitness
• Sport in Scotland
• The Gathering 2009
• World Highland Games Championships