Scottish heavy athletics owe their roots to the Highland warriors who would keep in shape between battles by competing amongst themselves with everyday implements. A stone, a blacksmith's hammer, a tree trunk (caber) became tools for building strength for battle. The Heavy Athletics event at Greenmead draws top professional athletes from all over the world. Competition includes:

• Stone Put This event resembles the modern day shot-put but with a 22-24 lb. stone picked from a local river. The throw takes place from behind the "trig" or toe board. A trig is a piece of lumber about four feet in length, eight inches in width. The throw is recorded by measuring the distance from the back of the trig where the athletes feet end, up to near edge of the mark the stone makes when it hits the ground. Each competitor is allowed three attempts with the best throw being recorded for the final score.
• 56-pound Weight for Height In this back breaking event the athlete tosses a 56 lb weight over a pole vault bar. The weight is tossed with one hand only and the athlete is allowed only three tries at any given height.
• Caber Toss The Caber toss is considered the most impressive of the Heavy Events. The Caber is generally a spruce log measuring about 20 feet and weighing approximately 120 lbs. The athlete shoulders the Caber cupping the small end in his two hands. Once the Caber is balanced, the athlete runs and releases it by heaving it forward, end over end. A Caber that fails to flip is not recorded. A judge runs behind the athlete and if the toss is successful he calls it with an imaginary clock. The athletes feet are positioned at six o'clock and he attempts to toss the Caber so that it resembles the hands of a clock at 12 o'clock. This would be a perfect throw.
• 16-Pound Hammer The Scottish Hammer is a spherical, metal ball that is fastened to a wooden handle. The athlete has his back facing in the direction of the throw. He is not permitted to spin, his feet must not move until the Hammer has been released from behind the trig. He whirls the Hammer around his head as fast as possible releasing it at it's maximum speed. Scoring is similar to that of the Stone Put.
• 28-Pound Weight for Distance This event involves a block of iron of any shape not exceeding 18 inches, including the iron ring, or handle which is attached to the weight by a short chain. The weight is thrown with one hand for horizontal distance. The athlete must throw from behind the trig. Scoring is identical to that of The Stone Throw.

Amateur competition is held in the morning, and professional competition is held in the afternoon. Don't miss the Haggis Toss Challenge that will be held on the Athletic Field after the Opening Ceremonies. This Event is open to the Public. So come test your skill and Hurl the Haggis.