The dance routines have been practised, the piping tunes memorised and ropes and hands frayed in preparation for a summer of Highland Games.
Highland Games season is already upon us and there are plenty of opportunities to head along to take in some of Scotland’s best-loved traditions this summer.
From traditional heavy weight competitions, tossing the caber, tug o’war and athletics to Highland dancing and piping performances, there is something for everyone.
Organisers of the games have been preparing for the season for months, and will each offer something different for visitors, such as falconry and dog agility displays, stalls and funfair rides.
Visitors from across the globe regularly attend the events and are delighted by what is on offer.
Make sure you don’t miss out by checking out our handy calendar of Highland Games in the north and north-east below.
June
June 10 – Corgarff Picnic and Games, Castle Lodge Field, 12.30pm-5pm.
June 17 – Oldmeldrum Highland Games, Pleasure Park.
June 18 – Aberdeen Highland Games, Hazlehead Park. 10am-5.30pm.
June 24 – Drumtochty Highland Games, Drumtochty Glen, Auchenblae.
July
July 8 – Forres Highland Games, Grant Park, gates open 11am
July 15 – Tomintoul Highland Games, public park, 11am-5pm.
July 15 – Inverness Highland Games, Bught Park, 10.30am-6pm.
August
August 5 – Aboyne Highland Games, Village Green, 10.30am-5.30pm
- Some of the heavy, dancing and piping events will begin at 10.30am with pipe bands marching through the village at 11am. Light events and the fiddle competitions will also begin at 11am.
August 5 – Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games, Alice Littler Park
- Features a 10-mile race through Speyside scenery alongside all the usual heavy, daning and piping events.
August 9 – Skye Highland Games, The Meall, Portree
- Sailing and rowing races and some of the piping competitions will be held on the Monday and Tuesday before the games kick off on the Wednesday.
August 10 – Ballater Highland Games, Monaltrie Park, 10am-5pm
- The first event begins at 11am with the usual competitions and entry costing £12 per adult. Trade stalls and a funfair will also be featured.
August 12 – Abernethy Highland Games, Nethy Bridge Games Field, 10am-5pm
- Games day begins at 10am with children’s and dancing competitions before the chieftain’s parade at 1pm. Trade stalls offering a wide range of crafts and gifts will also be present on the day.
August 19 – Helmsdale and District Highland Games, Couper Park, Helmsdale,
- The children’s mini highland games will kickstart the day at 10am with piping and dancing competitions following at 10.30am.
- The Games Parade and official opening starts around noon followed by the usual competitions. There will also be trade stands, side shows and other fun events such as an afternoon ceilidh in the Games Bar.
August 24 – Oban Highland Games, Mossfield Stadium, 9.30am-4.30pm
- March of the Stewards begins at 10.30am followed by the light, heavy, dancing and piping events.
August 26 – Lonach Highland Games, Bellabeg, Strathdon, 8am-5.30pm
- Boasting an early start, the day commences with the march of the Lonach Highlanders at 7.50am before the official opening of the games at 12pm.
August 26 – Glenurquhart Highland Games, Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit, 10am-5pm
September
September 2 – Braemar Gathering, Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, 9am-5pm
- Often attended by royalty since its debut in 1832, the gathering features the usual heavy, light, dancing and piping competitions.
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