Scottish Traditions - The Highland Games

The Highland Games are a unique event in Scotland, and one of the most popular emblems of the country. There are events held across the country in spring and summer, which are an integral part of the local community, but are also a big draw for visitors from far and wide.

But what exactly are the Highland Games? What games are involved? And where can you get a taste of them? We dive into the exciting world of the Highland Games and answer these questions and many more in our guide to the Games.

The Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish culture and athleticism. There are Games held in various towns across Scotland (and even further afield), and the agenda for each event varies slightly.

However, they all include traditional Scottish music, including competitions in piping and drumming, as well as Scottish dancing. The main draw of the Games, though, is the sporting competitions, known as the heavy events. You might have heard of some of them, such as tossing the caber but don’t worry if not - we’ll go into more detail later!

Pipe Band

The Games have a long history, dating back to 1040. During that time, there were contests of strength, including running, jumping, throwing and riding to select the most able men to become soldiers and couriers.

The Games weren’t just about athleticism, though, and there was fierce competition between clan chieftains to have the finest pipers.

In 1746, the crushing of the Jacobite rebellion and the Act of Proscription banned Scottish dress, customs and gatherings for 40 years, and there were no Highland Games until the act was repealed in 1782 and customs were revived.

The Highland Games as we know them today date back to the 1800s, and with emigration of many Highlanders during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition spread to other countries, notably North America.

Traditional Scottish Kilt

So, what actually happens at the Highland Games? Well, as mentioned, the focus is on the heavy events. These are tests of strength, athleticism and endurance, many of which have come to symbolise the Games. Watch out for these events:

The caber toss is the iconic symbol of the Highland Games, and you’ll find this event at every gathering around the world.

It involves the competitor throwing the caber - a full-length log, usually made from a Larch tree - into the air using both hands. The caber is stood upright, and the aim is to turn it over mid-air, with it landing upright, with the opposite end touching the ground.

The competition is judged not on how far the caber can be thrown, but on whether the caber lands in the 12 o’clock position, that is, does it land in line with where it originally stood?

The event is really something to behold, as the caber is typically around 19 feet tall and weighs around 79kg.

Caber Toss | NHSCOT

The hammer throw is a more recognisible event, and you can see a version of it in the Olympic Games. This competition sees contenders using their strength to whirl a metal hammer (a metal ball weighing around 22lb for men, or 16lb for women) attached to a long wooden pole around their head. The aim is to throw it as far as possible!

Hammer-Throw

Again, you might recognise this event from the Olympic Games, but it’s a favourite at the Highland Games too! The event tends to use a stone or rock instead of a steel ball, but the goal is the same: to throw it as far as possible, either from a standing position or with a short run-up.

Shot Put

Another popular heavy event at the Games, this sees competitors throwing a 4 stone weight (with a handle attached) over a horizontal bar, using only one hand. Think of the weight as something like a kettlebell, and you’ll get the picture. The aim of the game is to get the highest number of successful throws across the bar.

Weight for Height

You’ll find tug o’ war events at many Highland Games, and it’s always great fun to watch. Two teams of eight compete against each other, tugging on a rope, to pull the other team over the line.

Tug of War

Every year, we attend some of the best Highland Games but with over 100 Highland Games held every year across Scotland, mostly - as you would expect - in the Highland region of the country, it is impossible for us to be present in all of them. Nevertheless, that means there are plenty of events for you to choose from, no matter which area you’re visiting - these are some of the best.

Braemar Highland Games | 2014

The Braemar Gathering is one of Scotland’s biggest and busiest Highland Games. The Games have been held in their present form in Braemar since 1832, and they draw crowds from all over the country - including the royal family! The games feature all of the heavy events, as well as pipe band competitions, a Highland Dancing competition and a hill race.

Aboyne Highland Games

The Games in Aboyne have been held since 1876, and is one of the best-loved Highland Games in Scotland. The event is a celebration of Scottish tradition and culture, featuring the heavy athletic events, dancing competitions, a hill race and more.

The Inverness Games date back to 1822, and there’s plenty to see and do at this popular event in the capital of the Highlands. The heavy events are a highlight, with games for men and women. The piping competitions are also well worth a watch, as is the traditional Scottish dancing.

Inverness Highland Games

If your time is limited, then we recommend Stirling Highland Games for a taste of the traditional Highland Games experience without travelling to the north of the country. As well as the heavy events, piping and dancing, there is also an Arts and Crafts markets showcasing local products, and an Activities Challenge area for everyone to get involved.

Stirling Highland Games

Pitlochry, a pretty town in Perthshire, has held a Highland Games since 1852. It’s usually the last Games of the season, and there’s a huge amount to keep you entertained throughout the day. As well as the heavy events, there’s dancing, piping, cycling and running events.
 

