With so much happening across the North Inch, here are five highlights to watch out for.
1. The caber toss
The caber toss is probably the best-known Highland Games event, although its rules are often misunderstood. Competitors are not trying to throw the caber as far as possible. Instead, they must lift and balance the long wooden pole, run forward and turn it end over end so that it lands directly away from them. The ideal result is known as a 12 o’clock throw.
Cabers can measure between 16 and 22 feet long and weigh up to around 80kg. No two are exactly alike, so athletes must quickly adjust to the length, weight and balance of the caber being used. Strength is essential, but timing, control and technique often decide who succeeds.
2. Have a go at the Ardblair Stones
The heavyweight competitors are not the only people who can test their strength at Perth Highland Games. Members of the public are invited to take on the Ardblair Stones Challenge throughout the day. The challenge features nine concrete stones ranging from 18kg to 152kg. Participants begin with the lightest and attempt to lift each stone onto a whisky barrel before moving on to the next.
The stones were created by Charlie Blair Oliphant of Ardblair Castle, near Blairgowrie, and have attracted experienced strength athletes as well as members of the public who simply want to see what they can manage.
3. Full-contact Medieval Knights
This is not a choreographed re-enactment. The competitors wear full suits of armour and take part in genuine full-contact fighting using historical weapons under modern competition rules. It has been described as “MMA with armour on”, which gives a fair idea of what spectators can expect.
The fighting is loud, physical and fast-moving. The armour provides protection, but it is also heavy, making the strength, fitness and stamina of the competitors all the more impressive.
