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Highland games are events held in spring and summer in Scotland, United Kingdom and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain aspects of the games are so well known as to have become emblematic of Scotland, such as the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy events, especially the caber toss. While centred on competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics, the games also include entertainment and exhibits related to other aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture.


It is reported in numerous Highland games programs, that King Malcolm III of Scotland, in the 11th century, summoned contestants to a foot race to the summit of Craig Choinnich (overlooking Braemar). King Malcolm created this foot race in order to find the fastest runner in the land to be his royal messenger. Some have seen this apocryphal event to be the origin of today's modern Highland games.


We have slightly adjusted and tailored some of the events (it's hard to find a Caber in Beijing!) and challenge you to roll up your sleeves and see if you've got what it takes to be crowned the best of the best!

Tug o'war


Teams are divided into two by a red tape in the center of the rope. The aim of this competition is to pull the opposing team to your side of the line marked on the ground. As soon as the red tape crosses the line marked on the ground, the team who pulls the rope to their side wins. 

Shot Put


The shot put (in this case medicine ball), has to be placed close to your neck and resting on your shoulder. The shot must be released above the height of the shoulder with one hand. Competitors are permitted to either run up to the boundary line or stay still before releasing the ball. The competitor to throw the furthest, wins the competition. Males and females will have different weights for this game. 

Tyre Flip


As a team effort, you and your team mates are required to flip the tyre from one cone to another and back again. The team to complete the distance with the quickest time, will win the competition. 

Farmers Walk


Carrying two heavy kettle-bells, competitors have to walk the marked out distance without dropping the weights or stopping in between. The person with the quickest speed, will win the competition. Weights will be vary for males and females. 

Children's Games

The Beijing Highland Games are not just for adults as there will be several exciting games for the kids! Test your agility, concentration and skills in a number of traditional races!

Sack Race 


On the count of go, children will race in a relay to cross the finish line in their sack first. They must stay in the their sack for the entire relay and not fall over.

Three- Legged Race


In teams of two, both children's middle legs will be tied together. This relay will require the children to work together to get over the line first, without falling over to be the winner. 

Egg and Spoon Race


This relay will require the children to use both their speed and coordination. The aim is to keep the egg on the spoon, while racing to the finish line to cross first.