Scotland's Highland Games
The history and background to these cultural annual jamborees
Hugely important in Scottish culture, Highland Games dominate the summer calendar. This article looks at their evolution and history.
Exactly how Highland Games started – like so much of Scottish folklore and culture - is still unknown, but in all probability they derived from the trials of strength, speed, agility and skill which were commonplace at the various religious fairs, military musters and cattle fairs of medieval Scotland.
Foot-racing, horse-racing and wrestling were traditional features of St Michael's Day (29 September) celebrations. Racing and athletics contests sprang up at fairs on other holy days, as well as at cattle fairs on the quarter days of the Scottish calendar.
Similar sporting contests also took place at the conclusion of military musters called ‘ wappinschaws’ that were staged by different clans.
The clans' warriors used these events to test their physical prowess in much the same way as modern soldiers engage in physical training.
THE HISTORY
According to one historical source, it was at one such muster in 1574 that 'tossing of ye barr' (caber-tossing) first appeared on record. Yet these original competitions did not call simply for feats of strength since poets, bards and musicians also performed and competed.
The formalisation of Highland Games, and their establishment as annual events, dates back to the 1820s. And yes, it WAS all part of that famous ‘romanticisation of Highland culture’, so beloved of the British ruling class, and indeed the monarchy, of that time.
Historical accounts from the games of this period describe a programme of contests that are remarkably similar to those of today: the Invergarry Games, for example, featured 'dancing, piping, lifting a heavy stone, throwing the hammer and running...'. Thankfully, the more specialised pursuit of 'twisting the four legs off a cow for which a fat sheep is offered as a prize' does not feature in today’s slightly more civilised repertoire of the modern games!
TODAY....
These days a good Highland Games is hard to beat. The all-inclusive nature of them, where you meet the entire community, from grannies to the newest members of a family, is one of the charms, as well as the draw they have for visitors from overseas and the UK.
All gather together to watch the running and jumping, throwing stones or hammers, tugs-of-war, tossing the caber, as well as the often-excellent displays of piping and dancing that takes place. One of the most famous is held in the late summer at the Braemar Gathering, traditionally attended by the Royal Family.
Each year the number of games seems to get bigger, and the content better. This summer past saw over 100 Highland Games in Scotland from June to September.
Worth noting is that Highland Games are NOT just for Highlanders. They are fun events for all – even the English can be included!
For further info on all Highland Games click here.
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