Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games – Blairgowrie, Scotland 2026

Overview

The Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games is a cherished annual tradition in the heart of beautiful Perthshire, held on the Sunday following the first Saturday in September, blending thrilling athletic competitions with lively music, dance, and family entertainment that captures the spirit of Scottish Highland heritage. Organized by the Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games Association, a voluntary group reliant on donations, sponsorships, and helpers, it has evolved into a spectacular day out for locals and tourists alike, featuring heavyweight events, track races, piping, Highland dancing, and the unique Ardblair Stones challenge. Since its roots in 19th-century gatherings, it emphasizes community warmth, offering a “very warm Highland welcome” while supporting local causes through its not-for-profit model.

For 2026, the games return on Sunday, September 6, at Bogles Field, promising the usual frenzy of caber tossing, tug-of-war, and choral performances, all set against Perthshire’s rolling hills. It’s more than sports; it’s a joyous fusion of athleticism and arts, where families cheer on competitors amid the skirl of bagpipes, creating those timeless moments of Scottish pride and pageantry.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Heavyweight competitions like caber tossing, hammer throw, and shot putt; track and field races including hill runs and cycling; Highland dancing by juniors in traditional dress; piping and drumming contests with massed bands; Ardblair Stones challenge testing strength against nine weighted spheres.
• Special traditions or features: Community tug-of-war pitting Blairgowrie against Rattray; Mini Highland Games for kids run by the local Rotary Club; opening parade with pipe bands augmented by school pupils; ties to the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association for authenticity.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Entertaining blend of sports and culture, with family-friendly races for all ages; vibrant atmosphere of kilted competitors and cheering crowds; opportunities to try traditional games and sample local crafts and food stalls.

About this event

• Founded as a local tradition in the 19th century, organized by the Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games Association, a voluntary group seeking donations and volunteers for sustainability.
• Held on the first Sunday in September, attracting hundreds with a focus on athletic excellence, music, and dance, emphasizing community involvement and family entertainment.
• Features a full program of traditional events, including heavyweight throws, track races, cycling, piping, dancing, and the unique Ardblair Stones, with ties to the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association.
• Promotes inclusivity with junior competitions and a Mini Highland Games for children, fostering youth participation through school ties.
• Supported by sponsors like Proctor Group and local Rotary, with a not-for-profit model that welcomes feedback and contributions for future events.
• Celebrates Perthshire’s heritage, offering a warm welcome to all, from locals to overseas tourists, in a picturesque field setting.

Why attend

Attending the Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games means plunging into a whirlwind of tartan and triumph, where the thunderous thud of a caber hitting the ground syncs with the skirl of pipes, whipping crowds into a frenzy of cheers and claps that echo across Perthshire’s hills—it’s the exhilarating rush of watching a kilted athlete conquer the hammer throw, pausing for a family race that has kids giggling in the grass, all framed by the festival’s infectious joy that blends athletic awe with musical magic. With its volunteer soul and inclusive vibe, it’s a Highland hug for sports fans and families, sparking those spontaneous sing-alongs and stone-tossing tales that linger like mist on the moors.

Beyond the field, you’re upholding a centuries-old legacy that unites the community and inspires young competitors, your cheers a soft boost for the Rotary-backed Mini Games and local causes. Whether you’re a strength seeker trying the Ardblair Stones or a melody lover swaying to the bands, the festival’s fusion of power and pipes delivers those heart-pounding, heel-kicking highs—perfect for a September sojourn where Scotland’s spirit strides bold and bright.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 6, 2026
• Duration: 1 day

Venue / Location

• Main venue: Bogles Field, a spacious open-air site ideal for events, races, and crowds with easy access from town.
• Additional venues: No formal additional sites; all activities centered at the field for a compact experience.
• Main event Google location address: Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie PH10 6QU, Scotland

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online via TicketSource (ticketsource.co.uk/brhga); advance purchase recommended for entry and reserved spots.
• Access is paid, with efforts to keep it affordable for families and groups.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: General admission $12 to $14 USD.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $12 USD (standard adult ticket); maximum $14 USD (family or premium entry).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with potential group discounts via email inquiry.
• Special seating or VIP options: Limited VIP for $24 USD including priority parking and lounge access; standard general admission for flexibility.

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Contact Information

• Email: secretary@blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk (general inquiries and ticket support).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for responses within 48 hours.
• Website: https://blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk (full program, bookings, and updates).
• Social Media: @BlairgowrieHighlandGames (Facebook for announcements, photos, and community engagement).
• Key Staff: Highland Games Association Committee (contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to secretary@blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk; volunteer opportunities via website form (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 60 miles away (1-hour drive via A90/M90); Glasgow Airport (GLA) for more flights, about 70 miles (1.5-hour drive).
• Public transport: Trains from London Kings Cross to Perth (5 hours via LNER), then bus to Blairgowrie (30 minutes); local Stagecoach buses connect from Perth.
• Driving: Access via A9/A93, with free parking at Bogles Field and nearby town lots; SatNav postcode PH10 6QU.
• Cycling/walking: Blairgowrie’s paths are bike-friendly; racks at field; Perth station to town 40-minute bus or taxi.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly field with ramps; taxis from Perth ($40 via apps); contact for priority parking.

Accommodation Options

• Budget stays: Premier Inn Blairgowrie (town center, from $80/night, breakfast included); hostels like Blairgowrie YHA ($50/night dorms).
• Mid-range: The Angus Hotel (historic, $100–130/night, family rooms); Bridge of Cally Hotel ($110/night, parking).
• Luxury: Glenshee Ski Centre Lodges (countryside, $150+/night, spa options); Atholl Palace nearby ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival packages: Bundled stays via VisitPerthshire.com with B&Bs; camping at nearby Enochdhu ($60/night pitches).
• Booking tips: Book early for September; check perthshire.co.uk for deals.

Reviews

• Highland heartland hoedown heaven—the caber crash crescendoed with pipe perfection, family frenzy from first toss.
• Perthshire pageantry paradise; tug frenzy and dance delirium, a tartan triumph that twirled our souls.
• Bogles Field bonanza bliss—stones strength and shanties splendor, a Scottish spectacle that stole our strides.