PUTTING THE STONE (two events)

Putting the Stone has long been one of Scotland's favourite sporting events. Indeed it became so popular during the reign of Edward III that a law was passed to make Stone putting illegal! This was because archery, so essential for national defence, was being neglected. Like the stones used at Highland Gatherings, the ones being used in this competition come from the bed of a Scottish river where the action of the water has gradually worn the stone to a shape and smoothness required for this event.

There are two different versions of the stone put, the "Braemar Stone" which weighs 20-26 lb, where the contestant stands still while throwing, and the "Open Stone" which weighs 16-22 lb where the contestant is allowed a ‘run-up', so long as the stone is put with one hand with the stone resting cradled in the neck until the moment of release.