Meet the Athletes of the Highland Games

We love all things Highland Games, from the skirl of the pipes to the flawless sword dances, but we can not forget the strong men and women who use their strength to compete at the Gatherings. We have had the honour of speaking to a few talented individuals who have the muscles and skill to impress the crowds.

The Empire Throwing Club

Great to speak with you, Mac. Please tell us more about how and why you set up The Empire Throwing Club in 2022?

I was a pretty casual competitor until the 2021 season when I realized how many Highland Games competitions I could drive to in the Northeastern US. That season I competed ten times, usually driving an average of three hours West toward Buffalo or East toward New England. I was a little envious of the training and competition opportunities in those areas. At the time we had only the Capital District Scottish Games near Albany and I didn’t know any other local throwers I could train with. It occurred to me that if a city like Buffalo could have enough interest in the Highland Games to support a club with many members and numerous events, then certainly Albany could too.

I knew I would have to start at the ground level since we really didn’t have a population of throwers already. That’s why our first event was “Training Day,” which was geared toward total beginners to help them learn the basics. I wanted to make sure that everyone could participate, so I made a hefty initial investment in weights and throwing equipment for all the different classes of athletes. I had some experienced friends drive in from out of town to assist as coaches, and I tried to spread the word however I could. I had social media accounts, but no followers, so I drove all over town to pass out flyers. I made over 100 stops at gyms, bars, and Celtic cultural hot spots- anywhere that I thought interested throwers might be hiding. That first year we had 12 new athletes join us and discover the Highland Games. Some of them satisfied their curiosity and haven’t come back, but some of them stayed and formed the core group of our organization.

Since then we have seen steady growth and new opportunities. In 2023 we officially formed as an LLC. We popped up at the Thistle Day celebration in the town of Argyle, NY as well as the 1st annual Breadalbane Gathering in Broadalbin, NY for some throwing exhibitions, and both of those events have now evolved into full-fledged Highland Games competitions. We have provided various kinds of support to other nearby competitions including the Capital District Scottish Games, and of course continued to host our annual Training Day.

What types of throwing / strength activities do you practice for and/or compete in? What’s your favourite?

For now, the Empire Throwing Club is focused on the 6 standard heavy throwing events that define the “Scottish Games” around the country- the stone put, weight for distance, hammer toss, caber toss, sheaf toss, and weight over bar. For someone new to the games, these are the events that are typically contested at a Highland Games competition. The terminology changes from place to place. Technically “Highland Games” includes a wide variety of separate competitions like piping, dancing, etc. So you might say we specialize in “Scottish heavy athletics,” but a few hundred years ago in Scotland that would have included wrestling, rowing, running, archery, and more. Now and then we hold extra events just for fun, like keg tossing or stone lifting, but for the purposes of national rankings and championship invitations, the six events listed above are the standard Highland Games events. Usually the crowd favourite and most recognizable is the caber toss, but personally my favourite is the hammer throw.

Is there a social side to the club?

I would say so. We get together for practices as often as we can. Those are usually focused on training and improving, but sometimes they are a little more laid back and might involve food and drink. Our “Beef and Sheaf” events aren’t quite world-renowned but they should be. We swap information, tips, advice, pictures, and videos of our competitions through the club social media pages. Some competitions are followed by good food, beer, and cheer, so yes, that’s the social side of the club.

Do you find most people who join the club are already interested in their Scottish heritage and links?

It’s always interesting to see how people find out about the club. Some people find us through related strength sports. They might be a power lifter or strongman competitor looking to try something new. Sometimes people gravitate to the games because they threw track and field in high school or college and see it as an opportunity to continue throwing as an adult. Some people don’t have much of an athletic background at all and become interested due to their own Scottish heritage or maybe just by seeing what we do online or at a festival. I would say some of us are primarily interested in the sport, but I would also say that everyone appreciates and respects the tradition and the culture that comes with it.

What is your personal interest in Scottish games: do you have Scottish ancestry and if you do, please can you share a bit about your heritage?

My family told me we were of Scottish descent when I was young. I didn’t really understand what that meant, but one day when I was about 15 they brought me to the Capital District Scottish Games. I was immediately amazed at the kilts, the bagpipes, the lads and lassies throwing giant logs through the air, and I quickly learned what a special thing it was to be of Scottish descent. I bought a kilt of my own and started to learn a little more about my family history, though it was ten more years before I started to compete in the games myself.

