The Highland Games 
For nearly a thousand years, clansmen, chiefs and competitors came from all over Scotland and banded together to compete against one another in what is often defined as one of the most rigorous forms of competitions in the world... the Scottish Highland Games.
Scottish Highland Games did not evolve easily. In the beginning stages of these gatherings, the arts of sport and battle practice were displayed. One of the first Highland Games was held toward the end of the 11th century, when King Malcolm Canmore became concerned about the way in which important news and documents were delivered to his highland retreat.
He needed strong, healthy runners - full of stamina - to race against one another over rocky terrain to the top of Creag Choinnich. The winner received a beautiful baldric sword, a purse of gold and the title of the King's messenger. Indeed, this somewhat rustic clan gathering became what we now know as the Scottish Highland Games.
Customs
Hogmanay
New Year Ancient Rites
Winching/courting
Walking out was a popular activity for the young men and women in towns. They would gradually pair off and when they became betrothed, they stood on opposite sides of a burn, dipped their hands in the water and joined hands.
Bundling
The custom of bundling was found in many parts of the country but was particularly prevalent in Orkney (perhaps because of the long, dark, cold winter nights). The courting couple were encouraged to share a bed - but they were fully clothed and the girl had a bolster cover tied over her legs! The idea was to allow the couple to talk and get to know each other but in the safe (and warm) confines of the girl's house.
Name Carving
Initials were often carved on tree trunks or on stones. Some of these bridal stones still exist.
The Black Death
In the year 1349 or early in 1350 the plague spread from England to Scotland. We were initially very happy when we heard that the Plague had decimated our neighbours to the south. The English are hated enemies and this was seen both as an opportunity and retribution from God for past offenses to the Scots.
As the plague moved through Cumberland and Durham, we massed our forces in the forest of Selkirk.
But just before we were to start our attack, the Plague struck, killing approximately 5,000 soldiers in short order.
In our haste to escape, survivors helped to spread the disease across Scotland during the year 1350 AD.
Our Lowlands and cities were exceptionally hard hit, losing over a third of the population, but the highlands, with its colder climate and sparse population, got off relatively easy. One-fifth, or 20%, of an estimated half million of our people died over the next year.
The Plague did not immediately die out, however, as it burst forth again quite frequently over the next 300 years. I lived in Skye and managed by the grace of god to survive.
In the 17th and 18th centuries Scotland put to death over 4,000 alleged witches.
By the end of the 17th century burning had gone out of fashion so most of them were hanged instead.
The last hanging took place in 1728.
A small well, on the eastern corner of the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, marks the spot where, over a timespan of 250 years, 300 women accused of witchcraft, were burned to death.
~~~~~~
We do have a sense of Humor - Save the Haggis
