Photos courtesy of Happy Snap'n Photos

Caber Toss
The caber toss is one of the most popular events at the Highland Games and is synonymous with the event. Competitors flip a large pole in this test of accuracy.

The origins of tossing the caber are relatively unknown. Whether you believe soldiers or woodmen/loggers invented the sport, it is a unique display of strength. First recorded in the mid-1500s, the word ‘caber’ comes from the Gaelic for pole.
​
It is a common misconception that the aim of the caber toss is to throw it as far as possible. The truth is that points come instead from accuracy. Competitors toss the caber – a 4 or 5-metre log, usually with the bark removed – so that it turns in the air. Judges award points for straight flips in this test of strength and stamina. The winner is the toss closest to a coveted ‘12 o’clock’ landing, with the held end facing straight towards the tosser.

Photos courtesy of Happy Snap'n Photos

Hammer Throw
The hammer throw sees competitors throw the hammer as far as possible in a feat of strength. The hammer is a metal ball attached to a wooden handle. The hammer weighs 22lb for men and 16lb for women.

Today, the hammer throw is best known as a discipline in field athletics. It features in world championships such as the Olympics. Whether on a global scale or at your local Highland Games, the origins of this heavyweight sport are the same. Irish legend places the sport’s origin 4000 years ago when the great warrior Cuchullainn threw a chariot wheel. More robust evidence emerged around the 16th century in England and Scotland when men threw a hammer in a strength competition. The hammer throw first appeared at Highland Games in Scotland in the later 1800s. A modern version entered the Olympics in 1900 for men and 2000 for women.
​
Strict rules govern the hammer throw, from the length of the handle to the weight of the ball, the number of turns to the throwing motion. At a Highland Games, look out for the thrower’s shoes. It’s not unusual to see a blade in the toe of the shoe, providing the thrower with an anchor point, as they are not allowed to spin.

Photos courtesy of Happy Snap'n Photos

Stone Put / Shot Put
The shot put sees competitors throw a weighted ball or stone (around 20lb) as far as possible from a fixed position. Competitors may throw a river stone in place of an iron ball. This is a stone put, rather than a shot put.

The history of the stone put dates back to the Romans. More recently, the discipline gained popularity during the Highland Games in the 1800s. It entered the Olympics at its start in 1896 for men, and women could compete from 1948.
​
The rules of the shot put vary between Highland Games. Generally, competitors throw their shot from a fixed position within a circular area of just over 2m in diameter. The stone is thrown with one hand and must land within the marked landing area.

Photos courtesy of Happy Snap'n Photos

Weight for Height / Weight Over Bar
In weight for height, also known as weight over bar, competitors throw a metal weight on a strap over a bar. The sport’s origin is unknown, although it likely connects to an earlier sport in Ireland.
​
Like the high jump or pole vault in modern athletics, competitors have three tries at each bar height. The bar increases with each round, and the competition continues until only one contestant remains. Competitors throw the weight with one hand, usually thrown up from between the legs in an explosive show of strength. The stone usually weighs 28lb for women and 56lb for men.

Photos courtesy of Happy Snap'n Photos

Sheaf Toss
The sheaf toss is a popular Scottish Highland Games event where competitors use a pitchfork to hurl a burlap bag filled with straw or twine over a raised horizontal bar.

​The object is to toss the sheaf as high as possible over the crossbar without touching it. Each athlete gets three chances to clear the bar at a specific height. The bar is raised after each round. Competitors who clear the height advance, while missed attempts or failures eliminate players until only one winner remains.  The sheaf usually weighs between 16-20 lbs for men and 10-12 lbs for women.