“Dillman” is German, but my other three grandparents were named McCullough, McEachron, and McNabb. My parents didn’t want the Scottish heritage to be lost in my name, so they named me McKenzie, but everyone calls me Mac.

We must ask of course, what is your favourite tartan? And do you wear a different tartan for competitions?

I started with a tartan with no clan affiliation called “Loch Ness” which I later learned was not actually even the proper tartan of Loch Ness, but now my wife, my daughter, and I all wear the tartan to the games so I have embraced it as my own family tartan. I have to say I also like the Albany tartan very much.

Any upcoming events the club are involved in that you’d like to share?

Of course! On Saturday August 3rd we will be holding our 3rd annual Training Day at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, NY. Just like past years, we will have some experienced throwers coming in to coach for the day in all of the events. The event is geared toward beginners but it’s a great opportunity for seasoned throwers to improve their skills as well. This year’s training day will be a fundraiser for the Shen Track & Field booster club, and we will be raising funds with a lunch sale and 50/50 raffle. Also new this year, we will be supporting a junior class for athletes ages 14-17. We are very excited about this one, since this is a great opportunity for younger throwers to discover the games and learn about the history and heritage in the process. We hope to see lots of new faces of all ages on the field for Training Day!

We are also looking forward to our 2nd annual Thistle Day Highland Games in Argyle, NY. Thistle Day is the town’s way of bringing the community together to celebrate their agricultural and Scottish roots. It’s an all-day event featuring live music, food and craft vendors, local breweries and distilleries, kids activities, a bonfire, fireworks, and of course, heavy athletics by the Empire Throwing Club! This competition will be open to men, women, juniors, and all masters age groups. It’s a great opportunity for experienced competitors and beginners alike. This will be our first competition to feature the junior class, and we will even be hosting some kids’ games for the little ones as well. We like to follow up the competition with some walk-on events that anyone can try right out of the crowd, like the sheaf toss. Last year’s Thistle Day was a big success, so we are anticipating record attendance this year for both athletes and spectators.

If anyone is interested in more information about joining your club, what is the best way for them to do so?

Visit us at www.EmpireThrowingClub.com. That is a great place to learn about our events, or general info about the Highland Games. I also recommend following us on Facebook and Instagram to get the most up-to-date info and find out about local open practices.
 

Any good stories you’d like to share we haven’t mentioned?

I would add that a lot of people assume the Highland Games are just for big, strong, young men, but there are classes for just about everyone. I have always competed in the Men’s Lightweight class for men under 200lb. An unbelievable number of athletes throw in the masters classes for people over 40, 50, or 60 years old, and for every class that exists for men, there is also one for women.

I think people are shy to give the sport a try because they are afraid of falling down in front of a crowd of people, but they should know two things. #1: We were all terrible when we started throwing. We all trip, fall, lose our balance, and wipe out in the mud every now and then, and it’s okay. #2: This has got to be the kindest and most supportive community of people you will meet. Some sports have barriers to entry and may not be inviting to newcomers. We love welcoming new throwers onto the field. Everyone readily shares tips and advice and wants to see you be successful. I have met some of my best friends through the Highland Games, and since my early days of tripping over my own feet and looking foolish, it has become a way for me to travel the country meeting new people and competing against some of the best in the world. So if you aren’t sure if this sport is for you, I say try it out and see!

Our Facebook group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirethrowingclub/

We are @EmpireThrowingClub on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirethrowingclub/

And our website is: www.EmpireThrowingClub.com

In 2019, whilst attending Luss Highland Gathering to visit Clan Buchanan & Clan Colquhoun, we were told a clan battle would be happening that afternoon. As we walked around the event field taking in all of the competitions going on we began to notice more and more people wearing matching "Team Duer" T-shirts.

We stopped a couple to ask them if they were taking part in the clan battle and noticed that their t-shirts matched many we had seen throughout the day. It turns out that they weren't competing but that their close friend Jeffrey Duer had travelled from the US to participate in his first Scottish Highland Games and that a group of over 20 supporters had travelled with him to provide a fantastic cheerleading squad.

Jeffrey was preparing to compete at the time, but we introduced ourselves to the rest of his supporters including Jeffrey's brother and arranged to meet up with them after Jeffrey had finished competing to find out more.

