Outskirts Press, INC.

The Alaskan Scottish Highland Games Field Events History, 1982-2016

The first Alaskan Scottish Highland Games were held in Eagle River, Alaska in August, 1982. Its sponsoring organization, the Alaskan Scottish Club, has continued to produce this event annually. The Games have grown to be one of the Anchorage area’s premier summer festivals, and is now held on the last Saturday each June. Current venue is the Alaska State Fair Grounds in Palmer, Alaska. This book covers the Alaskan Highland Games Scottish Field Events, showing its development through thirty-five years of growth culminating in hosting the International Highland Games Federation World Heavy Events Championship in 2016. Field Record progression is shown for each of the Scottish Heavy Events contested: stones, weights, hammers, and weight for height, and lists overall, amateur, and Alaskan records for men, women, and masters throwers. Caber tossing is a unique Scottish event and always one of the highlights at the Games. The Alaskan Challenge Caber is a special caber only the best can turn and has a unique history. The Games come alive with photographs from the author’s collection and from old newspaper photos, and pictures from other photographers. Highland Games are a combination of music, dance and athletics. While this book is predominately about the Scottish throwing events at the Alaska Games, one chapter about the pipe bands has been included. There is also a section devoted to the Alaskan Scottish Club.