Highland dancers, strongmen keep Celtic traditions alive

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Cowal Highland Gathering

Scottish Highland dancers perform the Reel of Tulloch on Aug. 30 while competing in the Cowal Games — the world's largest Highland gathering — in Dunoon, Scotland.

First held in 1894, the gathering draws tens of thousands of spectators and competitors from across the globe for three days of traditional dancing, heavy athletics, wrestling, pipe bands, local cuisine and more.

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Neil Elliot competes in the caber toss event during the Cowal Highland Gathering.

Caber toss is a traditional Scottish sport in which competitors carry and toss a caber — a 20-foot pole made of Larch wood that usually weighs in at around 175 pounds.

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Andy Dueschle from Stuttgart competes during the shotput event at the Cowal Highland Gathering.

Although shotput is well known as a longstanding track and field sport of the Grecian Olympics, the event actually dates back to Middle Ages in the Scottish Highlands.

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Young Highland dancers warm up before taking the stage during the Cowal Highland Gathering.