Highland Games
Taking place across the region, the Highland Games combine jaw-dropping landscapes with awe-inspiring displays of sport, strength and Scottish tradition. As a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years, the games bring together local community, spirit and that all important display of pure athleticism and strength.
From the hammer throw, a battle between clans with the tug-o-war or colourful highland dancing, you’ll get stuck into the action at the games all across the nation. And what’s more, there’s even a chance to spot a Royal or two, with the reigning monarch as the patron of Scotland’s renowned highland game, the Braemar Gathering.
Lonach Highland Gathering and Games
Put the date in your calendar, every fourth Saturday in August you’ll see the village of Bellabeg come alive with hill racing, highland dancing and sporting events. Discover the games as the sounds of bagpipes fill the air and you uncover traditional Scottish culture in a picturesque location.
The Isle of Skye Highland Games
Out to the reaches of Scotland’s north western coast The Isle of Skye Highland Games packs the punch. Watch the waters for a dinghy regatta, rowing races around the isle, and a full day of traditional dancing, iconic events such as tug-o-war and the ever popular tossing the caber. Expect the games to take place on the Wednesday of the first full week of August.
Bridge of Allan Highland Games
Think a unique backdrop steeped in history, heavyweight competitions and traditional Scottish flavours, and you’ll get the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. In the shadow of Stirling Castle, expect bands of pipers, athletics and even some wrestling!
The Braemar Gathering: A spectator's guide
Where is Braemar?
Braemar is 60 miles west of Aberdeen, and located in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
When is the Braemar Gathering?
The Braemar Gathering is always held on the first Saturday in September at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park.
What Highland sports will I see?
The Braemar Gathering brings the likes of hammer throwing, putting the stone and the ever iconic tossing the caber. Split into seven different categories including track events, hill racing and bag-piping there’s something for everyone.
Who organises the Braemar Gathering?
Traditionally, the organiser of the Gathering were the Braemar Highland Society, originally established as the Braemar Wright Society in July 1815 and granted Royal status by Queen Victoria in 1866. In 2002, the Society set up the Braemar Royal Highland Charity (BRHC) to undertake all of its charitable activities, including organising the annual Braemar Gathering.
What’s the royal connection?
Since 1848, the Gathering has been attended regularly by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family. The foot races at The Gathering are the world’s oldest, having been a part of the games since 1832.
Tell us a fascinating fact to share with my fellow spectators?
Did you know that the record for Putting the Braemar Stone was set 35 years ago by the well-known athlete and television strongman, Geoff Capes.
Uncover the events of the Highland Games
Highland Games across Scotland
Kicking off in May right through to September, the Highland Games stretch far and wide across each region of Scotland. The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association keeps tabs on upcoming games – plan a trip and experience as many as you can.
Blackford Highland Games
25 May 2024
Located at Blackford, between Stirling and Perth, events include solo piping, highland dancing, heavy weights and light field events.
Markinch Highland Games
2 June 2024
With a direct train from Edinburgh to Markinch taking just over an hour, enjoy running, pipe bands, heavy weights and more.
Luss Highland Games
6 July 2024
Covering almost all Highland Game events, the Luss Highland Games are framed but a dramatic hillside backdrop, close to the edge of Loch Lomond.
St Andrews Highland Games
28 July 2024
Home to a famous university attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (a.k.a. Prince William), the St Andrews games are ranked as one of the best in Fife.
Ballater Highland Games
8 August 2024
Taking place in Monaltrie Park, games here have been running since 1864. Younger visitors will love the funfair and game events including the tug or war and hill racing.
Argyllshire Gathering (Oban Games)
22 August 2024
Nestled on the west coast, the Argyllshire Gathering (Oban Games) involve a marching bagpipe band, dancers and athletes, making a great day out for all ages.
Glenurquhart Highland Games
24 August 2024
Taking place close to the shores of Loch Ness, enjoy the large array of traditional games before heading of monster hunting.
Cowal Highland Gathering
29 - 31 August 2024
Promising ‘all of Scotland in one weekend’, the Cowal Highland Gathering is one of the largest events filled with live music, entertainment and the famous caber toss.
Pitlochry Highland Games
14 September 2024
The first Highland Games here took place in 1852. From hammer throws to piping, highland dancing, food vendors, bouncy castles and more, it makes for a great day out.
Beyond the Highland Games
Have a go at the caber toss
For a piece of the action, join the Highland Games Academy and try your hand at the caber toss. Learn about the highland games heavy events as you get a taste for what it takes to be the strongest of them all. Do you have what it takes to reign supreme as the champion?
