Scottish Blog

The Highland Games have always been a competition of strength and agility, with events grueling for both mind and body. Although, the competition we now recognize as the Highland Games was not always called such, in fact, historically the reasons behind such competition were much more serious then “games”.

The first incarnation of the Highland Games was played in the Gaelic communities for over two thousand years. There were no set rules, events or even name for these games, with each village making their own when the time came. The events were held for two purposes, firstly as a social event for the village or clan, but more importantly as a means of finding the strongest men in the tribe, to become warriors.

The Highland Games took another step in their evolution to reach what they are today, in the 11th century. When King Malcom III commissioned the world’s first official Highland Games to find the strongest and fastest men in his kingdom to act as messengers. These games were held regularly, and an event set and rules were devised to keep the games fair.

Although many different events can be now seen and participated in, in a Highland games competition, there are a few traditional events without which, no Highland games festival is complete.

Putting the Shot, is the equivalent of the Olympic shot-put, Tossing the Caber is the signature event in which a 68kg caber is tossed for distance and grace, Throwing for Height an event in which different weights are thrown with the winner achieving the greatest height and also Throwing the Hammer in which a hammer is thrown for distance.

The Highland Games are truly and piece of Scottish history that is still alive today, enjoying more popularity now then ever before. At Scottish Heirloom Jewelry Company we try to preserve the Scottish history and Heritage, by producing genuine Scottish Heirloom Jewelry, which can be passed down from generation to generation, and although your own heirloom piece won’t be as known as the Highland Games, it will still take with it the ancestry and spirit of your Clan.

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You may also visit Scottish Links Catalogue for Highland Game's sites and information >>>