It's also home to the World Highland Dancing Championship which is held in tandem with the games. The Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, was first held in 1894 and is not considered to be the largest Highland Games in the world. A tradition which continues today with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal family attending the Scottish games at Braemar regularly. In 1838 Queen Victoria attended the Braemar Highland Games (which are relatively close to Balmoral Castle) for the first time, her royal approval and continuing support led to the games increasing popularity and established them as a Scottish tradition which has continued to grow and expand it's reach and. While prior to 18th century the competition was more war games and less entertainment, as time moved on the contest became less military and more fun with processions and parades, foot races, Highland dance displays, marching pipe bands and vendors of all kinds. During this period any Highland celebrations/traditions that were followed had to be done so in total secrecy, and at great risk.
This act came into effect in 1746 and sought to destroy Highlanders' culture, traditions, customs and way of life and was in place until 1782. In the mid 18th century the Proscription Acts were put in place by the British Parliament as 'An act for the more effectual disarming the highlands of Scotland and for restraining the use of the highland dress.' This indicates that whatever event they were to attend would involve testing their skill with weapons. In the 18th century, the Laird of Clan Grant summoned clan members, tasking them to bring 'also with gun, sword, pistill and dirk'.
Some of the heavy athletic events are believed to have their roots much further back in history than the organized games themselves, having been used by ancient Celts as tests of strength and stamina as early as the third or fourth century.
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