We managed to catch glimpses of the competition, but late in the afternoon we had the chance to sit and watch the Weight over Bar or Weight for Height competition. In this event athletes attempt to toss a 4 stone weight attached to a handle with one hand backwards over a horizontal bar. Each competitor is allowed three attempts at each height before the bar is raised for the next round of competition. The winner is determined by the highest successful throw and in the case of a draw the participant with the fewest misses throughout the competition wins. The athletes competing seems to be fairly evenly matched with all competitors initially struggling to clear the bar but with most getting there on the third attempt. A few gasps were let out from the crowd when the weight appeared to be heading straight towards the competitors' heads, luckily all of the athletes had good reflexes and managed to avoid being hit. We weren't too sure what the winning height was but we did hear at one point that the bar was now above the height of a double decker bus!

This was the final event for the day and would decide the overall winner for the day's competition. Shortly after the events drew to a close Jeffrey returned to greet his supporters, after a quick stop to have his picture taken lifting some of the children who had also been cheering him on.

We hear this is your first time competing here in Scotland?

Yes, this is my first time competing in Scotland but I have been competing for 5 years back in the US. I compete mainly in my home state of Texas but I do travel a little bit.

What made you decide to travel to Scotland to compete and is there a particular reason that you chose Luss Highland Games?

Well, through my Mum's side I am a descendant of Clan Colquhoun so we made this trip as a family to come and find out about the history and to come and compete here in the Clan lands of Luss. (Although a descendant of the Colquhoun Clan, Jeffrey competes in the Leathernecks, US Marine Corp Tartan. He does however have the Clan Colquhoun Crest attached to his kilt.)

Have you been participating in the Colquhoun Clan Gathering this week?

A little bit, we took part in the parade this morning.

How did competing go today?

Oh, it was Awesome. I threw fairly well, I could have done better in some places.

You came 3rd overall in the competition, how does that feel?

Yeah, I was 3rd overall and in each of the competitions today. To the two I lost to that's okay, they're pretty good.

What is your favourite event?

The Caber and Weight Over Bar.

How do you usually fair in competition back home?

I usually do better in both of those events so today was an off day. (We suggested that Jeffrey should blame this on Jet Lag!) Yes, exactly! I was the Scottish Games League Amateurs Champion in 2016.

How long are you here visiting Scotland?

We are here for around another week, travelling a little more in the Highlands and then finishing our trip in Edinburgh.

So, just how many supporters do you have with you here today?

21, who have all travelled with me from the States.

Which Games are you heading to next?

Well this is it for me here in Scotland but back home I have around 4 in Texas and then I'm doing the Masters (over 40's competition) world championship in Scottsdale, Arizona this November.

We loved hearing Jeffrey and Team Duer's story and wish him the best luck for the World Championships later this year! Are you competing in a Highland Games for the first time this year? Get in touch to share your competitive Highland Games stories with us.

We caught up with Chuck fresh after his victory at the Victoria Highland Games in May 2018,  to find out a bit more about life as a Highland Games and Heavy Events athlete. Standing 6ft4 tall, Orthopaedic Physical Therapist by day and world record holder in the heavy weight for distance, Chuck is quite a force to contend with.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Age: 33

Day Job: Physical Therapist

From: Hallam in Nebraska, USA (small town with a population of 275)

Competing since: 2009

Favourite Event: I like them all, my favourite is usually the one I'm throwing the best at that time. I really enjoy the technical challenge of throwing the weights.

Greatest Achievement to Date: I was able to pull out a win in the 2017 US Championships which, before winning the World Championships, was my proudest moment in the games.

Favourite Scottish Food: I'm not sure I have one. I've tried haggis and it was ok. I love a good scone with strawberries!

So where did it all begin?

I first started throwing in 2009 at a Highlander competition made up of half highland games events and half strongman events. We had an axle clean and press, tire flip, yoke walk for the strongman events; and Braemar stone, 28# weight throw, and the 56# weight over bar. 2008 World Champion Sean Betz was there and highly recommended I compete in the games. I did my first full games in 2011 and started throwing professionally in 2014.

Any Scottish connections?

I don't have any Scottish connection that I know of. I just really enjoy throwing. I also really appreciate the history of the games. It's very cool to put my hands on the same implements that many great athletes have thrown in the past. The Highland Games are becoming more popular in the US and the following is growing thanks to the social media presence of many of the throwers.

What is your secret training recipe and how do you prepare for them? How many hours a week do you train and do you follow a strict diet?

