The Scottish Sport of Tossing Trees

In the caber toss, athletes do not aim for distance. The goal is to flip a massive wooden pole so it lands perfectly straight at the twelve o’clock position.

Competitors must heave a tapered log that can weigh up to 180 pounds. Unlike most track events, you are judged on style and precision rather than how far the pole travels. It is actually a test of balance and technique because the heavy end must strike the ground first to make the log turn over. This ancient tradition remains the iconic centerpiece of the Highland Games.