Every summer from mid-May through until mid-September, more than 60 Highland games are held under the auspices of the Scottish Highland Games Association. These games are spread the length and breadth of the country as well as the Western Isles, and take place almost every Saturday and Sunday as well as midweek during the height of the season.
The history books show games probably date back to the 14th Century but in their modern form they are about 150 years old. There have been many changes over the years, and probably one of the most significant came in 1993 with the introduction of “Open” athletics which allowed amateurs to compete alongside professionals and accept monetary prizes without fear of jeopardising their amateur status.
Nowadays, events at all Highland games are open to members of all of Scotland’s athletic clubs as well as unattached athletes. What makes the Highland games unique is the test for the athletes to compete in natural conditions and to adapt to these conditions. Nearly all running, jumping and throwing events take place on a grass surface.
All the games feature running and throwing events, and many also stage long, high and triple jump with the odd one or two pole vault. There’s also the tug-of-war, cycling, and Highland dancing to be enjoyed, and more often than not there’s music from pipe bands and all sorts of stalls and entertainment on offer.
Here’s some dates for your diary:
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
Drumtochty Highland Games, Drumtochty Glen, Auchenblae (near Laurencekirk). Gates open at 10am. www.drumtochtyhighlandgames.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
Lorne Highland Games, Mossfield Park, Oban. Open events start at 12.30pm. www.lorne-highland-games.org.uk
SATURDAY, JULY 14
Braemar Junior Highland Games, Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar. Events start at noon. www.braemarjuniorgames.com
Tain Highland Gathering, Glenmorangie Ground, Tain. Events start at 11am. www.tainhighlandgathering.com
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Stonehaven Highland Games, Mackie Academy Playing Fields, Stonehaven. Events start at 1pm. www.stonehavenhighlandgames.com
TUESDAY, JULY 17
Inveraray Highland Games, Winterton Park, Castle Grounds, Inveraray. Events start at 9am. www.inveraray-games.co.uk
THURSDAY, JULY 19
Mull Highland Games, Erray Park, Tobermory. Events start at 10.30am. E-mail: anna@pencavel.co.uk
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Lochcarron Highland Games, Attadale Estate, Lochcarron. Events start at noon. www.lochcarrongames.org.uk
Tomintoul Highland Games, Public Park, Tomintoul. Events from 11am. www.tomintoulhighlandgames.co.uk
Inverness Highland Games, Bught Park Stadium, Inverness. Events from 10.30am. www.invernesshighlandgames.com
FRIDAY, JULY 27
Durness Highland Gathering, Shore Park, Durness. www.durnesshighlandgathering.co.uk
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Halkirk Highland Games, Recreation Park, Halkirk. Events from 10am. www.halkirkgames.co.uk
Dufftown Highland Games, Mortlach School Sports Field, Dufftown. Events from 10.30am. www.dufftownhighlandgames.com