The preparation for the Highland games is a mix of strength and speed in addition to good throwing technique. I spend between 10-20 hours per week divided amongst the throws and lifts. I have to eat a lot to stay at a good throwing weight so I try to eat between 4000-6000 calories per day depending on how hard I'm training in the gym.

And what about events that you are weaker at?

My weakest event by far is the open stone. I don't come from a throwing background and it takes many reps to become proficient at it. I am getting better with practice, but still pretty far behind elite. I also struggle with the Caber toss as I don't have a practice caber. The more cabers I get my hands on, the better I feel I do. I just have to hope I don't bleed too many points in these events and that my stronger events can carry me through the competitions.

Apart from competing in the events what else do you enjoy about the Highland Games?

I love the camaraderie that the games brings. Some of my best friends on the planet are people that I throw with week in and week out during the season. I really hate the off-season for that reason. I get lonely.

Above: Chuck with some of the other athletes competing in Portland Highland Games

During the summer there are so many Highland Games, do you have a favourite games to compete in?

I like them all, but there are a few that stick out. The Celtic Classic is the US Championships and is held in Bethlehem, PA. It is a very prestigious games and the crowd really enjoys the athletics. Pleasanton, CA has a fantastic competition with a huge crowd, and Loon Mountain in New Hampshire is great as well.

It is compulsory to wear a kilt while competing in the games, was this difficult for you to get used to? Which tartan do you wear and why?

It is required for everyone but the novice class in the US. I have honestly never really given it a second thought aside from my first competition when it was a bit awkward. I spend so much time in a kilt during the season, it's not something I really think about. It's just part of the games! I wear a tartan called Irish Clover which I chose because my wife liked the colour.

Chuck hand stitched the N on to his kilt to represent his Nebraska roots.

Do you have a Highland Games hero?

Sean Betz got me into the games and took me under his wing during my first season as a Pro. He won a World Championship in 2008 and I have never heard anybody say a bad word about him. I've always tried to carry myself like he did during his competition days, and I hope I've lived up to even a little of his reputation.

Sean Betz, 2008 World Champion

Lastly, we quite fancy a go ourselves, how much training would we need before we could compete in Highland Games?

None! Find a competition that's close by, contact the athletic director, and ask if there will be a novice or beginner's class. This is a very inclusive sport and everyone is willing to help you with technique and training advice. The best way is to jump in and have fun! If you are concerned about looking like you know what you are doing, there are lots of throwing groups that can be found online with a quick search. Attend a group practice prior to the games to get accustomed to rules, basic techniques, etc.

A big thank you to Chuck for giving up his time to answer our questions and if you, like us, are a little bit tempted to have a go at tossing the caber we will see you at the next Highland Games!

We have been in touch with Sinclair Patience, the 2009 World Amateur Highland Games Champion and 2010 Junior Scottish Champion who has gone on to represent Scotland at many Highland Games throughout the world. We wanted to get to know a bit more about Sinclair and what it’s like to be one of the nation’s top Highland Games Athletes. Here’s what Sinclair had to say…

When you were a wee boy did you always want to compete in Highland Games?

As a youngster, I traveled the Highland Games circuit with my dad George Patience. He competed for over 20 years as a heavyweight athlete and was both professional Scottish and World Champion. This was long before the days of iPads and dvd players in cars so ‘I spy with my little eye’ was the travel game of choice!

What is your favourite thing about competing in Highland Games?

The competition, camaraderie and opportunities to travel. I have made friends all over the world through Highland Games.

Which Games are your favourite and why?

The Isle of Skye is one of my favourite Highland Games. It is held in an old quarry which creates a natural arena. There is always a great atmosphere there.

Which element of the competition are you best and worst at and why?

My favourite events are the weights for distance. You basically use a rotational technique to throw a 14kg or 25kg weight, with one hand, as far as possible. This requires a combination of strength, speed and skill. If you lack in just one of these factors, the event becomes very difficult.

My worst event at the moment tends to be the weight over the bar. This event is similar to the high jump although instead of throwing yourself, you have to throw a 25kg weight over the bar. You get three attempts at each height and if you fail all three you are out of the competition. At 6ft 2” I tend to be one of the shorter athletes on the Highland Games field so I could put that forward as an excuse, in reality though, I just need to work more on that particular event.

Is the kilt compulsory kit or just part of the Highland theme? What tartan do you wear, is it a family tartan?

