James F Hatcher III

Highland Games Record James F Hatcher III

Scottish men have tested their strength against each other at Highland gatherings for centuries. King Malcolm Ceanmore, who began his reign in 1057, is credited with initiating crude forms of today's Scottish Highland Games' athletic competition as a means of improving the abilities of his military. While the games had become festive occasions by the sixteenth century, they were still seen as a way for kings and chiefs to choose their best men. The origin of human games and sports predates recorded history. Several theories exist about the beginnings of our competitions. It has been widely recorded that during his reign in the 11th century, King Malcolm III of Scotland summoned contestants to compete in a footrace in order to find the fastest runner in the land to serve as his royal messenger. From that humble beginning, competition arose. Rival clans or kings would meet with their fastest, strongest, and best warriors in order to impress one's rivals and lay claim to the most skilled contestants. Today's Scottish Highland Games athletes may have day jobs, but they are still warriors! And the events are not only for the men! Keep an historical record of your Clan's participation in these games. Record the winner's information each time your Clan has a member who brings home the Gold, Silver or Bronze in any event, from Highland Athletics to Clan Challenges to Piping Competitions. This book is destined to become a valuable asset in your Clan Tent Library!