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Highland Games

The Highland Games have become a symbol of Scottish heritage but the origins of the events are not clear. Some say they began in Ireland in 2000 BC and crossed into Scotland with 4^th and 5^th century migrations.  Many believe they began when King Malcolm III organized a foot race up a hill in Braemar during the 11^th century to find the fastest runners who he could make his royal messengers. 

Clans staged "wappinschaws" which were events to test strength, stamina, accuracy and agility in warriors.   In 1574, there was a record of "tossing of ye barr" or caber tossing.  There were also "tainchels" or "great hunts" where several clans would combine together for a great feast and celebration with competitions of running, jumping, wrestling, and stone putting.  There would be piping and dancing as well.

After the defeat at Culloden in 1746, the Act of Proscription banned the bagpipes,  Highland dress, clan gatherings, and carrying of arms under penalty of death.  This brought an end to a good part of Highland culture and the Clan system.  In the late 18^th century, Proscription was repealed and Highland Societies formed to revive the Highland traditions.  In 1781, a society Gathering was held in Falkirk.  Its success led to the Highland Games as we know them today.  By the 1820's, games were held throughout Scotland. 

In 1822, King George IV visited Scotland which gave a boost to the revival efforts.  The Lonach Highland & Friendly Society which was founded in 1823 created a gathering to preserve highland dress and Gaelic tongue. In the 1840's, Braemar organized Games as a fund raising effort.  When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made Balmoral Castle their retreat, they began to patronize the games.  The Queen's first attendance was in 1848 and in 1849 they were moved to the castle grounds.  Her interest helped to popularize the Braemar Games which has become one of the largest and most prestigious. The first Games in the United States were organized in 1836 by the Highland Society of New York. The first Games in Canada took place in Antogonish, NS in 1863.

Modern Highland Games keep many of the same events.  The Heavy Events often consist of the Caber Toss, Stone Put, Hammer Throw, Weight Throw, Weight over the Bar, and Sheaf Toss.  Piping and Drumming competitions and Highland Dancing have become crowd favourites although they were previously just forms of entertainment at the games.  Some games also have mock battles, dog exhibitions, and other forms of Celtic art.

Today, on top of the games in Scotland, there are more than 200 annual games and gatherings across the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.