Scottish Highland Games
Scottish Highland Games are one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural experiences—a unique combination of athletic competition, traditional music, and community celebration that dates back centuries. While some games are large tourist attractions, many are local gatherings where communities compete in authentic traditional sports.
This guide reveals the world of Scottish Highland Games, explaining what they are, where to find authentic local games, and how to experience this unique cultural tradition properly.
Understanding Highland Games Origins
Highland Games originated in Scotland’s Highland regions as a way of celebrating and competing in traditional athletic contests. The games likely began as informal competitions between clans or communities, with winners gaining local prestige and sometimes marriages or other rewards.
Key historical developments:
Early origins: The games likely began in Medieval period (11th-15th centuries) as informal competitions.
Formalization: Games became more formal in 18th-19th centuries, with standardised events and regular schedules.
Revival: Interest in Scottish culture in 19th century led to revival of traditional games as formal events.
Standardisation: Late 19th century saw standardization of events, with rules and governing bodies established.
20th century: Highland Games became a major tourist attraction as well as community tradition.
The result is a tradition that spans centuries yet continues to evolve, balancing authentic competition with modern entertainment.
Essential Highland Games Events
Highland Games typically include both athletic events and cultural performances. While events vary between games, most include several core events:
Athletic events:
- Heavy athletics: Caber toss, stone put, hammer throw
- Light athletics: 100m sprint, hill race, long leap
- Highland dancing: Solo and group competitions
- Piping and drumming: Solo and band competitions
- Track events: Heavy weight throws, weight for height
Cultural events:
- Pipe bands: Massed bands perform throughout
- Highland dancers: Solo dancers and groups perform
- Massed bands: Scottish traditional music
- Fiddlers: Solo fiddle competitions
- Gaelic singers: Traditional Gaelic singing competitions
Events combine: Athletic competitions occur alongside cultural performances, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.
Major Highland Games to Visit
1. Braemar Highland Gathering
Braemar is one of Scotland’s most famous and largest Highland Games, held annually in early September. The games attract competitors and spectators from around the world and are televised internationally.
What makes Braemar special is its scale and international profile. This is the world’s premier Highland Games, with the best competitors, largest crowds, and most comprehensive program of events.
Location: Princess Royal Park, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5J
When: First full weekend in September (Friday-Sunday)
Cost: Day tickets approximately £15-20, weekend tickets approximately £25-35 (advance booking recommended)
What to expect: Major international competition with thousands of competitors, massive crowds, and extensive program of events. Allow full day to see everything.
Booking: Book well in advance, especially for weekend tickets. Accommodation in Braemar sells out months in advance.
2. Cowal Highland Gathering
Cowal Highland Gathering is one of Scotland’s oldest continuous games, with records dating back to 1786. The games are held annually in August and are known for their intimate, traditional atmosphere.
What makes Cowal special is its authenticity and history. This is one of Scotland’s oldest continuous games, maintaining traditional atmosphere despite becoming more touristy. The events are high-level but the feeling is more intimate than Braemar.
Location: The Games Park, Cowal, PA33 1J
When: Last weekend in August (Thursday-Sunday)
Cost: Day tickets approximately £10-15, weekend tickets approximately £18-25
What to expect: Traditional Highland games with high-quality competition but more intimate atmosphere than Braemar. Allow full day.
Tip: Cowal is more accessible than many other games and has excellent local facilities.
3. Inverness Highland Gathering
Inverness Highland Gathering is held annually in July and is known for its beautiful setting at Bught Park by the River Ness. The games have a strong local community feel while welcoming visitors.
What makes Inverness special is its location and community involvement. The games are held in one of Scotland’s most beautiful settings, and local businesses and residents actively support and participate in the games.
Location: Bught Park, Inverness, IV2 5JP
When: Last full weekend in July (Friday-Sunday)
Cost: Day tickets approximately £12-17, weekend tickets approximately £20-30
What to expect: Quality Highland games in beautiful parkland setting with river views. Allow full day.
Location bonus: Inverness has accommodation, restaurants, and Loch Ness nearby, making it a good base for a Highland Games visit.
4. The Luss Games
The Luss Games is a newer Highland Gathering held annually in June at Loch Lomond. The games have quickly grown in popularity and are known for their spectacular lochside location and modern facilities.
What makes Luss Games special is its modern facilities and spectacular location. The games are held at a purpose-built site with excellent facilities, located right on the banks of Loch Lomond with spectacular views.
Location: Moss O’ Balloch, Loch Lomond, G83 9QZ
When: First full weekend in June (Saturday-Sunday)
Cost: Day tickets approximately £10-15, weekend tickets approximately £15-25
What to expect: Quality Highland games in modern facilities with spectacular lochside setting. Allow full day.
