Scotland Field School: St. Andrews Highland Games

This past Sunday our lovely professors took their dearest shutterbugs on a "wee" field trip to St. Andrews for the Highland Games. St. Andrews of Fife is a small coastal town (as I am now learning most towns in Scotland seem to be coastal as well as small) that is fit for a prince(ss)--literally, Prince William & Kate Middleton both went to University of St. Andrews. I find it important to also include that there is a world renowned golf course in St. Andrews that I was sure to snap a few photographs of for my favorite golf-napping partner (that's you, Grandpa).

Highland Games are unlike anything in America. The best way I can describe them in Yankie-terms would be the Calvert County Fair mixed with the Arnold Classic, but even that broad spectrum is far from accurate. I suppose it has to do with the United States being a melting pot of culture, and having way too many backgrounds and traditions to cover in one setting. Basically, the Highland Games are a series of athletic events held to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. For many of the events men wear kilts, and girls wear traditional tartan dresses. There's also a lot of food, dogs, and very strong men. 

Here's a look at some of what I experienced. 

Heavy Weight participant and Strong Man Sebastian Wenta looks on during the 22lb ball throw competition at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight Competitor refuels with a Red Bull during the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight competitions consist of a 28lb distance throw at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Strongman Sebastian Wenta tapes his fingers at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

3200 Metres Open Cycling Race at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

After all of the official racing is over, kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in a footrace at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War is one of the last and most exciting events at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War officials dress in kilts while participants wear a more durable uniform at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War takes as much team effort as it does individual strength at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Although the rope is frayed and rugged, most Tug o' War competitors use their bare hands at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

The tossing of the caber is one of the most traditional events held that the St. Andrews Highland Games. It is said that was developed by foresters for throwing tree trunks into the river. Nowadays it is thrown not for distance but for style. Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Highland dancers also participate in the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

A Highland Dancer prepares to be judged at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy