Other Games

The Table of Games contains some twenty indendent games (neither SGA or amateur rules). The majority in this category are small games in isolated areas. Most will tend to adhere to SGA rules; sometimes with interesting variations.

A few games are large invitation competitions (Callander and Aviemore) Emphasis is on the heavy events which usually include international competition.

Dates for these smaller games might be best found from tourist information sources. The date of most games can be deduced from this 1997 list. Generally a games committee will use a particular week-end in each year. E.g. Old Meldrum - the third Saturday in June. The table will be updated to 1998 dates as soon as possible

My Favourite Games

Lochcarron Highland Games by Donald McBain

Lochcarron has one of the most amazing landscapes in the World, who could have mapped into abstraction such an area of outstanding natural beauty that is contained within this area? this is a beautiful land we live in and Lochcarron let's you know it.

The games is a kind of olde world type and if you close your eyes to savour the atmosphere you could open them again having been transferred 500 years back in time. The games is quite small compared to some of the others and is well worth a visit, they have a full itinery of events from the Heavy Events, Track and Field, Tug o' war, the hill race - which incidentally crosses a river, Piping, Highland Dancing, Kids events and even clay pigeon shooting.  It is held each year on the third Saturday in July.  The games are held in Locharron which is a small fishing village along the shore of Loch Carron.

After the Games take the old drove road to Applecross over Bealach na Bà and experience the sheer ruggedness and beauty of the Applecross Hills. This provides an entertaining trip with hairpin bends and gradients as steep as 1 in 5 in some sections. It is the third highest public road in Britain and reaches over 2000 feet. It is not suitable for learner drivers, coaches, caravans or the faint-hearted! However it is well worth the drive for the stunning views.

The games start in the morning with local events, and as in most games the locals will continue throwing in the open competition which starts at 1pm. 

Why do I like Lochcarron? Well who could dislike such a place as this?  If you aint been to Lochcarron Games you aint lived!

Lochcarron Games 3rd Saturday in July

Having a go at the 'Heavies'

An article by leading throws coach John Freeman.
He gives some advice for anyone considering trying out throwing at the games.

I am sometimes asked how I started the throwing events at the Highland Games.  Like many heavies in the South of Scotland I started off in other sports and drifted into throwing events.  With a few exceptions the heavies from the North of Scotland tend to progress from the 'local' throwing competitions.

There are a number of avenues open to the aspiring thrower, depending on a number of factors such as your locality, training facilities, coaching resources etc.

I've listed the more obvious path into the games below, but first some general advice to the beginner.  A kilt is required for Heavy events. Most amatuer games and a few of the SHGA games require a prepayment entry.  Games under both SHGA and SAL rules are subject to random drug testing.   You will have to register with the SHGA if you wish to compete at these games.

1)    If you are already involved in throwing shot, discus or wire hammer you might simply wish to turn up and throw.  However, it would be prudent to try out some of the smaller games first.   The judge has a discretion to preclude throwers below certain standards.   Contact us for an indication of the smaller games where it would be more appropriate for novices to throw.

2)    Local competition is a common means of gaining access to the senior games.  Many areas in Scotland have local competition before the main events.

3)    Younger age competitions are in place at many games as a means of nurturing young talent.  The largest system is the under 25 league in ten leading games in the Grampian Region.   Other schemes include an under 20 competition at some North amateur games.