The Highland Games In Edinburgh

The Highland Games in Edinburgh are a part of a powerful Celtic and Scottish tradition that celebrates a unique history. The Highland Games have attracted the attention of cultures from across the world as they feature many different activities that have onlookers gasping with awe.

Even those who’ve never heard of the games themselves will be familiar with many of their accoutrements, such as the bagpipes, the kilt and the caber toss, and even the tug-o-war! The Highland Games in Edinburgh include competitions in physical fitness and strength as well as entertainment and exhibits that relate to the rich history of the region.

Of the many varied events that you are likely to find when you visit these games, some are known as the Heavy Events. These include the caber toss, stone put, weight throw, Scottish hammer throw, weight over the bar and sheaf toss.

A caber is a long pole or log that has been worked to make it thinner towards the top. Contestants in the caber toss balance the pole in their hands and attempt to throw it up and over so that it lands on the larger end first. The smaller end then lands in the 12 o’clock position and entrants are judged on how closely their throw relates to that position relative to their run. It demands extraordinary strength and co-ordination.

In the stone put there are two variations of the game, both demanding that entrants throw the stones from a standing start. The weight of the stones varies dependent on the nature of the competition and the sex of the competitors. Watching this will make you gasp in awe as you won’t believe the strength demonstrated during some of the throws.

The weight throw competition has competitors throwing weights by means of a handle and a chain. These weights can be anything from 28lbs to 56lbs for men and up to 28lbs for women. It certainly looks extremely difficult as competitors puff and shake their way up to the throw.

The Scottish hammer throw sees round metal balls, which are attached to four foot shafts, being twirled above the heads of the entrants. They are swirled around until they pick up enough speed and then are tossed once they reach the right velocity.

The Highland Games in Edinburgh are definitely not to be missed so book yourself on the next flight and experience this extraordinary display of human endurance and strength.

By: Rob Small

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What event will you be watching when you visit the Highland Games in Edinburgh?