What you need for a Highland Games

A Highland Games needs more than caber logs and competition stones. You will need clear marking, reliable timing, safe throwing areas, registration supplies and enough places for people to sit, eat and shelter. Plan equipment around the number of competitors, then add practical supplies for judges, volunteers and spectators. Drinks, snacks, power access and weather cover are easy to underestimate, so arrange them before the final participant list is closed.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 10
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 12
Registration desk
Judges' table
Prize table
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Caber logsqty 2
Competition stonesqty 4
Hammer Weightsqty 4
Sheaf bagsqty 3
Pitchforksqty 2
Tug of war rope
Relay batonsqty 6
Conesqty 30
Bollardsqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 300
Measuring tapesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Competition whistlesqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Safety matsqty 4

Equipment

Mobile sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Food warmersqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 8
Pliersqty 6

Decorations

Scottish flagsqty 12
Buntingqty 10
Welcome sign
Program framesqty 6
Directional signsqty 10

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 8
LED lampsqty 10
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburger buns - 140 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Beef hamburgers - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Sausages - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian sausages - 20 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 120 pieces
- Soup roux - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 10 liters
- Vegetable stock - 5 liters
- Mixed lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 kilogram
- Onions - 5 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Grated cheese - 4 kilograms
- Cheddar slices - 120 slices
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 240 bottles
- Cider - 48 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 packs
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Cooling gel - 6 tubes
- Charcoal - 30 kilograms
- Firelighters - 3 boxes
- Propane - 2 gas cylinders
- Paper gift bags - 100 pieces

Tips

Prepare one complete judging station for each active competition area, including a measuring tape, stopwatch, whistle, scoreboard and pens. Keep spare stationery at the judges’ table so scoring does not stop when something is lost.
Mark every throwing and running zone with cones, bollards and barrier tape before competitors arrive. Keep safety mats ready at points where slips, falls or heavy equipment could create a risk.
Count seating for spectators as well as competitors and officials. Party tents, beer tables, folding tables and chairs are especially useful if the forecast changes or food service needs to move under cover.
Set aside a registration desk with participant cards, bib numbers and the printed match schedule. Bring enough cards and numbers for every registered competitor plus at least 10% spare for late changes or damaged items.
Check power access at least one day before the event if you are using a mobile sound system or wireless microphones. Take extension cords, cable reels and power banks so announcements and music are not dependent on one outlet.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for Highland Games?: For the competition, plan caber logs, competition stones, hammer weights, sheaf bags, pitchforks, a tug of war rope and relay batons. Add cones, barrier tape, measuring tapes, stopwatches, scoreboards and whistles for control and judging.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a Highland Games?: Provide one seat for each official and volunteer, then add seating for the spectators you expect to stay during the programme. Use at least one registration desk, one judges’ table and one prize table, with extra folding tables for food and drinks.
How much drink should I buy for a Highland Games?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then around one drink per person per hour afterward. Buy extra water for active competitors and chill drinks before guests arrive rather than waiting until the event starts.
When should I prepare the Highland Games equipment?: Confirm the equipment and power requirements at least one week before the event. Mark the grounds, inspect the equipment and set out registration materials on the morning of the event, before competitors begin checking in.

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