Probably the oldest of the heavyweight sports and the easiest for young lads to take-up - all they needed was a smooth stone from the river bed. Each different Gathering had its own such stone which might vary in weight between 13lbs (5.9kgs) as at Tomintoul, and 28lbs (12.7kgs) as at Glen Isla and Braemar. This made comparison of distance records between the various Highland games, very difficult indeed.
Nowadays the old stones tend to have been replaced at most gatherings by a standardised iron sphere weighing either 16lbs (7.26kgs) or 22lbs (10kgs).
The weight or shot is thrown with one hand only from in front of the shoulders. A run not exceeding 7ft 6ins (2.3m) is allowed up to the trig which is a length of wood 4ft 6ins (1.37m) long and six inches ( 15cms) high.
International strongman, Geoff Capes, holds all Scottish and Crieff Ground records for both weights. In the early 1980's, Geoff dominated the Highland Games circuit and was a firm favourite with the crowds at Crieff.
Scottish and Ground Record 22 lb Shot: 53 feet 4 inches set in 1982.
Scottish Record 16 lb Shot: 65 feet 3 inches set in 1982.
Ground Record 16 lb Shot: 61 feet 6 1/2 inches set in 1981.