Highland Game Events Explained
Below you will see all the events held with a brief explanation of each. Please scroll through each if you are a new spectator.
Caber Toss
The Caber Toss is perhaps the most iconic event in the Highland Games, often considered the highlight of Celtic festivals. Competitors lift a heavy, tapered log and attempt to toss it end over end, with points awarded based on the caber's rotation and landing position. A perfect throw sees the caber land at 12:00 on a clock face, while partial turns receive scores based on their angle of rotation. Mastering the caber toss is a true test of strength and skill, making it a captivating spectacle for spectators.
Sheaf Toss
The sheaf toss is a thrilling staple at major games, where competitors aim to throw a burlap bag filled with hay or twine over a bar using a pitchfork. a goal of reaching impressive heights, each participant gets three attempts at every height. For the pros, the weight is set at 20 lbs, while amateurs choose between 16 or 20 lbs. Masters compete with a 16 or 20 lb. sheaf, and women throw a 10 or 12 lb. bag. It's a test of strength and skill that captivates the audience!
Open Stone
The Open Stone is a thrilling event in the Highland Games, showcasing strength and skill through the art of stone-throwing. Competitors use a natural stone, aiming to launch it far as possible from a designated starting point, similar to shot put. For men, the stone typically weighs between 16 and 22 lbs, while for women, it ranges from 8 to 12 lbs. Each competition may have slight variations in stone weight, adding to the excitement of this traditional Scottish athletic event.
Braemar Stone
The Braemar Stone is a celebrated event in the Highland Games, highlighting traditional Scottish heavy athletics. Similar to shot put, it features distinct rules and techniques. Competitors use stones weighing between 20–26 lbs for men and 13–18 lbs for women, throwing from a position without a run-up. The aim is to demonstrate raw strength and balance, achieving maximum distance with each throw.
Weight over Bar
The Weight over the Bar is a thrilling traditional event from the Highland Games where athletes showcase their strength by throwing a 25.5 kg (56 lb) weight over a raised bar with one hand. This classic competition, which has roots dating back over 600 years, challenges competitors to clear progressively heights. Each athlete is allowed three attempts per height, with the bar being raised after each round, eliminating those who cannot clear it. Experience the excitement and strength of this unique event that celebrates Scotland's rich athletic heritage!
Heavy and Light Hammer
The heavy hammer is a standout event at the Highland Games, showcasing strength and power in a traditional Scottish format that dates back centuries. Competitors wield a hefty metal sphere, weighing about 16 lb for women and 22 lb for men, attached to a 4-foot wooden shaft while dressed in iconic tartan kilts. To perform, swing the hammer in a wide arc above their heads, building momentum before releasing it over their shoulder for maximum distance. Judging is based solely on how far the hammer travels, making a true test of skill and strength.
Light Hammer is just lighter in weight.
Heavy and Light Weight for Distance
The Weight for Distance event in the Highland Games features heavy weights thrown one-handed for maximum distance. The standard weights are 56 lb for men, 42 lb for masters men, and 28 lb for women. Competitors use a spinning technique inside a designated area called a trig, generating momentum before releasing the weight. This method athletes to achieve impressive distances while maintaining control over the heavy implement.
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