Highland Games Stag Do

If your idea of a stag do involves kilts, heavy objects and a wee dram, I’d put a Highland Games stag do near the top of your list. It’s a proper Scottish test of strength. Tossing the caber, heaving on a tug of war rope and generally proving who’s the strongest man in the group, with plenty of banter along the way.

The events vary by provider, but expect the likes of a caber toss, a tug of war and a haggis-themed challenge, with the stag getting a little extra attention throughout. Nobody needs to be built like a strongman to take part. Honestly, the less athletic lads usually provide most of the entertainment.

It works best as part of a weekend in Scotland. Our Highland Games packages are based in Edinburgh and pair the games with the likes of a whisky tasting, comedy club entry and a night out in the capital. That’s most of a weekend sorted in one booking, which any best man will appreciate.

It’s also a brilliant leveller. The gym regular might be great at the tug of war, but nobody really knows how to toss a caber until they try, and most of us find out we can’t. Watching your mates wobble about under a tree trunk is worth the trip on its own.

And the stag gets a few hours of being the centre of attention in a kilt, which is exactly the kind of photo that turns up in the best man’s speech.

• Wear the kilt. It’s optional, but turning up in tartan makes the photos and gets everyone into the spirit of things. What you wear underneath is between you and the wind.
• Whisky after, not before. Throwing a tree trunk is hard enough sober. Save the drams for the tasting.
• Wear proper shoes. Grass, mud and heavy objects don’t go well with smart shoes or flip flops. Trainers with a bit of grip are your friend.
• Pack a waterproof. It’s Scotland. Outdoor games usually go ahead in the rain, so dress for it and accept that the caber will be slippery.
• Tell them who the stag is. Let the provider know who the groom is so he gets the extra attention he deserves, and probably the first go with the caber.
• Make a weekend of it. The games take a few hours, so build the rest of the trip around the city. Our Edinburgh stag do page has more ideas.

Keep the evening going with a comedy night or a pub crawl through the old town. If you like the idea of daft competitions but Scotland’s a stretch, try a It’s a Knockout stag do or a medieval banquet instead, both of which give the stag plenty of chances to look ridiculous. Edinburgh has no shortage of whisky bars for the evening either, so the wee dram can become several.