10 Scottish sports you might not know we invented - from high jump to curling
The Daily Record has rounded up 10 sports that you might not have known originated in Scotland — from top Olympic events such as the shot put to newer and more niche games like tambourelli.
It's no secret that Scotland is very much into its sport, whether it's football, rugby, golf, or the countless other games enjoyed across the country.
Given this passion, it should come as no shock that we have a long history of discovering sports that have gone on to be played all over the world. What may surprise you, though, is just how many athletic activities were first recorded in Scotland.
For example, top Olympic events such as the high jump and shot put actually have very humble origins right here looking back over the centuries.
There are also sports that you might not even have heard of that we invented, which nonetheless have thousands upon thousands of dedicated players around the globe.
Here are 10 sports that you might not have known originated in Scotland.
High jump
This track and field event has been an Olympic sport since the first Summer Olympics all the way back in 1896. The sport itself goes back even further, though, with the first recorded high jump taking place in Scotland earlier in the 19th century.
(Image: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)1 of 10Shot put
Another Olympic sport, the shot put has also been a part of the games since 1896. Its origins in Scotland, meanwhile, are thought to date back to the ancient Celtic tradition of "putting the stone" — though the first recorded shot put competitions in the country occurred in the 19th century.
(Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)2 of 10Hammer throw
The hammer throw became the third Olympic throws event after the shot put and discus throw in 1900. The sport progressed from its ancient informal origins to officially become a part of the Scottish Highland games in the back half of the 18th century, and is still a part of the event today.
(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)3 of 10Rugby sevens
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While rugby itself is believed to have originated in an English school in the early 19th century, the sevens variant in particular was first played in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. While the sport has since spread across the world, to this day the Melrose Sevens tournament is still played annually.
(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)4 of 10
