Backhold Wrestling

Highlanders have practiced Scottish ‘backhold’ wrestling since the 8th century, and the sport was a part of the earliest highland games. We reintroduced it to Cowal in 2007 and now hold the Scottish Championship bout at the 15st 7lbs, the Female Open Scottish Championship and in 2014 we introduced the Scottish Championship at 13st 7lb weight and the British Championship at 9st 7lb weight.

It’s a great sport to watch. The wrestlers grip each other around the waist at the back, the right hand goes under the opponent’s left arm and the chin rests on the opposite right shoulder. Should either wrestler break his hold or touch the ground with any part of his body except his feet he loses.

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