Highland Games!
Scotland has a long tradition of Highland Games where clans would compete against each other in sporting events. Early Celts viewed such events as war games where their strongest and bravest soldiers would win the games.
History
It is believed that the Highland Games originated as a clan chieftain’s way of choosing the best bodyguards and the fittest fighters. Not all the chief’s requirements were warlike – musicians and dancers were just as important for the prestige of his household. Choosing staff and supporters was done by holding competitions – good runners for couriers, strong men for defence and a range of entertainers to amuse them during the winter evenings.
Many events at today’s Highland Games still use items which would have been part of everyday life in the Highlands of old, for example, round stones from river beds probably provided the original shot-putts whilst a Scots pine trunk shorn of its branches is still the caber as tossed today. Many of these traditions can still be seen in Highland Games today however they are now much more sociable and fun events celebrated worldwide.
Tossing the caber ©brudertack69
Highland Games Today
Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) is the governing body of Highland Games in Scotland and there are around sixty SHGA members with a number of associated members from overseas. The Highland Games season usually runs from the end of May to the third Saturday in September every year. If you are not familiar with the geography of Scotland refer to the interactive map on the SHGA website www.shga.co.uk which will show you where the various Games are held across Scotland and provide you with dates and links to their specific websites and contact details.
All our games are traditional highland games with a full range of activities in and around the arena. These events range from the heavy events (hammer throwing, tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, the shot) through to the light events (running, high jump, long jump, pole vault, cycling, tug o war, highland dancing, solo piping). All these events ensure a wonderful sound and atmosphere with each of the Games offering a slightly different mix of events keeping the Games uniqueness.
The Highland Games range from small community events to larger events for example in Braemar with over 10,000 spectators. Some Games are relative newcomers while many of the events have traditionally been held for well over 100 years. Many of the Games are held to a backdrop of some marvellous scenery and the variety of activities going on in and around the arena makes for a great family day out.
Highland Games on the NC500
Take part or spectate at the Highland Games around the North Coast 500:
- Saturday 11th July – Tain Highland Gathering, Tain
- Saturday 18th July – Lochcarron Highland Games, Lochcarron
- Friday 24th July – Durness Highland Gathering, Durness
- Saturday 25th July – Halkirk Highland Games, Halkirk
- Saturday 1st August – Mey Highland Games, John O’Groats
- Friday 7th August – Dornoch Highland Gathering, Dornoch
- Saturday 8th August – Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Strathpeffer
- Saturday 15th August – Helmsdale Highland Games, Helmsdale