A kilt is compulsory for competing in the Highland Games. As I don’t have a ‘Patience’ tartan, I either wear Black Watch, Sinclair or California (a lightweight ‘sport kilt’ which I picked up while competing overseas)

Sinclair Hunting Modern Kilt

Are the Games growing or do we need to attract more young people to compete?

There are steady numbers of young athletes coming up through the ranks, however, as with any sport these could do with a boost.

What is your pre-competition breakfast or food?

I always try to go with Scots porridge oats on the morning of a competition. They will keep you going right through until lunch time!

Who is your hero/inspiration?

My dad, George Patience, competed for Scotland in the discus then won the professional World Highland Games Championship in 1994. He has always been the person I look up to for advice and support in the sport.

What makes a great Highland Games athlete?

A great highland games athlete needs a combination of dedication, strength, speed, technique. As there are 8 events to master, it takes time to be successful.

What is the difference between Highland Games and Strongman or are there quite a lot of similarities/crossover of athletes between the two?

They are totally different sports. I have seen many a strongman try and fail to throw far. Likewise, not too many throwers compete in strongman. Highland Games is also a drug tested sport, strongman is not.

We quite fancy a go ourselves, how long would it take you to train us up?

You would need to put in a good year of training prior to competing. YouTube is a great resource for learning and there is lots of content which will help you out if you are just starting the sport.

Sinclair recently competed in the Halkirk Highland Games where he came seventh place in the competition overall and took first place in the 56lb weight for distance and second place in the 16lb hammer, an excellent achievement. We want to thank Sinclair for taking the time to talk to us and wish him all that best for next year's season.

Vladislav in his Black Watch Modern kilt

Tell us a little about yourself?

Age: 28

From: Teplice, Czech Republic

Competing since: 2014

Favourite Event: Light and Heavy Stone

Greatest Achievement to Date: 4th place Halkirk Highland Games

Favourite Scottish Food: Scottish beef Rib-eye steak

When I think about the Czech republic, I think about many things, Milan Kundera, Kafka and great beer but, Highland Games are not the first thing that come to my mind. How did you come to be involved in Highland Games? What made you interested in the games?

I started with Track & field when I was 13 years old- shot put and discus throw. This is very similar dynamic training like for the Highland games. I found out about the Highland Games from YouTube and when I saw it the first time I wanted to try it! So I used the internet and Facebook to find some games close to me in Germany. So that was my beginnings.

It's great that there are plenty of opportunities for athletes from across the world to get involved in the Games. Clearly you need to be in good shape to compete in the games, how do you prepare for them? How many hours a week do you train and do you follow a strict diet?

Now I only train for Highland Games and I train two times per day, 6 days a week. In the morning I have throwing training- some kettle bell medicine balls and shots, as well as hammer throwing twice per week. In the afternoon I go to the gym where I do almost everything. At the start of the week I have two hard gym sessions which focus on legs (heavy squats), chest (bench-press) and shoulders (dumbbells). And at the end of the week I have dynamic gym sessions- snatches, cleans and jerks. I don't have any special diet, I eat everything!

Do you have a favourite event to compete in?

My favourite events are light and heavy stone of course, because I am a shot putter with personal best of 19.74m. And I like Hammers.

And what about events that you are weaker at?

My biggest weakness is weight for distance because for me this is a new event and I don't have the technique for now.

Apart from competing in the events what else do you enjoy about the Highland Games?

I really enjoy this sport, everybody is very friendly and in Scotland it's unbelievable- everybody loves this sport. So every time I am in Scotland there are great fans and big support.

During the summer there are so many Highland Games, do you have a favourite games to compete in?

I have only been in Scotland two times, at three competitions- so for now I don't have a favourite games. But next year I would like to go to Scotland for one month.

It is compulsory to wear a kilt while competing in the games, was this difficult for you to get used to?

I don't have any problem with wearing a kilt, actually I feel very comfortable.

Vladislav in his Black Watch Modern kilt

That's good to hear, I suppose it gives you more freedom of movement. Moving on, do you have a Highland Games hero?

My hero is Dan McKim. His videos help me much with my training.

Lastly, Vladislav, how much training would we need before we could compete in Highland Games?

Haha, for this sport you don't need to be muscular but you need power technique and the most important thing I think is dynamic training.

