World History of Highland Games

New edition publishing March 2026

About the Book: 

Highland Games expert Webster charts the history of the events which have been a defining feature of Scotland's identity for centuries.

Uncovering the true origins behind today's traditions, Webster details the development of the gatherings from ancient Celtic roots to current international status. He examines the tradition's influence in the global sporting arena, and how Highland Games attracted mass appeal and participation long before the advent of the modern Olympics.

Complemented by archival prints, lavish illustrations and beautiful photographs, this deluxe paperback book will delight anyone interested in the history and development of Highland Games around the world.

Reviews: 

David Webster heads the list of strength historians. BILL PEARL, Legends of the Iron Game

About the Authors:

DAVID P WEBSTER has been described as the leading authority on Highland Games after being involved in the sport for over fifty years. A champion in his own right and an authority at the highest level in Scottish leisure and recreational authorities, he organises and commentates at Highland gatherings in every continent. Webster officiated at Olympic Games in Rome, Mexico City and Munich and has served in numerous positions on the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland since 1957; he is now the Council's Life Vice President. He has received many national and international honours including an OBE at Buckingham Palace in 1995. A prolific writer, his books on Highland Games prove very popular.

LYNN BOLAND-RICHARDSON was born of Scottish descent and educated in Canada spending months on end in Scotland each year staying with relatives and friends and  on the Lordi estate on the Royal Mile. Richardson is an award winning poet, author and lecturer and historic photographer and highly successful researcher. Her renowned lecture series includes topics from Celtic Women to customized whisky tastings. Richardson has entertained and informed whisky tasters from Fergus to  Antigonish  Nova Scotia to  Norway.  Richardson has created museums and archives maintaining both and donating collections to suitable institutions. She attained a masters degree from the University of Waterloo and since then has remained the professional historian for numerous institutions such as The Record and The Mercury newspapers in Canada. Richardson is past President of the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games and currently remains VP and a Director. Similarly She is a Director of the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation and International Representative for CSAF with the International Highland Games Federation.
Her main interests are in the presentation and preservation of Scottish History and  athletics and as such holds and displays the largest collection of photographs depicting the sport and athletes. Richardsonès published work can be seen at yearly  exhibits, in books, on post cards, book covers, text books, magazines, posters and greeting cards. Her literary work is published in Journals, books and numerous papers. The series of photographs featured in David P. Websters A World History of Highland Games and The Wee Sporrans Gide to Highland Games and Scottish Athletics its companion volume, produce a visual record of the games and the sport through the ages. Lynn Boland richardson has been honoured with the position of chieftain at numerous highland games the most notable thus far being Drumtochty in Scotland and Snefjord  in Norway.