There are a ton more odd and amazing sports and activities that are specifically Scottish that we can try our hand at, but they won’t be appearing at the Olympics any time soon. Here are 9 odd sports that not everyone is aware of in Scotland.
1. Munro-Bagging
Scotland’s tallest mountains, which stand over a high 3000 feet apiece, are the ideal setting for embracing your inner endurance athlete and pushing your physical limits. Start immediately and move ahead of the competition to the top from among the 282 options available!
2. Shinty
Shinty is one sport that demands tenacious commitment and camaraderie during the Games. A strong team effort is very necessary. It is a dangerous sport that has been practiced in the Highlands for many centuries. It is even said to have its roots in soldiers practicing combat.
3. Stone Skimming
You may start polishing your talents on the lochs, rivers, and beaches of Scotland in an activity that combines accuracy, technique, and aim. The World Stone Skimming Championships, which take place annually on the final Sunday in September in Easdale Island, close to Oban, are always eagerly awaited. See if you can skim your way to the top of the podium and take home a prized medal crafted from slate that was mined nearby.
4. Kirkwall Ba’ Game
Even though football is already an Olympic sport, the laws are a little different in Orkney. Every Christmas and New Year’s Day, on the streets of Orkney city, the Kirkwall Ba’ is a high-intensity football match. Two teams compete for possession of the prized ba’, a hand-made leather ball filled with cork, starting in Broad Street. The first team to touch their goal with the ba’ wins. The goals are on opposite sides of the town.
5. Highland dancing
The gymnastics at the Olympics this year have been truly captivating to watch, but we believe Highland dancing comes pretty close with its alluring blend of grace, rhythm, and stamina. You can see sophisticated dances done by dancers from all over the world at various Highland games across the nation, whether it’s the Highland Fling or the Sword Dance.
6. Caber toss
Caber tossing, a sport that is somewhat similar to the javelin, is another display of raw strength. Large, heavy wooden cabers are launched into the air by athletes, who then turn them on their ends. The fundamental distinction between caber tossing and other Olympic sports is that participants must always wear a kilt, and the length of the caber’s throw is immaterial.
7. Tug o’ war
The tug o’ war has been played for generations and is a convenient approach to resolving any dispute or choice. In order to attempt to haul a piece of rope in opposing directions, two teams are opposed to one another. Whilst it is unquestionably the crowning glory of any Highland Games, did you know that from 1900 to 1920, it was also an Olympic sport?
8. Porridge making
In Scotland, porridge, which is brimming with filling oaty breakfast goodness, is the foundation of a healthy, balanced existence. In fact, the art of producing porridge is regarded as a sport, and each autumn, the Highland community of Carrbridge welcomes competitors from around the globe to test their culinary skills in an effort to win the fabled “golden spurtle.”
9. Haggis hurling
Indeed, haggis is another delectable food that we all know about, but did you also know that Scotland’s national dish may be a specific type of Scottish sport? The haggis thrower with the furthest throw wins. It’s easy. Try the traditional dish in several of Scotland’s restaurants to be ready for the competition.
There are other additional Highland games scheduled to take place throughout Scotland through the end of September if you’re searching for a distinctively Scottish sport to witness this summer.
