For many, Highland games are the very essence of Scottishness, a distinctive cultural symbol recognised the world over.

ECONOMIST: Tossing away the caber

The Gathering got under way on Saturday, with more than 20, 000 people watching the Highland Games in Holyrood Park.

BBC: Clan chiefs in historic gathering

Spectators are enthralled by coconut tree climbing, stone lifting, spear throwing and outrigger sailing in a Polynesian version of Scotland's Highland Games.

BBC: Getting in the Tahitian spirit

The market for Thurston's haggis - expat Scots, Burns enthusiasts and Highland games attendees - is passionate but somewhat niche.

BBC: The offal truth about American haggis

The event is the traditional grand finale of the Highland Games circuit, but for many people the greatest attraction is the arrival of the Royal party from nearby Balmoral.

BBC: Queen Mother misses games

Andrew Rettie, secretary of the Scottish Games Association, the body which decides the length of the tree trunk used in tossing the caber, says that the average Highland games attracts a mere 3, 000-4, 000 people.

ECONOMIST: Tossing away the caber | The