Scottish Sports

The Traditional Heavyweight Competition

The Scottish Heavy Events have been a part of Highland Games for centuries. The ancient Heavy Events date back early in Scottish history originating during the reign of King Malcolm Canmore in seven traditional events. At the end of the second day of competition all the points are totalled, the winner being the one with the most points. The basic events are:

ANCIENT STONE THROW

This is the first event of the competition. It resembles the modern day shot-put event but a 22-24 lb. stone picked from the local river is used. The throw takes place from behind the "trig" or toe board. A trig is a piece of lumber about four feet in length, eight inches in width. The throw is recorded by measuring the distance from the back of the trig where the athletes feet end, up to near edge of the mark the stone makes when it hits the ground. Each competitor is allowed three attempts with the best throw being recorded for the final score.

THE 56 POUND WEIGHT TOSS

This event involves a block of iron of any shape not exceeding 18 inches, including the iron ring, or handle which is attached to the weight by a short chain. The weight is thrown with one hand for horizontal distance. The athlete must throw from behind the trig. Scoring is identical to that of The Stone Throw.

THE 22 POUND ANCIENT HAMMER

The Scottish Hammer is a spherical, metal ball that is fastened to a wooden handle. The athlete has his back facing in the direction of the throw. He is not permitted to spin, his feet must not move until the Hammer has been released from behind the trig. He whirls the Hammer around his head as fast as possible releasing it at it's maximum speed. Scoring is similar to that of the Stone Throw.

PRELIMINARY CABER TOSS

The Caber toss is considered the most impressive of the Heavy Events. The Caber is generally a spruce log measuring about 20 feet and weighing approximately 120 lbs. The athlete shoulders the Caber cupping the small end in his two hands. Once the Caber is balanced, the athlete runs and releases it by heaving it so that it goes end over end. Those who successfully turn the Caber in this fashion continue on to compete in the Challenge Caber on day two. A Caber that fails to flip is not recorded. A judge runs behind the athlete and if the toss is successful he calls it with an imaginary clock. The athletes feet are positioned at six o'clock and he attempts to toss the Caber so that it resembles the hands of a clock at 12 o'clock. This would be a perfect throw.

HAY TOSS

This is the last event of day one. Pole vault standards are set up. The athletes attempt to throw a 16-18 lb. bag of hay up and over the bar on the standards. The athletes use a pitch-fork to toss the bag of hay.

26 POUND WEIGHT TOSS FOR DISTANCE

This event starts off the second day of competition. A 26 lb weight is tossed and scored identical to that of the 56 lb weight throw from day one.

16 POUND ANCIENT HAMMER

This event is executed the same way the 22 lb Hammer that is tossed on day one.

56 POUND WEIGHT FOR HEIGHT In this back breaking event the athlete tosses the 56 lb weight described in the weight over the pole vault bar. The weight is tossed with one hand only and the athlete is allowed only three tries at any given height.

FINAL CABER EVENT

The Caber used on the second day is usually longer - 20 feet and heavier - 50 lbs.

FARMER'S WALK

This event is a real crowd pleaser as spectators are allowed to participate. The competitor stands between two suitcase-like weights each weighing 300 lbs. or more. All the competitor has to do is grasp the handles on the weights and then walk with them as far as he is able.

The athletes are scored for every event except for the Hay Toss and the Farmer's Walk as they are not Traditional Events. The points are awarded according to where the athlete places in each event. These points are totalled, the winner being the one with the most points.

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