Highland Games – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Highland Games in Scotland trace their origins to the 11th century, with some accounts suggesting King Malcolm III initiated them to select the fastest runners for his couriers through competitive foot races. Historically, clan chieftains used these events to identify the strongest warriors, best musicians, and skilled dancers to enhance their household’s prestige. These gatherings evolved from war games into vibrant celebrations of Scottish culture, blending athletic prowess, music, and dance.

Since the 1800s, the modern format has drawn enthusiastic crowds, with events like the Braemar Gathering earning Royal Patronage from Queen Victoria. Today, the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA), established in 1947, governs over 60 events, preserving traditions while fostering community engagement. The games contribute over £20 million annually to local economies, attracting over 150,000 spectators and 500 athletes competing in more than 1,000 competitions each season.

Event Highlights

• Heavy Events: Iconic competitions like the caber toss, where athletes flip a Scots pine trunk, hammer throw, shot put, and weight for height, showcasing strength and technique.
• Light Events: Running, cycling, and tug o’ war, testing speed and teamwork, often set against stunning Highland backdrops.
• Highland Dancing and Music: Vibrant displays of the Highland Fling and sword dance, accompanied by solo piping and massed pipe bands performing traditional tunes like “Amazing Grace.”
• Cultural Attractions: Clan gatherings, food stalls offering Scottish delicacies, and craft vendors selling tartans and kilts, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Unique Features: Events like the Braemar Gathering attract over 10,000 spectators and feature ceremonial chieftains, while smaller games like Strathardle emphasize community spirit.

Date & Duration

Dates: May to September 2025, with key events including:

• Ballater Highland Games: Thursday, August 14, 2025
• Helmsdale Highland Games: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Stirling Highland Games: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Crieff Highland Gathering: Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Lonach Highland Gathering & Games: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Strathardle Highland Gathering: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Glenurquhart Highland Games: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Argyllshire Gathering (Oban Games): Thursday, August 28, 2025
• Birnam Highland Games: Saturday, August 30, 2025
• Braemar Highland Gathering: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games: Sunday, September 7, 2025
• Pitlochry Highland Games: Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Bowhill Highland Games: Sunday, September 14, 202
• Duration: Each event typically lasts one day, with some, like the Cowal Highland Gathering, spanning 2–3 days (August 28–30, 2025).

Venue / Location

City: Various locations across Scotland

Main Venues and Locations:

• Ballater: Monaltrie Park, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
• Helmsdale: Couper Park, Helmsdale, Highland
• Stirling: Stirling Sports Village, Stirling
• Crieff: Market Park, Crieff, Perthshire
• Lonach: Bellabeg Park, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire
• Strathardle: Bannerfield, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
• Glenurquhart: Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit, Inverness
• Argyllshire (Oban): Mossfield Park, Oban, Argyll
• Birnam: Games Park, Little Dunkeld, Perthshire
• Braemar: Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar
• Blairgowrie: Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie
• Pitlochry: Recreation Ground, Ferry Road, Pitlochry
• Bowhill: Wallsgreen Park, Cardenden, Fife. Other notable events occur in Gourock (Battery Park), Gordon Castle (Fochabers), and Perth (Lesser South Inch). Events span the Highlands, Islands, and Lowlands, from South Uist to Peebles.

Contact Information

Phone: +44 (0)1786 813523

Email: secretary@rshga.org

Website: rshga.org

Contact: Craig Dunbar, Secretary, 57 Broomridge Road, Stirling, FK7 0DT

Additional Contacts: Individual event websites (e.g., braemargathering.org, stirlinghighlandgames.com) provide specific details.

Ticket Information

Tickets are typically purchased on-site, with some events offering online pre-booking through their websites or platforms like Eventbrite. Prices vary by event:

• Stirling: $15.00 (adult), family tickets available.
• Stonehaven: $15.00 (adult), $7.50 (child/concession), $37.50 (family, 2 adults + 2 children).
• St Andrews: $12.50 (adult), $6.25 (child/concession), $31.25 (family).
• Helensburgh: $15.00 (daily access/competitor wristband).
• Some events, like Nairn Highland Games, offer free general admission with charges for ringside seating. Community ticket schemes may provide subsidized or free entry for locals. VIP or special seating options are available at larger events like Braemar. Check individual event websites for confirmed 2025 pricing, expected to be announced closer to the season.

Cultural Experience

The Highland Games are a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring competitors in traditional kilts and tartans, massed pipe bands playing bagpipes, and Highland dancers performing intricate steps like the Highland Fling. Events often include clan gatherings, where members parade in ceremonial attire, and chieftains lead opening processions.

The Braemar Gathering, attended by royalty, exemplifies this tradition. Visitors can engage with Scotland’s history through music, dance, and storytelling, with some events hosting ceilidhs (traditional social gatherings with music and dance) into the evening. The games reflect a blend of competition and festivity, fostering community spirit and cultural pride.

Food & Drinks

Must-try specialties include haggis, a savory dish of spiced meat and oats, often served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). Food stalls offer Scotch pies, smoked salmon, and shortbread. Beverages include local whiskies, craft beers, and Irn-Bru, Scotland’s iconic soft drink. Larger events like Braemar and Cowal feature extensive food markets with local vendors, providing a taste of Highland cuisine amidst the festive atmosphere.

Family & Accessibility

The Highland Games are family-friendly, offering children’s activities like mini caber tosses, fun fairs, and best-dressed pet competitions. Most venues are outdoor fields with flat terrain, accessible for wheelchairs, though some rural locations may have uneven ground. Contact individual event organizers for specific accessibility details, such as parking or seating arrangements. Events like Stirling and Crieff attract families with their diverse entertainment, ensuring a fun day for all ages.

Getting There

• Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow International Airport (GLA) are the main gateways, with connections to smaller airports like Aberdeen (ABZ) or Inverness (INV) for northern events.
• Public Transport: Translink and ScotRail operate trains and buses connecting major cities to event locations. For example, Stirling is accessible via Stirling Station, and Ballater is a short bus ride from Aberdeen.
• Driving and Parking: Most events provide dedicated parking zones, though spaces can be limited at smaller venues like Strathardle. Check event websites for parking details.
• Island Events: Games on islands like Mull or Skye require ferry travel from mainland ports (e.g., Oban for Mull). Visit calmac.co.uk for ferry schedules.
• Recommendations: Use visitscotland.com for travel planning, including accommodation and transport options tailored to specific event locations.

Economic Impact

The Highland Games generate over £20 million annually for local economies, supporting tourism, hospitality, and small businesses. With over 150,000 spectators and prize funds exceeding £250,000, the events bolster community vitality and showcase Scotland’s cultural heritage globally.

Anti-Doping Commitment

The RSHGA enforces strict anti-doping rules in line with the World Anti-Doping Code, ensuring fair competition. Athletes must register with the RSHGA and adhere to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) regulations, with violations potentially leading to bans. Competitors are advised to check medications against the WADA Prohibited List annually.