Tossing the Caber

One of the most ancient games and probably one of the most spectacular is the throwing of the caber ("pole" or "tree"). It is an extreme test of muscle, balance, timing, and skill. Scots have played it since the 16th century and it is still one of the most popular events featured at highland games all over the world.

It is frequently referred to as "throwing a telephone pole" but that is not accurate. The caber is a long section of tree trunk, tapered so that it is smaller at one end. The length and weight of each caber varies from 50 to 130 lbs. and 14' to 20' in length. Each competitor has three attempts.

The man who endeavors to compete in this event raises the pole to a vertical position in his hands with the smaller end down, generally resting the caber against his shoulder. Then balancing it, the competitor runs to build up speed and momentum and then throws it into the air and away from him. He must make the large end of the pole hit the ground and the pole fall in such a way that the small end will describe a half circle.

Not only is considerable strength required, but considerable skill is needed. The caber is as likely to fall sideways - or back the way it came - when the large end hits the ground. Scoring is based on the closeness of the fall to "12 o'clock".

Points are deducted according to the angle it falls from the perfect mark.

Putting the Stone

Regular style: This event is the same as the Olympic Shot Put except that a smooth rounded stone is used instead of a steel ball. It weighs just over 12 lbs. and is thrown from behind a 6" high by 4'6" long toeboard (trig). It must be put from in front of the shoulder using one hand only. there is a 7'6" run-up area and each competitor is allowed three attempts. The best of the three is counted.

Measurement is taken from the point on the trig where the throw is made to the nearest break in the ground where the stone lands. Touching the top of the trig or the ground beyond is a foul.

Braemar or Standing style: this event is the same as the Regular Style with two exceptions. The stone used weighs 26 lbs. and no run-up is allowed.

Weight for Distance - 26 LB. and 56 LB

The weights are of metal with a chain and ring handle attached. The overall length of both weights is 18". the weight is thrown one handed from behind the same trig used in Putting the Stone. A 9' run-up is allowed.

The most efficient style is to spin like a discus thrower although any style may be used. The competitor must be standing after throwing the weight.

As in Putting the Stone, touching the top of the trig or the area beyond it is a foul throw - whether or not the weight was actually thrown. There are three throws and the measurement is the same as for stone puts.

Weight for Height

The weight is a block (or ball) which has a ring handle attached with the objective to throw it up and over a bar similar to that used in a pole vault.

The total weight is 56 lbs. and only one hand is usually allowed. The starting height of the pole is the lowest height requested by one of the competitors.

A competitor may pass on the lower heights but once it reaches the height at which he starts to throw, he must compete with each raise of the bar. He is allowed three attempts to clear the bar.

If the bar is touched by the weight but not dislodged, it is considered a successful throw. If all competitors miss at the same height, the winner is considered to be that one with the fewer misses at the previous height. All measurements are made from the ground to the top of the bar midway between the upright supports.

Scottish Hammer

The handle (or shaft) is made of cane and the head is round and made of metal. the Light Hammer is 16 lbs. and the Heavy Hammer is 22 lbs. The overall length of both is 50".

The hammer is thrown standing style with the competitor facing away from the throwing area.

Making sure his feet are firmly planted on the ground, he takes the hammer three times around his head and then releases it. His feet must not move until after he releases the hammer. He has three attempts and the measurement and foul rules are the same as for Putting the Stone.

The Hill Race

The origins of this race may have been a trial for those to be chosen by their King or Chieftains as carriers of important messages between other parts of Scotland and over the border to England.

The race is run over 3 miles and requires competitors to race from the games field to the hill located to the south which is over 600 feet in height; the race is the climax of the athletic events and the winner is cheered home enthusiastically by the crowd in their return.