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Highland Games

noun

  1. functioning as singular or plural a meeting in which competitions in sport, piping, and dancing are held: originating in the Highlands of Scotland
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Example Sentences

The King and Queen appeared in jovial mood as they attended the Braemar Gathering Highland Games in Aberdeenshire.

From BBC

At a traditional Scottish Highland Games, fit athletes engage in rigorous pursuits like caber-tossing, hammer-throwing and stone-carrying.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Princess Royal have joined thousands of Highland games spectators at the annual Braemar Gathering.

From BBC

Queen Elizabeth II hosted numerous royal garden parties there and enjoyed watching events at the nearby Braemar Highland Games with other members of the Royal Family.

From BBC

He was regular commentator for the Braemar Gathering, a Highland Games attended by members of the Royal family including the late Queen.

From BBC

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More About Highland Games

What are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are a series of festivals involving sporting and cultural events based on Scottish culture and traditions originating in the Highlands of Scotland.

Events called the Highland Games are held in Scotland as well as many other places internationally.

The Highland Games are especially associated with and known for the sporting competition called the caber toss (a caber is a stripped down tree trunk that looks like a telephone pole). But they typically feature a number of sporting competitions, including track-and-field-style events like races, the hammer throw and the stone put. Cultural aspects include dance performances and other artistic events.

When are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games happen at different times in different parts of Scotland and around the world, typically from May to September.

More information and context on the Highland Games

In the Middle Ages, the Highlands of Scotland were divided up into familial clans. The Highland Games grew out of small athletic or military gatherings within and between these clans. Some of the strength training and events that clan members participated in eventually led to the modern version of events like the hammer toss, the weight toss, and tossing of the caber.

The clan system was weakened in the 1700s, putting a temporary stop to the gatherings, but the games were revived in the 1800s. Today, there are many different Highland Games events throughout Scotland and in other countries where people have Scottish heritage, including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing the Highland Games?

How are the Highland Games discussed in real life?

Events called the Highland Games are held in Scotland and throughout the world in places where people have Scottish heritage. They are especially known for the caber toss event.

Try using Highland Games!

True or False?

The Highland Games are only held in Scotland.

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