Let me start off by saying that I am hardly an expert on Scottish History. The info that follows concerning Highland Games is as it was told to me. Take it for what it's worth and enjoy.

These photos came from the Games held during the NMLRA Northeastern Primitive Rendezvous in Pawlet, VT. Most of the men had never worn a kilt and so arrived to compete with a blanket belted about their waist.

The Judge

With the English prohibitions against the Scots having weapons, there arose the Highland Games. Oh, sure, they had swords and spears hidden away but they were wise enough to not practice with them openly. These competitions, using everyday items, provided a way for the Scots to keep their men fit and battle ready. Presiding over the games were the Clan elders, who watched the young men, looking for their martial leaders of the future.

The Gathering

The call would go out to all the clans to send their best young men to compete.
The strongest, the most agile, the fastest, the prettiest? Fortunately, beauty was not a factor for the men. The lass in the red registered all of the competitors and assured that each was properly attired and "regimental".

The Caber Toss

The purpose of the exercise was for the highlander to throw a log across a stream to form a footbridge for his clansmen. The caber (that telephone pole) must flip end over end and land straight across the stream, simulated by two parallel pieces of rope. That's me with the red face and the growing hernia. I successfully hit the ground.

The Haggis Toss

There were events for the lasses as well. The Haggis Toss simulates the lass attempting to toss a sack containing her man's lunch, across a stream, to where he eagerly awaits. As seen here, she must balance on one foot and toss the small sack a predetermined distance into a circle formed by a piece of rope. You can tell by Susan's face that this is all in good fun and winning is of no importance.

The Sheaf Toss

When the Scots had cause to attack an English stronghold, they seldom had seige engines. Here you see a Highlander who has snuck up next to the Keep wall carrying a sheaf (a bundle of oat stalks). Setting the sheaf afire, he then attempts to throw it over the wall. If you fail, you get showered with burning oats. It's called motivation.

Even though we were in the mountains of Vermont, it was in the 90's all week. This lass found a great way to cool off, using a block of ice harvested from one of the local lakes last winter, and kept in sawdust until now.

The Footrace

And what games would be complete without a footrace. That's me on the right and I'm in the lead. That lasted for about three seconds. Tough competition.

The Water of Life

The lasses had a race also, but with an added complication. Any Scot will tell you that the Water of Life is Single Malt Scotch. Traditionally, the ladies race with a cup of whiskey balanced on the flat of their favorite man's dirk. Not being complete fools, we used water. Each of these four ladies was the winner of her heat and each won using a nice steady quick-walk. In the final, Susan pulled out all the stops, showing true championship form. That's my darlin' Gracie bring up the rear. When it comes to races, tis a family tradition.

And there you have it. The best kind of Highland Games is when the competition is among friends. All tried their best and none took it too seriously. Of course, it was the youngsters who said, "Oh, gee, I've never done this before", that took home all the prizes. But, that way, they will be back next year and the geezers will be ready for them.

What follows the games? Why a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee) of course. That's a Highland party with lots of music, dancing, and a bit of The Water of Life, all by firelight.

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