World female heavy events contest held at Highland Games

26 August 2025

News image — Highland Games heavy events are tests of strength.

Paul Campbell An athlete wearing a white vest top and a kilt throws a weight. Behind her is a large net to prevent the weight from accidentally being thrown into the crowd sitting on benches around the events arena. — Highland Games heavy events are tests of strength.

A world female heavy events championship has been held in Scotland for the first time, say the organisers of Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games.

Heavy events are tests of strength.

They include the Scots hammer throw - which is a weight attached to a handle and thrown as far as possible by competitors - shot putt and tossing the caber.

Eight female athletes took part in the championship, which was held as part of Saturday's games in Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness.

Paul Campbell The female athletes are pictured taking part in a parade during the games. They are wearing black t-shirts and kilts of different tartans. Also in the parade are Highland games judges, wearing black jackets, kilts and hats, including Tam o' Shanters. — The world female heavy events championship was held as part of the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games in Drumndrochit.

Perthshire-based Juliet Ramsay, who is 16, won the championship.

A hammer throw of more than 31m (102ft) helped her to clinch the title.

Paul Campbell An athlete leans back as she throws a weight, trying to get it as high as she can. The athlete is wearing a black t-shirt and a red tartan kilt. She is watched by other competitors. — Heavy events are traditional sports, usually held at Highland Games.

Paul Campbell A female athlete leans back after tossing a caber. She is wearing a green tartan kilt and a black t-shirt with the word "rogue" in capitals. She is watched by a competition judge and male heavy athletes. — Highland Games heavy events include tossing the caber.

Eve Robson, from Durham, and Gabriella Rinehart, of Alaska, USA, took joint second place.

Glenurquhart Highland Games have been held since the end of World War Two and marked its 75th anniversary in 2022.

Paul Campbell In an action shot, an athlete throws the Scots hammer. Her eyes are closed as she sends the hammer flying. Behind her is a large net to prevent the weight from accidentally being thrown into the crowd standing around the events arena. — The Scots hammer is another feature of heavy events contests.

Paul Campbell A group of athletes hug each other after competing in events in the World Female Heavy Events Championship in Drumnadrochit. — Athletes from the UK and USA competed in the championship.

Paul Campbell Eve Robson, Juliet Ramsay and Gabriella Rinehart are standing side by side. Juliet is holding a Saltire flag and her winner's trophy. Eve and Gabriella are also holding the flags of their countries. The women are smiling. In the background is the Highland games arena and a tree covered hillside. — Juliet Ramsay, middle, with her winner's trophy and joint second place athletes Eve Robson, left, and Gabriella Rinehart from Alaska.

'More women should toss the caber'

Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games

Drumnadrochit

World female heavy events contest held at Highland Games

'More women should toss the caber'

Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games

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