Have you attended the Pitlochry Highland Games? Get in touch with your stories!

Pitlochry Highland Games

Bridge of Allan Highland Games

Nestled between Stirling Castle, the beautiful Ochil Hills and the National Wallace Monument, you can find the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. Its traditional cultural and sporting packed programme, with over 160 years of history, attracts between 8,000 - 10,000 people every year. Some of the highlights include heavyweight competitions, highland dancers and more than a thousand pipers and the main ring always seems to be buzzing with multiple activities surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of locals and visitors from around the world.
 

We love a day out at Bridge of Allan Highland Games and you can read more about the games and the events of the day on a separate blog.

Loch Lomond Highland Games

Started in 1967, the Loch Lomond Highland Games are one of the top three Highland Games in Scotland hosting the Scottish Highland Games Association World Heavyweight Championship. Other than heavy weights, you can also watch numerous field and track events, as well as enjoying highland dancing and a variety of stalls and exhibitions.
 

We were lucky enough to attend the 2018 Loch Lomond Games, we enjoyed watching the tug of war the most, it made us want to show our muscles and compete next time, find out more about our experience at the Games.

North Berwick Highland Games

Despite it being a relatively young celebration when compared with the other games in this list, the North Berwick Highland Games now attract crowds of over 15,000 people. First held in 1996 and situated just 25 miles from the centre of Edinburgh, the event holds 2 pipe band competitions, heavy weights competitions and highland dancing.

This is a very local games for ScotlandShop, the day is filled with great pipers and an endless amount of talented Pipe Bands. Read our interview with Peter Shaw, Vice President of North Berwick Highland Games.

Crieff Highland Gathering

Crieff Highland Gathering takes place at Market Park in Crieff in August. It is regarded as one of the premier games in Scotland, and we are very excited to be a part of this historic, annual event now that we have joined the local community with our new Crieff shop.

With a full programme of traditional competitions, there will also be Piping performances, a salute to the Chieftain and the Massed Pipe Bands finale. Traditional music will be played in the Aldi Arena area of the Park.

Crieff Highland Gathering

The first ‘modern’ Highland Games are believed to have been held in 1818 in St. Fillans. Games still continue nearby to this day with the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games that are held annually at the other end of Loch Earn. 

The traditional highland games held at Lochearnhead provide all the spectacle and excitement you expect to find at a highland venue. Track and field events, heavyweight events like the caber toss and weight throwing, piping and a pipe band and of course the ever popular highland dancing competitions.

Photo credit-Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games

The Ewen Cameron Cup

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games has been host to the British heavyweight championships for many years. The Ewen Cameron cup is still presented every year for the best competitor in the ‘Ball’, ‘Hammer’ and ‘Caber’ events.

The Games are held in heart of the central Highlands, in Breadalbane Park, in the lovely Killin Village and have been popular for over 25 years. The Games include heavyweight competitions, highland dancing and grand piping competitions. Breadalbane Park can be dated back to the late 17th century, When John Campbell, 1st Earl of Breadalbane established Killin as a Burgh of Barony.

Killin Highland Games- Image 'What's on Stirling'

Killin has strong historical links to Clan MacNab and the legendary Fingal (A Celtic hero, who is supposedly buried in Killin). You can visit Fingal's Stone very near Breadalbane Park.

Atholl Gathering takes place at the famous Blair Castle. The castle has been home to the Atholl family for over 700 years, and boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland. Thr Castle is home to artifacts dating all the way back to medieval times and played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland's history. 

Atholl Gathering (Image- Knockendarroch Hotel)

The Gathering includes tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer. There are plenty of other attractions, such as highland dancing, tug o’ war and piping competitions, not to mention delicious food and drink stalls. Don't forget to pack a tartan rug to secure your picnic spot on the hill.

Emily and members of Clan Buchanan | Luss Highland Games 2019

Highland Games and Gatherings are not only celebrated in Scotland but in communities across the globe, bringing together music, strength, dancing and tradition. From tossing the caber to lively pipe band performances, these events capture the spirit of Scottish heritage where ever they are held.

Read our blog to discover some of the most exciting Highland Games around the world.

Wondering what to wear to Highland Games?

The simple answer is what ever you feel most comfortable in but we do recommend a splash of tartan. We have put together a blog to help you get Highland Games ready this summer, whether you want to wear tartan head to toe, or want to just add it as a pop of colour. We have something for everyone.

Read more on 'What to wear to the Highland Games' blog.

Now you know all about the Highland Games, you’re ready to enjoy all they have to offer! Take a look at ScotlandShop’s range and get kitted out for the Games today! Don't forget to see if our tartan tent is popping up near you soon on our events page.