A bit about the Events...
There is much speculation of the origin of the Highland games and more specifically, the heavy events. Many believe it was a way for the Scottish clans to test their strength against one another, each selecting the strongest of the clan for head to head competition. Others believe it was meant to choose the best warriors to protect Scottish royalty. The third (and more likely) theory; is that it started with farm hands and workers simply trying to prove their strength. You’ll notice each of the events relates to implements easily found around a farm or a carpentry shop.
Stone
As the name implies – this is simply a stone thrown for distance. This counts as two of the events as it is thrown in two separate ways. In Open stone competition, the stone usually weighs between 16 and 18 pounds and is thrown in a similar style to the shot put. Many variations of approach are used inside the 4’6”x7’6” throwing area. Athletes generally will spin, glide, or shuffle before their “put”. The Braemar stone event simply means the athlete is forced to use a standing throw. In this event you may not spin, glide or shuffle and must “put” from a standing position. The stone used for this event is usually heavier at 22lbs or more.
Weights for Distance
This is a metal weight attached to a chain and handle, or ring. Athletes spin with the weight to generate as much momentum as possible before releasing the weight for distance. This is again divided into two separate events with a 28lb weight, and a heavier 56lb weight.
A bit about the Events...
There is much speculation of the origin of the Highland games and more specifically, the heavy events. Many believe it was a way for the Scottish clans to test their strength against one another, each selecting the strongest of the clan for head to head competition. Others believe it was meant to choose the best warriors to protect Scottish royalty. The third (and more likely) theory; is that it started with farm hands and workers simply trying to prove their strength. You’ll notice each of the events relates to implements easily found around a farm or a carpentry shop.
Stone
As the name implies – this is simply a stone thrown for distance. This counts as two of the events as it is thrown in two separate ways. In Open stone competition, the stone usually weighs between 16 and 18 pounds and is thrown in a similar style to the shot put. Many variations of approach are used inside the 4’6”x7’6” throwing area. Athletes generally will spin, glide, or shuffle before their “put”. The Braemar stone event simply means the athlete is forced to use a standing throw. In this event you may not spin, glide or shuffle and must “put” from a standing position. The stone used for this event is usually heavier at 22lbs or more.
Weights for Distance
This is a metal weight attached to a chain and handle, or ring. Athletes spin with the weight to generate as much momentum as possible before releasing the weight for distance. This is again divided into two separate events with a 28lb weight, and a heavier 56lb weight.