Experience the thrill of the Highland Games, featuring traditional activities like caber tossing, racing and hammer throwing, set to the enchanting melodies of bagpipes. Immerse yourself in Scottish heritage and witness incredible athletic, musical and dancing abilities, all while enjoying delicious food, family activities and shopping.
Highland Games are likely a holdover from when clan chiefs or kings held tournaments to discover the best athletes, dancers and musicians for their entourages. The first description of one was in 1093, when King Malcolm III held a race up Craig Choinnich to find the fastest runner to serve as his royal messenger. In 1703, the Laird of Grant summoned his clan to a competition that included feats of arms. And if events like the caber or sheaf toss are anything to go by, farming traditions play a heavy part in today’s Games.
After Culloden, anything that remotely looked like a Highland Games could not be held publicly anymore, until Queen Victoria and her obsession with all things Scottish brought back the tradition in the 19th century. That’s when the modern Games were born, this time with new traditions, such as affiliated clan tartans and heritage tents.
Don’t miss this uniquely Scottish combination of sportsmanship, music culture and community spirit at a Highland Games near you this summer!
Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games
Saturday June 1
This event is a family and dog-friendly, community driven traditional Highland Games. Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games return this summer to Helensburgh, the original sea-side getaway on the west coast to Scotland, tantalisingly close to the shores of beautiful loch Lomond. The Games feature a variety of traditional Highland Games competition including the sheaf toss, hammer throw and, of course, the world-famous caber toss. This year we have included female heavy events. There will also be lots of athletics including a hill race with a dedicated Highland Dance stage. A free shuttle bus service will operate throughout the day from the pier car park off Clyde Street to Helensburgh Rugby Football Club, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh, G84 8JR.
Ticket price: adults £8 children and concession £4; under 5’s free.
Address: Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Club,, Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh, G84 8YJ
Visit www.hlhighlandgames.scot for more details.
Kenmore Highland Games
Wednesday July 3
Kenmore Highland Games, known locally as ‘the friendly games’, is a traditional Scottish Highland Games with a special community vibe. Founded by members of the local community in 1975 the games continue to thrive and are the only Scottish Games held during the evening. As well as all the traditional events, including Highland dancing, ‘heavy’ competitions, piping, and track events the games has its own ‘Throwing the Tirinie Stone’, an almost spherical stone found on Tirinie Farm, Kenmore, weighing 101 lbs.The games officially open at 6 pm but the competition starts at 4.30 pm with the Junior Heavies. Food, beverages, a licensed bar, gift stands and lots of fun activities for children all feature in this evening of entertainment for the whole family. Dogs on leads are welcome. Groups and bus parties are also welcome and can contact The Secretary on 07754 497889 for more information.
Come and join this small community and enjoy its big day out.
Address: Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland, PH15 2NU
Visit Kenmore highland games for more details
Mull Highland Games
Thursday July 18
The Mull Highland Games takes place annually in the picturesque town of Tobermory, the main population centre of the Hebridean Island of Mull. The island and its surroundings are steeped in history and abundant wildlife, including eagles, puffins, otters, whales, dolphins and much more. Amidst the natural life and beauty of a geologically ancient landscape the islanders maintain and celebrate their unique history at the Games, which is just one of the many events where island communities come together.The third Thursday after the first Monday in July every year is set in stone as marking the day of the Games. It is a day for old friends to get together and celebrate this Celtic Olympics while cheering on competitors.It is a unique spectacle combining ancient and modern competitive and cultural events for both professionals and amateurs in a beautiful setting.
Address: Knock Park, Lochaline
Visit www.mullhighlandgames.com for more details
Morvern Highland Games
Saturday July 13
Hailed as one of the most scenic Highland Games in Scotland, The Morvern Highland Games is an annual event held at Knock Park, Lochaline.
Our traditional Highland Games is all about the ‘fun factor’, packed full of activities for all ages. Starting with children’s sports at 10am followed by the official opening at 12noon with Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District Pipe Band. Throughout the day there will be adults athletics, traditional heavy events, Novelty races including our popular ‘wife’ carrying race, the Morvern Mile, Tug o war, Highland dancing displays, chainsaw carvings, bouncy castles, live music, food, drink and craft stalls, the whisky barrel challenge, refreshment tents, cocktail bars plus so much more!
