ighland games are gatherings which take place around the world. They take their name from the athletic competitions that originated in the Highlands. Some of the competitions are: the hammer throw; the sheaf toss; the stone carry; and the popular caber toss. 
   Highland games include many other activities. Sheepdog trials are a popular item at any games. There are numerous music competitions such as pipe bands in several grades, or levels of expertise; individual piping; clarsach (Celtic small harp); and Highland dancing. Vendors of Scottish goods and

purveyors of Scottish cuisine proliferate.
   Unknown in Scotland but common in North America, clan societies will be found at games, with displays and information about genealogy and Scottish history. These societies represent their respective clans, and require dues to be a society member. They generally are part of opening ceremonies and are an important facet of any Scottish festival. This is recognized here in Region 1 in the name of the largest Scottish gathering in the northeast: The New Hampshire Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans.