The Scottish Games, have their origins in legends and folklore. 
For instance, a popular story holds that King Malcolm Cannore, who reigned 
over Scotland in the 11th century, developed the clan system as well as the
"games" in efforts of finding "Pugnacious warriors." According to the legend,
King Malcolm had one thing in mind when developing the games: to have 
the warriors demonstrate their strength and agility. 

Fred Brittle, President of the Scottish American Athletic Association,
claims that some of the ancient games inluded the Caber Toss, weight
lifting and throwing, events which were tested the warriors strength.

The Scottish games continue to live in the hearts of Scottish people
resident in the Bay Area. Pleasanton, a small community in the East Bay,
is the city that is recognized and honored as having the largest Scottish 
Games. The tradition of the Scottish Games in Pleasanton began over 
one-hundred and thrity years with a small number of families gathering and 
celebrating their heritage. The Scottish Games are now an annual
cultural event to which over 50,000 people attend for a weekend of
sports, music, and dance. Campbell is another city which has held the 
Scottish Games. The celebrations began in 1978 due in part to the fact
that Campbell has over 170,000 Scottish-American residents from over 40 
clans. Both celebrations are sponsored by the Caledonian Club of San 
Francisco and encourage Scottish tradition by having their performers and
competitors wear their familial woolen kilts.

Other events present at the Scottish Games include highland dancing, pipe 
band contests, and soccer matches. There is also the opportunity to taste
and enjoy traditional Scottish plates and deserts such as bangers, 
shepherd's pie, and short bread. 

People of all ethnic backgrouds are encourage to attend, experience, and
learn about Scottish games, culture, traditions, and about their
legendary stories, which take place annually during Labor Day weeked.

Further Reading:

Susan Ditz "A Bonnie Day for all Campbell's Scottish games are more than
just Fling", San Jose Mercury News, Friday 16 June 1995, Edition Morning
Final, Sec. Peninsula Living,p.10

Dennis Rockstroh,"Wailing away gril 11, Wins name for herself on 
Bagpipes", San Jose Mercury News, Monday, 28 August 1995, Edition, 
Alameda County/Am, Sec. Local p.B1

Theresa C. Viloria,"Men in Skirts Show their Brawn at Scottish Games,
It's Ok to be Clannish", San Jose Mercury News, Sunday, 3 September 1995
Edition, Alameda County/ Am, Sec. Local p.1B

Dora Arredondo