Scotland's Highland Games

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About Scotland's Highland Games

Highland Games are part of the culture of Scotland. Their origin pre-dates recorded history and is the stuff of legend. King Malcolm III of Scotland, in the 11th century, apparently summoned contestants to a foot race to the summit of a hill overlooking Braemar and many take this alleged event as being the origin of today's modern Highland games.
Following the repeal of the Act of Proscription (act that forebad the wearing of kilt, carrying arms and playing pipes), various Highland Societies (from about 1780s) were set up with a view to reviving Highland traditions. Then the renewed interest in Highland culture, aided by Sir Walter Scott, boosted by the visit of King George IV to Scotland in 1822, then followed by Queen Victoria’s support of the Braemar Games from the 1840’s, all were significant factors in the popularisation of Highland Games. There are now well over 70 Games held each year in Scotland and this group serves to celebrate this culture.
Postings and discussion should relate to Games held in Scotland and not abroad.







You might be interested in a sister Group "Highland Heavies"
This is a group to celebrate the work of heavyweight contestants who perform at Highland Games throughout Scotland. Main Heavy Events comprise: Putting the Stone, Throwing the Hammer, Throwing the Weight, & Tossing the Caber.

see www.flickr.com/groups/highlandheavies/






or, perhaps "Kilted Life"

This group gives examples of the hundreds of activites that can be undertaken by men in a kilt. The kilt worn by a man has never been so popular than it is today. Worn by men of all ages for weddings, parties, rugby, football, Burns suppers, ceilidhs, balls, receptions, pubbing - and, even for many, worn for work. Many guys lack the confidence to wear the kilt with pride and need an excuse - this Group is designed to show that no excuse is needed - it can be worn anywhere for almost any activity.

See

www.flickr.com/groups/kiltedlife/





. Kilted Sailor, 2. Team MacLaren, 3. Something in the eye, 4. Hot kilties striding forth, 5. Stop !, 6. Solo Piping, 7. Kilted Spectator, 8. Tossing the Sheaf, 9. Craig Johnston, 10. Heave !, 11. Kilties in the Grassmarket, 12. Anticipation of a good throw, 13. Toss about to commence, 14. Resting Heavies, 15. Stag, 16. Drum Majors Parade, 17. 3 7 1 9, 18. Waiting to perform, 19. Highland Leap, 20. Prize Winner, 21. Sword Dance, 22. Step to it !, 23. Pipers Blue, 24. Hairy Scary !, 25. Striding out !, 26. Tasteful Kilting, 27. Piper and Drummer, 28. Pipers, 29. Highland Lad, 30. Putting the shot, 31. Looking Mean, 32. Look at that !