Highland Games

Scotland has a great heritage of legendary and historical tales of men and women with great strength and athletic ability. According to David Webster in his book Scottish Highland Games, published in Glasgow in 1959, about a hundred years ago the Club of True Highlanders did a great deal of research into Scottish customs. In the book they published there is an account of the Highland Games supervised by Druids. There were parades, heralds, an arena, places for important personalities, etc. In addition there was feasting and drinking as part of the activities. There was chariot racing and a sport similar to shinty. The arena was later divided into various competitons for jumping, wrestling, and archery. The gathering also catered to the Auld Folk by having harpests reciting poems about the days gone by.

Highland games are still very exciting and many are held over the world including New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Canada, the United States, and in some countries where the Highland Brigades of the British army were stationed such as India.

Clan Crawford attends Highland Games and has clan tents at variouus locations. Come and join in on the fun. Drop by a clan tent or start a Clan Crawford tent at the Highland Games nearest you. Join the CCA and have fun.

Games

Caber Toss: Both men and women compete, with the size and weight of the caber adjusted for the different divisions. According to Webster (1959) Scottish Highland Games, the caber toss has been documented by various writers as early as the 16th Century and even Henry VIII practiced it. Both men and women compete, with the size and weight of the caber adjusted for the different divisions.

Hammer Throw: Men typically use a 22lb hammer, while women use a 16lb hammer. 

Putting the Stone: (Weight for Distance and Weight Over Bar): Men use 56lb and 28lb weights, while women use 28 lbs. and 14 lbs. weights, respectively.  The Highland Chiefs used to have a clach neart (stone of strength) placed at the gateway of their castles where visitors were invited to show their strength.

Open Stone Put: Men use a 16-22lb stone, while women use a 12-16lb stone.

Sheaf Toss: Men use a 20 lbs. sheaf, while women use a 10 or 12 lbs. sheaf.

Hammer Throw: Men typically use a 22lb hammer, while women use a 16lb hammer. This harkens back when athletes would throw the large hammers used to break stones and build things.

Divisions

There are Divisions for men and women competitors. The Mens Division include Novice: For beginners and those new to the sport. Amateur A, B, C: Divisions based on skill level, with “A” being the highest amateur level. Masters: For men aged 40 and over. Senior Masters: For men aged 60 and over. Lightweight: For men weighing 200 lbs. or less. Professional: The highest level of competition, often by invitation only.

The Women’s Divisions are: Open/A/B: Divisions based on skill level, with “A” being the highest skill level. Masters: For women aged 40 and over. Lightweight: For women weighing 150 lbs. or less.

Competitors are required to participate in all of the events in their division in order to have standing in scoring for winning.

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