Throughout the event, participants engage in a variety of strength-focused disciplines, such as the Shot Putt, the Hammer Throw, the Weight Over the Bar, and the iconic Tossing the Caber.
The origin of these heavyweight contests dates back centuries when clan leaders selected their most robust and agile warriors for combat by testing their mettle in various strength challenges.
The Shot Putt, a straightforward competition where athletes hurl large stones, has evolved to standardized weights of 16lbs and 22lbs, utilizing regulation steel balls for consistency.
In the Weight for Distance event, competitors use a handled steel ball on a chain, spinning thrice to generate momentum before releasing the weight. The games feature competitions for both the 28lb and 56lb categories.
Hammer competitions feature light and heavy variants, with participants swinging the hammer above their heads before launching it backward.
The Weight Over the Bar contest maintains its traditional format, involving participants throwing weights over an escalating bar height. The victor is determined by successfully clearing the bar without causing it to fall.
Tossing the caber, a quintessential Highland Games event, is rooted in historical tasks like constructing makeshift bridges and moving logs. Contestants aim to fling the pole straight ahead, with judges scoring based on accuracy. The cabers at Blairgowrie and Rattray Games typically measure around 22 feet long and weigh approximately 80 kilograms.
Noteworthy is the introduction of a women's heavyweight competition at the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games in 2018, along with a thriving junior division.
Dedicated efforts have been invested in training a group of nearly a dozen young athletes, focusing on technique, core fitness, and nutrition. The unwavering commitment displayed by local junior participants, even amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, shows a promising future for the sport.
The Current Records for our Games can be found here.