...a fascinating, complex and fiercely proud history of allegiance.
Scottish Clans, Societies and Associations
Ancient... enigmatic.... colorful.... complex.... all of these words describe the Clans of Scotland which are part of this country's compelling historical journey. Historically, a clan was made up of everyone who lived on the chief's territory, or on territory of those who owed allegiance to the said chief. Through time, with the constant changes of "clan boundaries", migration or regime changes, clans would be made up of large numbers of members who were unrelated and who bore different surnames. Often, those living on a chief's lands would, over time, adopt the clan surname. A chief could add to his clan by adopting other families, and also had the legal right to outlaw anyone from his clan, including members of his own family. Today, anyone who has the chief's surname is automatically considered to be a member of the chief's clan. Also, anyone who offers allegiance to a chief becomes a member of the chief's clan, unless the chief decides not to accept that person's allegiance.
Few countries in the world can boast a life span as rich or diverse as Scotland. The true story of the people, the battles, the nobility and its Kings and Queens, is more thrilling than any novel, and has more love stories than all the Hollywood movies. Scotland’s clans provide Scots everywhere with a point of reference for their identity, history and culture.
Some of the implements used in the games were created as alternatives to traditional weapons when England forbid any Scotsman from bearing arms. Though other activities were always a part of the festivities, many today still consider Highland athletics to be what the games are all about. Regardless, it remains true today that the athletic competitions are an integral part of the events and one—the caber toss—has come to almost symbolize the Highland games.
We at Scotfest | Oklahoma work hard to provide you, the festival patrons, a great opportunity to not only experience the Highland games as a spectator, but we also encourage you to take part, to pick up the sport, to sign up in one of our Novice Classes and to potentially become the next World Champion Highland Games athlete.
2018 Women's World Champion - Olivia Tyler
T exas native, Olivia Tyler has been throwing for about 6 years, with about 3 of those years off to grow, birth, and recover from her 5 year old and 1 year old babies. She threw the discus, hammer, and indoor weight at Texas Tech University, which she found to be a huge help with highland games. Olivia was introduced to the highland games through her husband, Spencer, as she missed throwing since leaving college. Now, Spencer and Olivia get to train, travel, and throw together, which makes the games even more fun for them both! They love the trips, people, throwing, and friendships from the games!
- 2018 Women's World Champion
- World Record holder in Sheaf
- 2018 North American Co-Champion
- 2016 North American Champion
Athlete Classes Explained
Scotfest A-Class is one who, in the past two (2) years, has personal records exceeding four (4) or more of the following marks:
a. Caber-turned 100 lb. x 17 ft.
b. 17 lb. stone throw - 40 ft.
c. 28 lb. weight for distance - 50 ft.
d. 56 lb. weight for distance - 25 ft.
e. 16 lb. Scottish hammer - 90 ft.
f. 22 lb. Scottish hammer - 75 ft.
g. 56 lb. weight for height - 12 ft.
Scotfest B-Class is one who, in the past two (2) years, has personal records exceeding four (4) or more of the following marks:
a. Caber-turned 80 lb. x 16 ft.
b. 17 lb. stone throw - 30 ft.
c. 28 lb. weight for distance - 40 ft.
d. 56 lb. weight for distance - 18 ft.
e. 16 lb. Scottish hammer - 75 ft.
f. 22 lb. Scottish hammer - 60 ft.
g. 56 lb. weight for height - 11 ft.
Scotfest C-Class is one who, in the past two (2) years, has personal records exceeding four (4) or more of the following marks:
a. Caber-turned XX lb. x XX ft.
b. 17 lb. stone throw - XX ft.
c. 28 lb. weight for distance - XX ft.
d. 56 lb. weight for distance - XX ft.
e. 16 lb. Scottish hammer - XX ft.
f. 22 lb. Scottish hammer - XX ft.
g. 56 lb. weight for height - XX ft.
Scotfest Novice-Class is an amateur whose personal records do not exceed at least four (4) of the above marks.
Scotfest Lightweight-Class is an amateur class in which all throwers’ weight is 200 lb. or less.
Scotfest Masters-Class is an amateur who is over forty (40) years old by the date of Scotfest.
Scotfest Masters-Class 2 is an amateur who is over fifty (50) years old by the date of Scotfest.
Scotfest Masters-Class 3 is an amateur who is over sixty (60) years old by the date of Scotfest.
