Highland Games sports
Apart from the abundance of preserved centuries-old traditions, the competitions contribute to the popularity of Highland Games events.
Many of these competitions only take place at the Highland Games; thus, the uniqueness of the activities is a reason alone to attend an event. Often, the Highland Game events include contestants’ throwing prowess, brute strength or speed and agility, and for the dancers, it's their grace, rhythm, technique and posture! Here are some of the sporting events you are likely to see at most Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games.
Caber Toss
The caber toss is perhaps the most iconic event of the Highland Games, where competitors toss a 20-foot-long caber (a large log), which usually weighs around 150lb, as far as possible. The caber toss is also a good test of stability as the athlete has to balance the caber in their hands and toss it. Heavyweight competitors’ throws are also judged on their straightness; a perfect toss shows the small end of the caber facing away from the thrower at a '12 o’clock' angle.
Hammer Throw
The hammer throw consists of a metal ball up to 22 pounds, attached to a wooden handle, The competitor stands with their back to the field and swings the hammer over their head twisting180 degrees and flinging the hammer as far as they can. Competitors can also wear specially made boots with long blades connected to the bottom to ensure they remain fixed to that spot on the ground.
Shott Put
The shott put event is very much like Olympics shot put, however, the Highland Games athletes throw a stone instead. The stone weighs around 18lb,
Competitors throw the stone from behind a board called a trig, and they have three attempts to throw it and cover as much distance as possible.
Weight over the bar
This event is a real test of the pure strength of the competitors alongside their ability to toss a 56lb weight over a crossbar. The only thing is that they have to throw the weight over the bar with one hand from a standing position. They have three attempts to throw the weight over the bar at each height. As long as there are competitors, the bar will continue to be raised higher and higher until it’s the last man standing.
Hill race
Hill races see runners trying to get to the top of Tom na h-Airidh and back down as quickly as possible. This, however, makes the event difficult, even for experienced runners, because the ground is uneven and the route is steep, without paths, in places.
Highland dancing
Highland dancing is always an essential element of any Scottish Highland Games. It is always competitive, with solo dancers and groups hoping to dazzle the judges and the crowds with their fancy footwork. They dance in traditional dress with signature moves, including the Sword dance and the Highland fling.
Kilts
Kilts, a big emblem of Scottish society, can feature heavily in the Highland Games. Rules set out by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association state that all those participating in open heavy events must wear kilts while competing. The Highland Dances must also wear the traditional tartan dancing costume for their competitions. At the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games, some people will come dressed in their clan tartans to acknowledge their Scottish identity while they join in the celebrations of our Highland Games.
Drums and bagpipes
Like the Highland dance, the traditional Highland music is an important part of the Highland Games, and it creates a unique atmosphere. You are almost certain to hear pipes and drums from the local Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band at the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games. They usually march in and take centre stage at our opening ceremony. You will also get a chance to hear the bagpipes' musical performances as they are played by a solo piper for the highland dance competitions.
Celtic arts
Highland Games have also become an excellent place for local and traditional artists to showcase their work. Whether it is art and crafts, jewellery or clothing, you can find a wide array at the highland games.
Food and stalls
You’ll also have the chance to browse several stalls, often set up by local vendors, to find a bite to eat or a foodie souvenir to take home. There are plenty of places to get something to drink, be it a soft, alcoholic beverage or simply a tea or coffee.
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