For many, the Scottish field events are the heart of a
Highland Games. Indeed, many games in North America have gotten their
start as small competitions held between athletes and then gradually
expanded as pipers, dancers and clans adopted these games.
The Caber Toss
The Caber Toss is the most famous of the Scottish field events. The
caber might be best described as a "baby" telephone pole which
can be 12 to 19 feet long and may weigh from 30 to 120 pounds. The
contestant "walks" the caber until it's perpendicular and then
hoists it into a carrying position, resting on the shoulder. From the
carrying position, the contestant takes a few steps forward, then
abruptly stops and swings his arms upward, hoping to flip the caber
completely so that the small end, which was down, falls straight ahead,
or "at 12 o'clock". 12 o'clock is perfect, but all good scores
come within the 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock area. Timing and momentum are
keys in this event, not mere strength. All contestants in the caber
events start with the lighter and shorter cabers and work their way up
until they are eliminated.
Weight For Height
This event uses a metal weight with a handle, the whole thing weighing
56 pounds for men and 28 pounds for women. The object is to toss the
weight as high as possible over a cross-bar using only one hand.
Weight For Distance
The object of this event is to throw a 28 pound weight with a handle as
far as possible using only one hand and one and a half turns before the
release.
The Stone Put
The Stone Put is similar to the conventional shot put event in track and
field meets but with two exceptions. Instead of using a metal shot, the
men use a stone weighing 17 pounds and the women use an 11 pound stone.
Also, the style of throwing is different. The contestants don't get to
make an approach like the conventional style, but must throw the stone
as far as possible keeping one foot stationary against the trig. This is
called the Braemar style and the world record is 62'11".
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