Colorado Highland Games

The legendary Highland Games of Scotland predate recorded history, so their exact origins aren’t known. Most theories come from the 11th century’s King Malcolm III, who allegedly held a foot race to find the fastest runner in the land to be his royal messenger, and utilized a wide variety of drills to strengthen his military. As time evolved, athletic competitions became a main attraction for Scottish Festivals around the world. Here’s a brief explanation of the three most popular events:

• Caber Toss— perhaps the most iconic of Highland Games, a roughly 175lb log is balanced upright, contestants then sprint forward, and launch it end over end, as far as possible.

• Stone Put- similar to modern-day shot put, contestants throw a 20-26lb stone from either a standing or running position, depending on the category.

• Hammer Throw- a relative latecomer to the Highland Games, the hammer throw was introduced in the 18th century. Despite the name, the device doesn’t resemble an actual hammer, but rather consists of a steel wire connected to a metal ball on one end and a grip on the other. It was made famous in pop culture by Miss Trunchbull, the "gigantic holy terror, a fierce tyrannical monster who frightened the life out of pupils and teachers alike” in Roald Dahl’s novel Matilda.

One thing is certain, when you introduce a little liquid courage to a large group of people, feats of strength are bound to happen. That’s why Scottish Kings will be proudly pouring cocktails at the 56th Annual Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games in Edgewater, CO on August 3-4, 2019. For more information, visit: http://scottishgames.org/