The history of the Highland Games can be traced back for well over a thousand years.  The biggest gatherings were those of the military where the commanding officers, like the Clan Chiefs of old, saw the advantages of encouraging sports and pastimes which kept their men fit, agile, and strong for war. Piping and dancing in particular were practiced as a form of relaxation wherever the regiments went. To this day some of the best pipe bands can be found in the armed forces.