Ancient Sports

a courful photo of archery targets lined up in a row
A group of men taking part in a tug of war as part of a highland games event. all laughing and smiling.
An wooden target with a throwing axe stuck in it
A man holding a bow and arrow and aiming at a target
a kilted man throwing a scots hammer during a mini highland games event

Why Scotland?

Scotland is a land steeped in history and tradition, offering visitors unique experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Among these experiences are the ancient sports of archery, axe-throwing, and Highland Games, which have been an integral part of Scottish culture for centuries. These activities provide a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s rich heritage and allow visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant past in an entertaining way.

Archery, Axe-Throwing, & Highland Games

Archery, axe-throwing, and Highland Games are novel and entertaining activities for groups visiting Scotland from around the UK or overseas. These activity experiences can trace their roots back hundreds of years, but In Your Element has taken the best bits of each activity and created more modern, engaging, and fun experiences for groups visiting Scotland.  All sessions are delivered by English-speaking instructors.

Archery Events

a group of people lining up with archery bows on a cold day - wearing gloves and coats

Archery is a very inclusive sport, suitable for novices, children from 8 years old and upwards, and many who live with physical or learning difficulties. In Your Element, instructors lead participants through fun games, challenges, and competitions, tailoring the experience to each group and offering an opportunity to learn new skills in a fun and engaging way. A typical session might last from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the group size.

Axe-Throwing Events

a man in red jacket throwing axes at wooden axe targets

Axe-throwing is another ancient art that In Your Element has turned into a fun experience for anyone 10 years old or more. Like the archery experiences, participants are entertained through a series of games, challenges, and mini-competitions. Axe-throwing experiences work best alongside archery as an activity combination and offer a great half-day of entertainment. A typical axe-throwing session might last from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the group size.  Combine it with Archery for a 1.5 – 2 hour session.

Highland Games Events 

a group of smiling ladies competing in tug of war event in a mini highland games

In Your Element mini-Highland Games are one of our most popular group experiences. Highland Games events are run all year round for stag and hen groups, corporate and incentive groups, to entertain wedding guests before a wedding event, or groups of international visitors touring Scotland.

At an In Your Element Highland Games, you can expect to come across events like the shot or stone putt, tug of war, hammer throwing, sheaf toss, chuckin’ the chicken, welly whanging, tossing the caber, sack races, or perhaps include axe throwing, shinty skills, and Highland Dancing.

In Your Element, Highland Games can easily be scaled up from minimum group sizes of 12 to a huge 300 people when required. For larger groups, other activities can be included to keep everyone entertained. The Highland Games event can be tailored to fit into a wider programme of activities, for example, a more relaxing session to run alongside a BBQ or hog roast at a wedding event, so guests can dip in and out of as they want. Or, it can be a team-based, competitive event with ‘Clans’ competing for bragging rights and the competition crown at the end of the day!

A typical session would last 1.5 hours, or more for very large groups.

Additional Extras

If required, we can help organise portable toilets for locations that don’t have readily available facilities, we can organise catering and portable shelters as well.  If you have any other requests, let us know and we will do our best to help.

Why Choose In Your Element?

In Your Element offers engaging and entertaining activity experiences tailored to each group. As a fully mobile activity company, events are held at regular venues, exclusive-use venues with suitable grounds, or at other locations close to where the group will be based.

In Your Element has run Highland Games events at stunning locations like Aldourie Castle, Rothiemurchus, Morar Sands for guests on the Royal Scot train, Culloden Battlefield, Thirlestane Castle, Achnagairn Castle and on the shores of iconic Lochs Ness, Loch Lomond, and Loch Tay.

The experienced travel advisers at In Your Element are on hand to help design an itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

How to Book

To book an ancient sports experience with In Your Element, contact the IYE office team to discuss your requirements and seek advice on itineraries and logistical considerations. To provide quotes, IYE requires the following information:

  • Number in the group
  • Nature of group – adult or youths, if any, any special requirements or requests
  • Objectives, e.g. purely entertainment, games and challenges, team building, etc.
  • Time available for the experience
  • Transport availability to reach the venue
  • Proposed date and timings

With this information, the In Your Element team can tailor an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all participants.

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