Hi Jim,
Though this is not my main field of expertise, I would surmise that the beautiful Scottish Claymores had much the same purpose as their continental alikes.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=claymore
As to the notably heavy weight of these early two hand swords we should remember that the
Doppelsöldner Landsknechts who wielded them had extensive exercise in effectively managing those monsters that surprise us with their weight today. And they accordingly received double pay.
Best,
Michael