Recorded history of Highland games and heavy events is not available until the 18th century. Because of this, much legend, oral quotes and clan stories exist as to where the games originated or how the individual events started. It is commonly accepted that the games originated to practice fighting techniques and provide a way to prepare for the existence that was required during these earlier days. The "games" and Clan gatherings were also held to deterimine the fastest and strongest men within a clan or district. These men may have been identified as warriors or leaders within a clan.
Following the Battle of Culloden and the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie, all things associated with the Clans were banned....the wearing of the tartan, the playing of the bagpipes, and especially the Highland and Clan gatherings which were intended to hone and solidify a warrior's fighting abilities.
The tradition of the Highland Games & Clan Gatherings was revived during the 18th century, with the first recorded revival of the Gathering of the Clans & Highland Games held at Falkirk in 1781. From this revival, the tradition of Highland Games and Clan Gatherings spread throughout Scotland, and was brought to other countries during the Clearances.
Today, the Heavy Events portion of any Highland Games in considered by many to be the real reason to hold a Games event, although the Piping and Dancing competitions are extremely popular as well.
The traditional Heavy Evens held at most Highland Games throughout the world today are described below, following the Athletics Demonstration Schedule for the Hood Canal Highland Celtic Festival.
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Scottish Heavy Events Schedule for Saturday & Sunday:
1:00 PM - Stone Toss
1:45 PM - Weight for Distance
2:30 PM - Hammer Toss
3:15 PM - Weight for Height
4:00 PM - Caber Toss
Description of the Heavy Events:
The Stone Toss
(Pictured Left)
This event is much like the familiar Shot Put, except that we use a field stone weighing between 17 and 20 pounds. It is "put" from behind a trig, which is a marker log on the ground. The athlete may not cross the trig at any time. It may be put either Braemar (standing) or standard, as in regular shot-put fashion.
The Hammer Toss
(not pictured)
These ancient weapons come in various sizes: 12, 16, and 22 pounds. They are tossed similar to the Olympic style, with severe rotations imparting movement to the hammer. Then the hammer is released to be judged for distance thrown. The differences are mostly in the hammer, that being a heavier head and a PVC handle. The handle is strong and can flex on impact. Some athletes wear special hammer boots with spikes on them to maintain ground contact during rotation
Weight For Distance
(pictured above)
This event entails hurling a 28 or 56 pound weight as far as possible while maintaining control behind a trig. The athlete spins to gain momentum on the weight, then releases it. Women, amateurs and masters use various weights, such as 14, 28, 42, and 56 pounds. The principle remains the same, regardless of weight class.
Weight For Height
(pictured left)
This event is exactly as named! A 56, 42, or 28 pound weight is tossed up and over a horizontal bar. The athlete can only use one hand, and the weight can touch the bar as long as it goes over and does not knock it off.
The Caber Toss
(pictured right)
This event is considered by many to be the "premier" event in Scottish Heavy Events, and is always a crowd favorite! The competitor must "pick" a caber, run and toss it so as to land straight out from him or her at a 12 o'clock position. The Caber is tossed for accuracy, and not for distance. The judge must "call it" just as the caber hits the ground. A side judge will sometimes be used to determine if the caber rotated through 90 degrees. The cabers range in size from 14 feet tall and 40 pounds in weight to 20 feet tall and 130 pounds in weight. The more experienced athletes use the larger cabers. This is always an exciting event to watch!
