Highland games
for teams
Caber toss, weight throw and tug of war in a series of events. We provide the equipment, the set-up and the instructors.
Strength events that are all about technique
Highland games are a series of strength events from the Scottish tradition, of which the caber toss is the best known. Teams rotate through all the events and collect points. People tend to picture lifting and throwing, but in practice the strongest participant regularly loses to someone who has a better grasp of the movement.
That's exactly why it works as a group activity. In the caber toss, the log has to turn end over end and land straight ahead, and that only works if you release it at the right moment. The first attempts almost always fail, and with these events the failing is at least as entertaining as succeeding.
Which events are included
A programme consists of five to six events, which we choose based on the group and the space. These come up most often.
- Caber toss, in several weights so everyone can take part
- Weight throw for height and for distance
- Tug of war between the teams as a high-scoring finale
- Hay bale and sandbag events for speed and teamwork
What is needed in terms of ground and safety
Highland games need a firm grass field and a throwing zone that we cordon off generously. During throwing, nobody may stand beside or behind the lane, so the set-up determines how many can run at once. We mark out that zone before the group arrives and supervise it while play is going on.
If you have a suitable field yourselves, for example a sports field, a meadow or a large company site, we set it up there. If not, we make sure a site is ready that meets those requirements. We look at the ground beforehand, because a waterlogged or bumpy field changes what is safe.
Rain is usually not a problem, but a slippery surface combined with heavy equipment is. In persistent rain we take out the throwing events and fill the programme with events that aren't affected by slippery ground. We agree in advance what replaces them.
Who it is suitable for
Highland games suit groups from about sixteen people, divided into teams of four to six. The events are short, so there's plenty of changing over and little waiting. For companies with a mixed team it works well because a different type of participant comes out on top in each event.
The minimum age for the throwing events is about sixteen. For a family day with children, we run a lighter variant, with the same set-up but different equipment. Tell us in advance how the group is made up, and we'll adjust accordingly.
If you want the same team spirit without heavy equipment, then traditional Dutch games or a team games day are closer to what you're after. They work on almost any terrain and make fewer demands on age and fitness.
Not sure whether your site is big enough? Describe the site in your enquiry, and we'll tell you whether it can be done and what else is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Isn't the caber toss too heavy for an average group?
The log we use is lighter than the Scottish competition version and several weights are available. The throw is also about technique: the log has to turn end over end, and the right movement achieves that better than brute force. Anyone who doesn't want to throw can join in with the events where that doesn't matter.
How much space do highland games need?
Highland games need a grass field of about forty by thirty metres, part of which serves as a cordoned-off throwing zone. We keep that zone generous, because nobody may stand inside the lane during the weight throw and caber toss. If your site is smaller, we run the events one after another instead of side by side.
How long does a highland games programme take?
A highland games programme with five to six events, changeovers and the final standings takes about two and a half hours. Each team goes through all the events, so the running time depends mainly on the number of teams. With large groups we set up events in duplicate to keep waiting time short.
What does a highland games programme cost?
A highland games programme starts at €550, because heavy equipment, set-up and extra instructors are involved. For a more compact element within a larger day, the price is lower. After the first conversation you get a concrete price rather than a ballpark figure.
Tell us about your plan
Interested in highland games? Fill in a short form and we'll send a price estimate within 1 working day.
Highland games at your venue
Tell us how many people, where and when. We'll then send a proposal with the activities that fit.