![]() Severe penalties were issued for wearing "highland clothing" such as tartan, including imprisonment for a minimum of six months for a first offence. The Act of Proscription 1746 followed shortly after and was designed to dismantle the Highland way of life and end the clan system. Roll on a few hundred years, and Highland games were put on hold after the final Jacobite rebellion was defeated at Culloden in 1746. It's said that Robert the Bruce held "a market and fair" after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 as a reward to the locals who answered the call to arms. The Ceres Games held in Fife in 1314 are considered to be the oldest free games in Scotland and the precursor to the modern day format of highland games. Similar events were used to find the bravest and strongest soldiers in Scotland.ĭancers and musicians sought to play these events to best represent their clans and keep kings, queens and clan chiefs entertained throughout the day. The first historical reference to Highland games begins with King Malcolm III (1058–1093), seeking a new royal messenger he summoned men to race up Craig Choinnich to try and find the fastest runner in Scotland. The games will make a triumphant return in 2022 after two years of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic organisers will be keen to make this year extra special! Why not check out your nearest games? History of Scottish Highland Games Evenings will typically end with a ceilidh dance in the event tent or the local town hall. Country fairs are often combined to sell farm goods, display livestock ( Highland cows!), or show herding dog trials. Most events typically include food stalls, parades, pet competitions, highland dancing and live traditional music. From as far north as the Mey Highland games in John O'Groats, to the Dundonald games in the far south, the games are also a celebration of all things Scottish - tartan, bagpiping and Highland dancing, to name but a few.Īs a child, I attended many Highland games, and clearly remember meeting strongmen Geoff Capes and Jón Páll Sigmarsson at the Dalfaber games in the 1980s their hands were huge! Usually held over one-day in the summer months between May and September, each Highland games event or "gathering" has unique traditions and helps build a sense of community in many of Scotland's towns and villages. Highland games are extremely popular events in Scotland. Standing Stones / Stone Circles / Cairns.We have different sizes of equipment to encourage everyone to take part. Scot's Hammer Sack races Fling the Wellie Putting the shotĭepending on the location we may be able to include Bagpiping and Highland Dancing (extra cost applies). Haggis hurling Tug-o-war Toss the Caber Weight for distance 6 competitive, yet hugely fun highland games activities!įinishing off with a tug-o-war guarantees a real competitive finale and hilarity!! Winners are announced and then it’s the prize ceremony! We can make it as competitive as the group likes – this will really bring out the true Highlander in all! If you are looking for a fun-filled, laid-back outdoor event with a Scottish twist, then our HIGHLAND GAMES event is the one for you! Our kilt-clad instructors split your group into clans who are then introduced to the challenges that make up this highland gathering.Ĭlan chiefs are nominated and provided with their Scottish clan headwear for the competition that lies ahead! The clans compete against each other in approx. A fling with fun in the Scottish outdoors!
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