Bonus: Loch Lomond area has accommodation and activities beyond the games, making it a good base for a longer visit.
Authentic Local Highland Games
While the major games are famous, local Highland Games offer authentic community experiences that many tourists never discover:
5. The Bridge of Orchy Highland Games
The Bridge of Orchy games are held annually in June in a small village location. The games are a true community gathering with strong local involvement and traditional atmosphere.
What makes these games special is their community focus. The games are organized by local volunteers, attract local competitors, and have a genuine community feel that’s increasingly rare even at traditional games.
Location: Bridge of Orchy, near Oban, PA34 5EQ
When: Usually in June (check locally)
Cost: Usually small entrance fee or free for spectators (check locally)
What to expect: Authentic community Highland Games with local competitors and traditional atmosphere.
Community focus: These games are genuinely local, organized by and for local people. Visitors are welcome but the experience is authentically local.
6. The Killin Highland Games
The Killin games are held annually in July in this Highland village. The games are a traditional gathering that has maintained strong local character despite becoming more popular with visitors.
What makes Killin games special is its Highland location and traditional events. The games include many classic Highland events plus some local specialities, set against spectacular Highland scenery.
Location: Killin, near Inverness, PH19 4NX
When: Usually in July (check locally)
Cost: Usually modest entrance fee (check locally)
What to expect: Traditional Highland Games in Highland village setting with local character.
Highland location: The games are in the Highlands proper, with spectacular mountain scenery that adds to the experience.
7. The Ballater Highland Gathering
The Ballater games are held annually in August in this Aberdeenshire village. The games are known for their excellent facilities and spectacular location in Royal Deeside.
What makes Ballater games special is its Royal Deeside location and quality facilities. The games are held in a beautiful part of Royal Deeside with good facilities, attracting both local competitors and visitors.
Location: Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5RB
When: Usually in August (check locally)
Cost: Usually entrance fee (check locally)
What to expect: Quality Highland Games in Royal Deeside setting with mountain views.
Royal connection: The games are in Royal Deeside, the queen’s Highland retreat, adding a touch of royal connection to the experience.
8. The Aboyne Highland Games
The Aboyne games are held annually in August in this Highland village. The games are a traditional gathering that has maintained strong community character over decades.
What makes Aboyne games special is its community focus and traditional events. The games are organized by local volunteers and attract competitors from surrounding areas, creating a genuine community celebration.
Location: Aboyne, near Inverness, PH26 2RA
When: Usually in August (check locally)
Cost: Usually small entrance fee or free for spectators (check locally)
What to expect: Traditional community Highland Games with local character and focus.
Community focus: These games are genuinely local, organized by and for local people.
9. The Tomintoul Highland Games
The Tomintoul games are held annually in July in this Highland village. The games are a traditional gathering that has maintained strong local character and community involvement.
What makes Tomintoul games special is its Highland location and community feel. The games are held in a Highland village setting with local competitors and traditional events, creating an authentic Highland Games experience.
Location: Tomintoul, near Aviemore, PH22 5DB
When: Usually in July (check locally)
Cost: Usually small entrance fee or free for spectators (check locally)
What to expect: Traditional Highland Games in Highland village with mountain backdrop.
Highland location: The games are in the Cairngorms area, with spectacular mountain scenery that adds to the experience.
10. The Carluke Highland Games
The Carluke games are held annually in August in this West Highland village. The games are a traditional gathering that celebrates both Highland and Western Isles culture.
What makes Carluke games special is its location and cultural mix. The games are held in a West Highland village that attracts competitors from both Highland and Islands communities, creating a distinctive cultural blend.
Location: Carluke, West Highlands, PA34 4HT
When: Usually in August (check locally)
Cost: Usually small entrance fee or free for spectators (check locally)
What to expect: Traditional Highland Games with a mix of Highland and Islands cultural influences.
Cultural mix: The games attract competitors from different Gaelic-speaking areas, creating an interesting cultural mix.
Understanding Highland Games Events
To appreciate Highland Games, understand these key events:
Caber Toss: Perhaps the most famous Highland event. Competitors throw a long pole (caber) as far as possible. Current world record is over 600 feet.
Stone Put: Competitors put a heavy stone (usually weighing 18-26 lbs) as far as possible using one hand. The event requires extraordinary strength and technique.
Hammer Throw: Similar to stone put but with a heavy hammer (usually weighing 16-22 lbs). Competitors throw the hammer for distance.
Weight Throw: Competitors throw a weight (usually 56 lbs for men, 28 lbs for women) for height over a bar.
