The Highland Games, a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, feature events that test raw strength, precision, and agility. Among these, the keg toss and sheaf toss are iconic, offering thrilling displays of athleticism and skill that captivate crowds.
The sheaf toss challenges participants to hurl a bundle of straw—20 pounds for men and 10 pounds for women—over a progressively higher bar using a pitchfork. Wrapped in burlap for durability, the sheaf must clear the bar without touching it. The technique requires a combination of strength, timing, and precision, as competitors carefully angle their throws to maximise height. While its authenticity as a traditional Highland event is debated—some believe it originated in country fairs—the sheaf toss remains a crowd-pleaser, blending technical prowess with spectacular visuals.
The keg toss, often linked to Irish Highland games, involves hurling an emptied half-barrel beer keg over a horizontal bar. Athletes swing the keg like a pendulum, generating momentum before releasing it at the apex of its arc. Success demands explosive strength, perfect timing, and coordination. Modern strongman competitions have embraced the keg toss, solidifying its place as a test of raw power and skill.
At Saltire Estate, a family-owned Scottish winery established in 1994, we celebrate these incredible feats of strength at the Hunter Valley Highland Games. As competitors take on these iconic challenges, visitors can savour our boutique range of wines, crafted with dedication and passion that mirrors the spirit of the games.
