Caber Tossing

[Archangel]

Run through my books too, can't find anything.

Davedove's story is probably closest, the definition of sport being doing something measured and irrational. Note the unique feature of Highland Games: all the strength events require movement. What's the point of lifting barbells if you're just going to put them down again? How far can you carry them, ha?

My favourite, of course, is teaching Nessie to fetch.

[Iolaus]

If there really was a military use for this, it most likely was as an earlier post stated where it was hurled into the enemy line to create a hole or gap in the line. This seems plausible but not likely.

Beside, it would make more sense for two or three guys to throw it broadside, if they wanted to open a hole - a single log-width through the ranks is going to close up immediately; a log-length is harder to fill.

I think the whole I'm-stronger-than-you thing is the most plausible theory so far.

[David Dalglish]

We threw it---- because we could

[Panache]

To all. The origins of the the various events that comprise a Highland Games can be broken down to simple equations.


Scottish men + beer + testosterone + hammer = HAMMER THROW

Scottish men + beer + testosterone - hammer + rock = STONE PUT

Scottish men + too much testosterone + too much beer - hammer - rock + great big log = CABER TOSS

Bored Scottish men + Scotch + gopher holes + crooked walking stick + little ball = GOLF

Really really REALLY bored Scottish men + winter + ice + giant vat of alcohol + broom + large rock = CURLING

After Curling became an actual recognized sport, the newly founded United Nations voted unanimously that Scotland was no longer permitted to invent new games. Which is a blessing because you know somewhere in the highlands the equation began:

Scottish men + Scotch + Beer + Testosterone + sheep...

[switchblade5984]

now thats a good one.......

[starbkjrus]

Have to say....I'm with Panache (and others who have stated similar) on this one. Young Scott's w/ strength AND booze = Highland Games.

[James]

Can I suggest that it evolved from the natural amusements of chaps engaged in hard manual work, with a link to the actuality of that work: which in turn evolved into formal sports with actual rules.

Today there are competitions for throwing bales of hay from pitchforks-natural for a farm worker to show off their physical prowess.

Or skills such as archery, and shooting.

Hammers-rocks, I think obvious.

So I can imagine chaps working with timber competing to see who could throw a log futhest-this evolving into caber tossing.

James

[Scottish Chi]

To all. The origins of the the various events that comprise a Highland Games can be broken down to simple equations...

After Curling became an actual recognized sport, the newly founded United Nations voted unanimously that Scotland was no longer permitted to invent new games. Which is a blessing because you know somewhere in the highlands the equation began:

Scottish men + Scotch + Beer + Testosterone + sheep...

Scottish men + Scotch + Beer + Testosterone + sheep = pitching woo.......l

[Pour1Malt]

latest Scots sports- proposed tae the Olympic committee.....



1. Sheep Jugglin...

2. Moorish Dancer Tossin...

3. Whisky Barrel Throw... (fou an empty catagories)

4. Haggii Golf...

5. Kilted Pole Vault....

[smaughazard]

latest Scots sports- proposed tae the Olympic committee.....

1. Sheep Jugglin...

2. Moorish Dancer Tossin...

3. Whisky Barrel Throw... (fou an empty catagories)

4. Haggii Golf...

5. Kilted Pole Vault....

And a few more (proposed late at the pub):

6. Caber Catch…

7. Single Malt Marathon…

8. Targe Frisbee…

9. Kilt Lifting (a women's event)…

10. Claymore Swallowing…

:mrgreen: