Let The Games Begin - Scottish Highland Games

Dear Diary,

Time to share another Scottish tradition.

Every summer Scots across the country gather for a very special spectacle: the Highland Games.

The name does sound a bit like the Triwizard Tournament out of a Harry Potter story and I have to say it does come close.

Also, it’s much better than any Olympic game, I promise!

I’ve been a couple of times already. I even met the Queen and her entourage twice at the Braemar Gathering. Ok, I saw them … from a distance. But I’ve got proof (-> scroll down).

The Story Behind the Highland Games

In essence, Highland Games are a mixture of celebrating community, culture and sports. But not with the usual sports discipline you’d expect to see … This is Scotland after all.

The first games go back as far as 2000 BC and are said to originate from Ireland.

They were an opportunity for clan members to demonstrate their strengths and stamina in various competitions. Most of the time the games involved using everyday items, such as stones and wood.

However, modern-day events feature much more than strong and fierce men battling each other. There’s a full range of activities and entertainment happening throughout the day.

Highland dancing and solo piping competitions are just some of the highlights.

Of course, traditional music with pipes, fiddles and drums plays (pun intended) a major part as well.

Last but not least, no event would be complete without a plethora of Scottish foods (aye, haggis neeps & tatties) and drinks.

It’s no surprise that the games have made it across the big ocean. The first US one took place in 1836.

Braemar Highland Games 2018 - Massed bands from around the world

The Highland Games Disciplines

Tug-o-war

Some disciplines of the games are also referred to as heavy athletics.

For a reason …

Caber toss

This is probably the signature event and yet the strangest one as well.

So, what’s a caber?

The word derives from the Gaelic word ‘cabar’, which means wooden beam. Basically, it’s a full-length tree log, usually from a Scottish pine.

And yes, they throw them around. Just like that.

To start off, the caber is stood upright. The competitor then lifts it up, using both hands and placing them under the bottom of it so that the log can rest against their body.

Then, they start running before finally tossing the caber up into the air.

Ideally, the caber should turn over and land in line with the run-up. It’s not about distance here. The competitor who gets the closest to a straight 12 o’clock position is crowned the winner.

Bear in mind, such a caber is about 5-6 metres long and weighs between 40 to 70 kilograms.

Shot put

The Scottish version of a shot put features a large stone (around 10kg) which is again launched either from a standing position or run-up.

For authenticity, the stone should be collected from a nearby river.

Weight for height

The technique used for this game is sometimes referred to as “the handbag technique”.

The starting position does look like the contestants are holding a handbag, just that this version is a tad heavier, around 25kg.

They have to throw the weight over a bar, (using one hand only) which is raised with every successful attempt.

Tug-o-war

This is one of the oldest recorded games in history and a very popular team competition. In this case, it consists of two teams of 8 men pulling against each other. Quite often the participants wear kilts, one has to keep it real.

The fun bit here is definitely the fierce and very loud shouting of the other team members to spur them on.

… and then there is haggis hurling. Aye, I’m serious. The (cooked) haggis is thrown whilst standing on an overturned whisky barrel. Do I need to say more?

Time to Meet the Royals at Braemar

The annual Braemar Gathering is the biggest (over 15,000 visitors) and definitely the most prestigious event of all.

It takes place on the first Saturday in September and is always attended by members of the royal family.

They usually stay at their nearby summer residence Balmoral Castle, which is also worth a visit by the way.

Now, can you spot the Queen in my video below? Luckily she loved to wear bright colours! Hint - she’s the lady in turquoise.

Braemar Highland Games 2018