Highland games are traditional competitions originating in the highland areas of Scotland and still held there and in other parts of the world where Scots have settled. The competitions are best known for traditional competitive athletic heavy events.

History

The best-known games are the ones held at Braemar, Lonach, Ballater and Aboyne. Although they can be dated back to the 11th century, there have been many long breaks and revivals. The Aboyne games have been running since 1867 without a break apart from the two world wars. There is a document from 1703 summoning the clan of the Laird of Grant. They were to arrive wearing Highland coats and "also with gun, sword, pistill and dirk". From this letter, it is believed that the competitions would have included feats of arms.

Events

Heavy Events

Heavy events include several feats of strength. The representative event is the caber toss, but many others are equally common, such as the following:

• Hammer throw
• Shot put
• Tug of war
• Sheaf toss
• Stone carry (Stone walk)

Music

Other events in Highland games include competitions of the regional pipe bands, solo bagpipe, and drum majors. Harp and fiddle competitions are also commonly offered. Celtic bands will also perform non-competitively in beer gardens.

Dance

Dance competitions are held at Highland games, but until the 1970s women were forbidden to compete in "Highland Dances". One such form of the Highland dance is "Scottish Sword Dancing", which has no connection with English sword dancing apart from the name, but are equally demonstrative of the dancers skill. The dancer stands over a pair of crossed swords and balances on one foot while pointing the other leg over the blades. Every few steps he changes to balance on the other leg. The tune used is a strathspey, and by tradition always the tune "The Gillie Calum". The same dance is done, without the swords, at social dances.

Secondary events and attractions

Herding dog trials and exhibitions can be held, showcasing the breeders and trainers skills. At modern games, armouries will display their collections of swords and armour, and often perform mock battles. Various vendors selling Scottish memorabilia are also present selling everything from Irn-Bru to the stuffed likeness of the Loch Ness Monster.

External links

• Rules of Highland Games athletic events