Sheaf Put: Competitors throw a 16 lb bundle of straw sheaves for distance. The event requires skill and technique rather than brute strength.
Light Athletics: 100m sprint, long jump, triple jump, and other track and field events.
Highland Dancing: Both solo dancing (where dancers perform intricate routines) and group dancing (where dancers perform in formation).
Piping and Drumming: Solo pipe and drum competitions are major events, with competitions for both technical skill and musicality.
Heavy Athletics: These events test strength, technique, and power. They’re the most visually spectacular events and often draw the biggest crowds.
Massed Bands: Pipe bands perform traditional Scottish music, with competitions judged on musicality and technique.
Highland Games Dress Code
While there’s no strict dress code, traditional Highland dress is common and encouraged:
Men: Kilt (usually of clan tartan), kilt jacket, sporran, hose, and ghillie brogues (traditional Highland shoes).
Women: Aboyne (tartan skirt), blouse, belt, cardigan, and ghillie brogues.
Children: Mini-kilts or dresses, often in family tartan.
General: Many spectators dress casually in jeans or smart casual. However, traditional dress adds to the atmosphere and is welcomed.
Buying options: Highland dress can be rented from shops near major games or purchased online. Many games have vendors selling traditional dress.
Practical Tips for Visiting Highland Games
Weather: Highland Games are outdoor events. Check forecasts and prepare for sun, rain, and wind. Bring layers and waterproofs.
Seating: Many games have grassy seating areas. Bring blankets or chairs if you want more comfortable seating.
Food and drink: Most games have food and drink vendors selling everything from fish and chips to Scottish specialities. However, lines can be long.
Parking: Major games have designated parking areas (often fields) but fill up early. Arrive early for better parking.
Accessibility: Some games are on uneven ground and may not be accessible to those with mobility issues. Check individual games for accessibility information.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing competitors, especially close-ups. Many competitors are happy to pose for photos between events.
Highland Games Etiquette
Respect competitors: Athletes take these events seriously. Don’t distract competitors during events, especially heavy athletics where concentration is essential.
Don’t interfere: Never interfere with events or cross field of play. Heavy athletics events can be dangerous.
Respect cultural traditions: Pipe bands, dancers, and other performers are showing traditional culture. Respect these traditions and don’t mock them.
Support local vendors: Food and drink vendors are often local. Support them rather than bringing your own food.
Take rubbish with you: Highland Games are held in beautiful places. Leave no trace of your visit.
Highland Games Photography Tips
Caber toss: The pole’s flight is spectacular. Use fast shutter speeds (1/500s or faster) to freeze the action.
Stone put: The power and technique are evident in close shots. Show the athlete’s face and concentration.
Massed bands: Pipe bands in full Highland dress make spectacular subjects. The combination of uniformity and landscape is beautiful.
Highland dancers: The dancers’ costumes and movements are beautiful. Capture the detail and colour of their outfits.
Crowd shots: The games’ crowds are part of the experience. Show the community atmosphere with wide shots including spectators.
Lighting: Early morning or late afternoon offers best light. Midday sun can be harsh, though games often run through midday.
Seasonal Highland Games Schedule
May: Games season begins with several local gatherings.
June: Peak season with many games, including major gatherings like Luss Games and various local games.
July: Peak season continues with Cowal, Inverness, and other major games.
August: Peak season continues with Braemar, Ballater, and other major games.
September: Braemar Games (major international games) and several local games.
October: Games season winds down with a few local gatherings.
Most games are held in summer months (May-September), with July and August being the busiest period.
A Final Thought
Highland Games are one of Scotland’s most distinctive cultural traditions—a unique combination of athletic competition, traditional music, and community celebration that dates back centuries. Whether at massive international games like Braemar or intimate local gatherings, the experience is authentically Scottish.
The key to enjoying Highland Games is understanding what you’re seeing. These aren’t just athletic competitions but a living tradition that’s evolved over centuries while maintaining essential elements of Scottish culture—competition, music, and community.
So visit a Highland Games, whether major or local, and experience this unique Scottish tradition. Watch the caber toss fly, listen to the pipes, see the Highland dancing, and appreciate a cultural tradition that’s both ancient and alive.
Highland Games represent Scotland’s community spirit and cultural pride. They’re about celebrating excellence in traditional arts and sports, whether you’re a world-class athlete or a local competitor. That’s what makes them so special—they’re authentic, inclusive, and deeply Scottish.
This guide reveals Scottish Highland Games, from major international games like Braemar to authentic local gatherings, from understanding traditional events like caber toss to experiencing the unique cultural atmosphere. Highland Games are Scotland’s unique living tradition combining athletic competition, traditional music, and community celebration.