Scotfest has plenty of incredible sights to keep you entertained all weekend long. The Scottish Heavy Athletics portion of the Highland Games is one thing you don’t want to miss. The feats of strength displayed during the Scottish Heavy Athletics have to be seen to be believed. Scotfest is the best place to see them.
for her
Scotfest proudly celebrates the incredible strength and skill of female athletes, with approximately 60 women competing across multiple classes in this year’s Highland Games. Adding to the excitement, we are honored to host the prestigious IHGF Women’s Highland Games World Teams Championship, showcasing top competitors from around the globe. These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of the games, demonstrating unparalleled athleticism, determination, and camaraderie, making this a must-see highlight of the festival.
for him
Scotfest proudly hosts approximately 60 male athletes competing across multiple classes in this year’s Highland Games, showcasing iconic events like the caber toss, weight for height, and hammer throw. This year also features the IHGF All-American Qualifier events, where top competitors vie for a spot in the prestigious championship. With seasoned champions and rising stars, these competitions promise thrilling displays of strength, skill, and sportsmanship.
Hammer Throw
Similar to the hammer throw as seen in modern-day track and field competitions, with differences. In the Scottish event, a round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 lb. for men or 12 or 16 lb. for women) is attached to the end of a shaft about 4 feet in length and made out of wood, bamboo, rattan, or plastic. With feet in a fixed position, the hammer is whirled about one’s head and thrown for distance. Hammer throwers sometimes employ specially designed footwear with flat blades to dig into the turf. Helping to maintain their balance and resist the centrifugal forces of the implement as it is whirled about the head. This substantially increases the distance attainable in the throw.
Caber Toss
The Caber is a tree that’s been cut and trimmed down so one end is slightly wider than the other. It can vary length from 16 to 22 feet and between 100 and 180 pounds. The smaller end is rounded off so it will be easy to cup in the thrower’s hands. The caber is stood up for the thrower with the large end up. The thrower hoists the caber up and cups the small end in his hands. He then takes a short run with the caber and then stops and pulls the caber. The large end hits the ground and the small end flips over and faces away from the thrower. The caber is scored for accuracy as though the thrower is facing the 12:00 position on a clock face. A judge behind the thrower calls how close to the 12:00 position the small end of the caber lands. 12:00 being a perfect toss. If the caber is not turned, a side judge calls the degrees of the angle the caber hits the ground.
Sheaf Toss
The straw is wrapped in a burlap bag. Competitors must use a pitch fork to throw it over a bar that gets progressively higher. Participants get three attempts to clear the bar, without the sheaf touching it. With those that manage to do so progressing to the next height.
Weight Over Bar
Athletes attempt to toss a 56 pound weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Each athlete is allowed three attempts at each height. Successful clearance of the height allows the athlete to advance into the next round at a greater height. The competition is determined by the highest successful toss with fewest misses being used to break tie scores.
Weight For Distance
Weight for distance, also known as the weight throw event. There are actually two separate events, one using a light (28 lb. for men and 14 lb. for women) and the other a heavy (56 lb for men, 42 lb. for masters men, and 28 lb for women) weight. The weights are made of metal and have a handle attached by means of a chain. The implement is thrown with one hand using any technique. Usually a spinning technique is employed. The longest throw wins.
Braemar Stone
This event is similar to the modern-day shot put as seen in the Olympic games. Instead of a steel shot, a large stone of variable weight is often used. There are also some differences from the Olympic shot put in allowable techniques. There are two versions of the stone toss events, differing in allowable technique. The “Braemar Stone” uses a 20–26 lb stone for men (13–18 lb. for women) and does not allow any run up to the toeboard or “trig” to deliver the stone, i.e., it is a standing put. In the “Open Stone” using a 16–22 lb. stone for men (or 8–12 lb. for women). The thrower is allowed to use any throwing style so long as the stone is put with one hand. With the stone resting cradled in the neck until the moment of release.
The Highland Games Heavy Athletics experience offers participants a thrilling and authentic opportunity to step into the world of traditional Scottish competition. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a curious beginner, these classes are designed to immerse you in the strength, skill, and tradition of iconic events like the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put. Guided by expert instructors, each class provides a hands-on experience tailored to different skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of these legendary feats. This section explores the variety of classes available, highlighting what makes each unique and how you can find the perfect fit for your Highland Games adventure.