If you like the look of Vladislav's kilt, why not have a look at our full range products available in this excellent fabric, our tartan guru tells me it's Black Watch Modern. We can't guarantee this tartan will give you the sporting prowess of Vladislav, but we can guarantee that it will help you look your best whether you are tossing cabers or walking the dogs.

When a group of friends from Southern Germany planned a trip to Scotland in 2017 they did not realise they would be taking centre stage at the North Berwick Highland Games pulling on the end of a rope for all they were worth.

Betty and Ellmer told us all about their friend who suggested they attend the Games and then took it upon himself to contact the organising committee and see if they could participate in some way. And the Bavarian Tug of War team was born!

Betty said they quite fancied wearing kilts but were worried this might not be correct as they weren't Scottish so instead they were dressed in the Bavarian traditional dress of Lederhosen under the team name Macglockner. Having no idea of what the Tug o' War actually involved they were up against it with last year's winners Moffat Builders, along with Oxton and the Winton Arms to pull against.

Wondering whether Tug o' War is a very Scottish thing we set out to investigate and soon discovered that it's origins are somewhat unclear with cultures across the world featuring this test of strength in ceremonies and contests. Around 500 BC in Greece, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, tug of war was not just for athletes as a competitive sport, but also as training for other sports. There are records of tug of war as part of the ‘kräftige spiele’ (power games) dating back to 100 AD in Western Europe. The Canadian Eskimos still have a tug of war contest known as ‘arsaaraq’. It’s a tug of war contest with the pullers sitting on the ground, using a short rope. The one who pulls his opponent over from his seated position is the winner.

Fast forwarding to the 20th century Tug of war featured in the Olympic Games from 1900 to 1920, after which it was dropped when it was decided to reduce the number of events and participants. In the modern Olympics, the tug-of-war contest was between two teams of eight. One team had to pull the other six feet along in order to win. If after five minutes no team had done this, the team which had pulled the most was declared the winner. The biggest controversy came in 1908 when the Liverpool police team competed in "enormous shoes, so heavy, in fact, it was with great effort they could lift their feet from the ground." The Americans put in a complaint as the rules do state ordinary shoes, however this was not upheld and the the US team withdrew in protest.

Today Tug of war remains a recognised sport by the IOC and the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) is the recognised world governing body for the tug of war sport. The World Championships take place every 2 years and the European Championships are organised in the intervening years.

So perhaps soon we will see the Bavarian team competing on an international stage? For now Betty and Ellmer were delighted with their first experience, only just missing the podium with fourth place!

 We interviewed Charles Fletcher ahead of the 2018 Bridge of Allan Highland Games, he is a seasoned cyclist who has been competing at Highland Games since he was 14, read on to find out how he got involved in the sport.

When did your interested in cycling first begin?

My love of cycling began, as with many other people, through my dad! I was lucky enough to grow up in Strathspey which is a wonderful place to cycle - with its woods, moors and mountains.

Why Highland Games and not the Tour de France?

I competed in my first Highland Games in 2007 in my home town of Grantown-on-Spey when I was 14. I had been doing some triathlon and time trials to keep fit for ski racing (which was my thing back then) when someone suggested I try the bike races at the Highland Games. Olympic and Paralympic medallist Craig MacLean loaned me the bike he used when he did the games in his youth. I loved the crowd, the close racing and the prize money! After that I was hooked.

Have you ever won any major competitions, Highland Games or otherwise?

My biggest achievement was winning the British Championship over 800m in 2017. I also have 14 Scottish titles to my name over distances from 800m to 8km.

Do you introduce your clan/tartan into your cycling outfit?

Not in the cycling, we just race in our club colours which doesn't have any tartan at present! (We sense an opportunity here....)

Is it true that when you compete at Highland Games you are all given the same bike?

No haha, everyone brings their own bike! However, the bikes are all standard track bikes with one fixed gear and no brakes so there is little difference between them, in fact my brother races on a bike which is 50 years old but still winning races.

What is your favourite part about the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are just a great day out, especially when you're competing. As a cyclist no other racing in Scotland gives you the opportunity to race in front of such big and enthusiastic crowds. The atmosphere is always friendly, we get to travel all over Scotland and if that's not enough there's some big prize money to be won too.

What is your favourite tartan?

I have to admit not something I have really thought about but I'd say the Grants' seeing as I'm studying the Clan Grant for my PhD in history.

Are you an athlete who competes at Highland Games? Or have competed in the past? Get in touch and share your story. Discover our events page to find out where our tartan tent will be popping up!