Like a burly Highlander competing in the hammer throw, the Scotland County Highland Games committee has relieved itself of a burden: the athletic aspect of the games has now been laid to rest.

"I'm happy to announce that the athletic portion of the event has been settled," games co-chairman Bill Caudill said at a meeting of the games committee Tuesday.

"I received a call from the director of the Southeastern Highland Athletics Group, who heard about our upcoming games and wants to get on board. His organization will supply all the athletic equipment we need, plus judges, equipment, and the athletes, who will perform in seven traditional competitive events throughout the day."

Scott Medlin, a native of Catawba, is athletic director of the Southeastern Highland Athletics Group.

"My organization supplies the athletic competition at many Highland Games events in the Carolinas and beyond," Medlin said. "For the Scotland County Games, we will select up to 10 experienced athletes, proven throwers from the area who will put on a good show."

Medlin, who won the overall athletic competition at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at age 50 in 2007, will serve as coordinator for the athletic competition in Scotland County. He plans to conduct the seven Scottish athletic events in traditional order.

"We will begin with the heavy weight throw using a 56 pound weight, followed by the light weight throw at 28 pounds. That will be followed by the 22 pound hammer toss, and the caber toss, which many people recognize as the big pole that the Highlander attempts to throw end over end in a 12 o'clock motion.

"Next is the sheaf toss, and the competition ends with the 56 pound weight over bar."

Tuesday's meeting began with the games committee walking the grounds of the John Blue House while discussing the potential location of the athletic field, the clan tents, vendors, parking, and other aspects involved with establishing the event.

The eastern edge of the property, to the left of the cabins when facing the house, will be used as the athletic field.

"The field is easily visible from the road, where people can see what's going on when they pass," Caudill said, "and it is about the same size as the area used for athletics at many other games.

"It's a perfectly workable field."

Brochures for advertising the event, an official logo for the games and locations for parking were also considered.

Caterer Jim Rosman of Thee Other Guy's Barbecue of Laurinburg supplied food for the meeting. Rosman will be one of the food vendors in attendance at the Oct. 3 games.

For more information on the Scotland County Highland Games, contact Bill Caudill at 277-5236.