The Scottish Wrestling Bond

Scottish Backhold Wrestling is one of the traditional wrestling styles of the UK - one of the major “Celtic” styles but differing from the Cornish/ Breton styles, which involve different holds and throws. Scottish-Backhold is almost identical to the Cumbrian-Westmoreland style of Northern England (it is also practiced in Northumberland), involving largely the same techniques. It involves the two wrestlers “taking hold” of each other by putting the left arm over the opponents right (and the right under the left) and clasping their own hands behind the opponent’s back. The wrestlers then attempt to trip or throw each other while maintaining the hold. The first to touch the floor with any part of the body except the feet or to break their hold loses. Competitions are usually open to all comers and happen at a number of Highland Gatherings around the country. In recent years Scottish Backhold has been promoted by the Scottish Wrestling Bond, headed by the former Commonwealth and Olympic Wrestling coach, William Baxter. Scottish wrestlers have been very active (and successful) in international competition within the Celtic Wrestling Federation, where they have been successful in both Backhold competition and Gouren.