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January 27, 2019 by Alexander Meldrum

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The Highland Games What do you think of when I say 'Highland Games'? If you have a mental image of large men throwing tree trunks to the accompaniment of bagpipe music and kilted dancers, then you've got the general idea, but there's lots more. Although the Highland Games of today are very different from the earliest versions of the competition, there are also many similarities. Scottish traditions have their roots deep-set in history, and the Highland Games have been around for over a thousand years, perhaps even longer. Today's games are at the same time, both similar and dissimilar, from the original Clan contests which are at the roots of these games. There's not hard-and-fast, proven theory as to how or why this highland competition first appeared, but there are three main hypotheses and the truth may lie in a blend of two or more of them. What may have begun as a method of finding the fittest, fastest and strongest men for clan duties or for showcasing their potential as soldiers, has become an inspiring, colourful and enthusiastic display of both athleticism and national pride. In Scotland, most Highland Games are usually held between May and September, and there are as many as a hundred different individual games held annually across the country. As Scots emigrated around the world they took their Scottish traditions and customs with them, and there are Highland Games held in countries all around the world, including countries as diverse as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Japan.. and more. The most popular competitive events at any Highland Games (and some of these would've been featured in the very earliest contests) include: Caber Toss Hammer Throw Shot Put Weight over the Bar Tug-o-War Ancient Celts Connection Some of the heavy athletic events are believed to have their roots much further back in history than the organized games themselves, having been used by ancient Celts as tests of strength and stamina as early as the third or fourth century. Modern-day Highland Games aren't just athletic competitions revelling in strength and endurance. They're also family-friendly festivals which feature traditional highland dancing and piper displays, and include traditional food and drink as well as Scottish merchandise from kilts and clan crests to Celtic jewellery and a whole range of other items. Go to Wikipedia for more facts.

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