Scottish Tradition Comes to the Comstock
The sounds of bagpipes echoed across the Virginia City Fairgrounds June 13-14 as the Great Basin Scottish Highland Games made their Virginia City debut, bringing a weekend full of athletic competition, cultural traditions, and family-friendly fun to the Comstock.
The fifth annual event presented by the Northern Nevada Throwing Company celebrates Scottish heritage with two days of Highland Games competitions, live entertainment, specialty vendors as well as educational displays. Hired Hands Armored Combat also provided some medieval fun with sword and axe battles between the Games.
Throughout the weekend, spectators gathered to watch athletes test their strength and skill in traditional Highland events including the Hammer Throw, Weight for Distance, Weight Over Bar, Sheaf Toss, Stone Throw, and the crowd-favorite Caber Toss. Men and women competed across multiple categories based on experience and weight classes, showcasing impressive feats of power and precision.
"The thing about this sport is it's individual, but we're all so friendly, we just want to enjoy it and do our best," said competitor Collean Saenz from California.
The move to Virginia City provided a fitting backdrop for the event, with our historic mining town welcoming competitors and spectators from across the region. Organizers hope the Games will continue to grow while introducing more people to the traditions and history of Scottish culture.
"This is our first year up here so we want to get the word out and let people know what we do so they can join us next year," said organizer Matthew Hobbs.
Competitors ranged from newcomers to seasoned champions, with several elite athletes showcasing their talents. Rachel Tice, an A-Class competitor, recently attended her first professional competition in Costa Mesa, California. Zechariah Whittington, a multi-time World Champion in the Highland Games, is preparing to compete at the Masters World Championship in Driewegen, Netherlands, this September. Reno's own Dakota Howard was also one to watch, impressing spectators with his remarkable strength and athletic ability.
Business owner and blacksmith Jacob Sands of Amador County, Calif., spends much of his year immersed in Highland Games, organizing three events and competing in nine others. His craftsmanship extends beyond the competition field, however. Sands has helped create parts for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and recently worked with the Sutter Creek Knight Foundry to cast three stamp mill shoes for the historic Donovan Mill in Silver City.
“I used to be in the fire service, for 20 years, and now since I’m not doing that, my way of giving back to the community is teaching at the foundry … and also hosting practices for the games,” Sands explained.
The 2026 event also served a charitable purpose. A portion of proceeds from the GBSHG will benefit Veterans House in Reno, while parking proceeds supported the Reed High School Sea Cadets in Sparks.
With athletic prowess, cultural pride, and plenty of community spirit on display, the inaugural Virginia City edition of the GBSHG proved to be a memorable addition to the town’s summer event lineup.
Visit greatbasingames.com for more details about GBSHG, events, and general Games information.
