Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham Season 1 Episode 2 Scottish Sports

In Men in Kilts season 1 episode 2, titled "Scottish Sports," Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish continue their road trip through Scotland, immersing themselves in the country's sports and physical culture.

The episode begins with the duo trying their hand at a unique Scottish sport called "shinty," which is a sort of cross between field hockey and rugby. They meet up with local shinty players who show them the ins and outs of the sport, including the high-paced and physically demanding nature of the game. Sam and Graham give it their best shot, but it's clear they have a lot to learn before they can keep up with the experts.

Next, the hosts attend a Highland games gathering, a traditional celebration of Scottish culture that features events like caber tossing, shot putting, hammer throwing, and tug of war. Sam tries his hand at caber tossing, where one must throw what essentially amounts to a large telephone pole, and Graham takes on the hammer throw. Though both are physical feats of strength and skill, the pair inject their usual humor and playful banter into the events, making for a lighthearted and fun segment.

After the highland games, Sam and Graham visit a traditional Scottish dance class, where they attempt to learn some steps from a group of expert Highland dancers. Sam, despite his background in dance, struggles to keep up with the intricate footwork, while Graham's enthusiasm seems to outweigh his actual talent. Nevertheless, the two have a good time attempting to master this essential aspect of Scottish culture.

Moving on from dancing, the pair also take part in a less physically demanding, but equally essential, aspect of Scottish culture- whiskey. They visit a local distillery where they learn about the process of creating Scotland's signature drink, as well as sample a few different varieties and discuss the subtle nuances of each.

Finally, the episode ends with Sam and Graham taking on one of Scotland's most iconic sports- golf. They visit a course with a stunning ocean view and attempt to play a round, all while discussing the historical and cultural significance of golf in Scotland. The pair's competitive spirit shines through as they make friendly wagers and challenge each other to increasingly difficult shots.

Throughout the episode, as with the series as a whole, Sam and Graham's easy rapport and playful teasing make for delightful viewing, while their deep appreciation for Scottish culture shines through. The episode offers a glimpse of the many physical pursuits and traditions that make Scotland such a unique and fascinating place.