Culture Call: Caber Toss in Scotland

On this weeks culture call, we take a look into Scotland's dramatically unique sport of Caber Toss which has its cultural distinctiveness from the sartorial condition that the male must wear a kilt.

Caber Toss is a part of The Highland Games played every Spring and Summer, in Scotland and involves competitors in kilts attempting to throw 16-22-foot pole and 100-pound minimum caber( large tapered pole), hoping to land it in the ''12 o'clock position''

Many people think the winner would be judged off who throws the caber the furthest, in fact, it is all about the landing position!

Imagine the competitors (often referred to as ''tossers'' or), are positioned in an area of grass at a 6 o'clock position. The tosser will then balance the caber in their hands with the tapered end downwards, and walk or run to gain momentum. If they've got the technique down, they will flip the caber up and forwards, in an attempt to land the tapered end in the preferable ''12 o'clock'' position.

The winner of the competition is selected by a panel of judges who score and rate each competitors effort.

Without a doubt, this sport is a fantastic representation of the pure strength, stamina, technique, and hard work of those brave enough to participate in these games.

It's safe to say that Caber Toss is ensconced in Scottish tradition and remains one of the most popular events in The Highland Games, and its clear why! Some may suggest its all a bit mad, but this wont stop the Scots!

That's it for this weeks culture call, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and for my Scottish friends iomadh taing!