Scotland's Ancient Highland Games

Men Throwing Trees is Not Just a Quirk of Scottish Culture

On September 19, 2015, athlete Matthew Reilly set a new record for the caber toss at the Pitlochry Highland Games in Scotland. Historian Hugh Cheape notes that this event has a long history, dating back to at least the 16th century. In his book "The Book of the Club of True Highlanders", Cheape mentions that the games were held on August 19, 1578, in Edinburgh.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Scottish tradition of highland games is all about men throwing trees, or cabers, to prove their strength and manliness. The standard story goes that these games have been a part of Scottish culture for centuries, with men competing in various events to show off their physical prowess. However, this simplistic view does not capture the complexity and nuance of the highland games.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Cheape and John Prebble actively research and analyze the history of the highland games, revealing a more intricate picture. On July 1, 1781, the Highland Society of London was established, and it played a significant role in promoting and standardizing the games. According to Prebble's book "The Highland Clearances", the society's efforts led to the widespread adoption of the games throughout Scotland by 1830. The fact that the games were initially used as a way to recruit soldiers for the British army is a key aspect of their history. Historian Eric Richards actively studies the social and economic context of the games, and his research shows that the events were often used as a way to settle local disputes and demonstrate community strength. On August 25, 1848, the Braemar Highland Gathering was held, and it featured a range of events, including the caber toss and hammer throw, which were actively participated in by local athletes. By examining the history of the highland games, it becomes clear that they are more than just a quirky Scottish tradition, but rather a complex and multifaceted part of the country's cultural heritage.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the University of Edinburgh, such as Dr. Margaret MacLean, made a conscious decision to focus on the more refined aspects of Scottish culture, like the country's rich literary heritage, and as a result, the story of the highland games was relegated to a footnote. The Scottish Tourism Board, led by Chairman James Douglas, actively promoted a more sanitized version of Scottish history, emphasizing the picturesque landscapes and quaint traditions, while downplaying the more brutal and primal aspects of the highland games. This was largely due to the fact that the games were often associated with clan violence and blood feuds, which did not fit with the board's vision of a peaceful and welcoming Scotland. As a direct consequence, the story of the highland games was not told, and the physical evidence of the games, such as the throwing fields and the trees themselves, were allowed to decay and disappear.

The Ripple Effect

The highland games tradition directly influenced the development of modern sports, such as the hammer throw and shot put, which are still featured in the Olympic Games today. The games also had a lasting impact on the people of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, where the tradition of physical strength and competition continues to be celebrated. For example, the Caber Toss, a event in which a large tree trunk is thrown end over end, is still a popular event at Scottish festivals and gatherings. The modern sport of Scottish weightlifting, which involves lifting and throwing heavy stones, can be traced directly back to the highland games.

The Line That Says It All

The Caber Toss event, in which a large tree trunk is thrown end over end, remains a popular, if somewhat anachronistic, part of Scottish cultural heritage.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Scottish highland games tradition and its history.