So join us Saturday 13th July for an authentic family friendly Highland Games all set in a stunning rural setting. It’s a day not to be missed!
Address: Knock Park, Lochaline
Southend Highland Games
Saturday July 20
There are bigger Highland games with larger crowds, but are there other Highland games where people have this much fun or visitors are made to feel so welcome?
The tiny village of Southend, on the tip of the Kintyre peninsula, is a hidden gem and holds its games in the afternoon and into the evening. There are all the traditional field events, piping, dancing and a range of track events with generous cash prizes. There’s also lots of children’s events from toddlers to teens, with prize medals and sweeties for all. Top it off with something delicious from Olly’s street food, ice cream, sweets, home baking, pottery painting, golf chipping, beat the goalie and even pony rides! Southend Highland Games is a fantastic family day out with something for everyone, not to be missed!
Address: Southend Paying Field, Campbeltown.
Facebook
Taynuilt Highland games
Saturday July 20
After an extremely successful games in 2023, everyone involved with Taynuilt Highland Games is looking forward to welcoming visitors back on Saturday 20th July.
The games are organised by volunteers from the village with the aim of encouraging participation and inclusivity across ages and abilities in the sport and athletics of Highland Games.This includes a programme of events ranging from races specifically for primary school aged children, junior athletic races, traditional heavyweight athletics, senior field events, the 10k hill race and novelty events for everyone to enjoy, with the pillow fight proving particularly popular. Piping and Highland Dancing competitions take place throughout the day, which everyone can enjoy. Oban Pipe Band, which will lead the march through the village, will play during the day’s events. Taynuilt, a small village with a big heart,is proud to host a family-friendly day to which everyone is invited.
Address: Taynuilt Games Field, Taynuilt, PA35 1HP
Taynuilt Highland Games
Glengarry Highland Games
Friday August 2 & Saturday August 3
The 2024 Glengarry Highland Games are Go! We can’t wait to welcome you on the 6th July at the Shinty Pitch in Invergarry. With breathtaking scenery, rich traditions, and a packed schedule of events, this year’s Games are sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The Games will feature a wide range of exciting events, including our men’s and women’s Heavy Events, the Hill Race, the Lochaber Pipe Band, Highland Dancing, and Atlas Stone Lifting. This year will also see the return of the Invergarry Lifting Stone - forgotten for nearly 80 years - to its rightful place at the games. There’ll be competitions for the kids and a fun dog show. And don’t forget to sign up for our Tug O’War at the end of the day to win some fun prizes!
There’ll be plenty of entertainment to enjoy for the whole family. We’ve got Highlands cows, Axe Throwing and a Bouncy Castle. Why not browse the stalls of local artists or enjoy a pint, some crepes, pizzas or burgers from our brilliant local food vendors.
This year for the first time ever we are working with the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company to offer a free shuttle bus service to and from the Games throughout the Three Glens. Head to our website for the bus route and schedule.
Address: Invergarry Shinty Field, Invergarry, PH35 4HG
Glengarry Highland Games
Cowal Gathering
Thursday August 29 to Saturday August 31
This year Cowal Gathering is celebrating its 130th anniversary and you’re invited to the party.
Since 1894, the last weekend in August is when Dunoon welcomes the world. Pipers, dancers, heavy athletes and spectators from across the globe head to the town to compete for some of the world’s most prestigious silverware.
Fans of traditional events can look forward to the World Highland Dancing Championships, The Cowal Pipe Band Championship and the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship.
But that’s not all. Having firmly cemented its reputation as one of Scotland’s best family-friendly days out, Cowal Gathering hosts a myriad of entertainment to keep every member of the family busy.
Kicking off the weekend, the Friday night Gig at the Gathering is the best way to start your Cowal Gathering experience. Headlined this year by the mighty Torridon, the Gig will also feature festival favourites The Laurettes and Reely Jiggered.
Cowal Saturday afternoon on the Top Field sees the return of the fantastic Drakes of Hazard. They will be joined by stunt runner Liam Collins who makes his Cowal Gathering debut.
Of course, there is also axe throwing, a mountain bike track, arts and crafts workshops, puppet shows and the legendary Cowal Live Music Tent.
All of this for the price of your entry ticket.
Full details of this year’s programme, competition entry and ticket sales are available at www.cowalgathering.com
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.