Scottish highland games
information about Scottish highlands

Over the summer months, Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands has a packed calendar of traditional Highland Games. Scottish Highland Games are a series of events where people gather to watch athletes from throughout Scotland and further afield toss the caber, throw the hammer, and take part in many other traditional games.

Colourful, exciting, competitive, memorable, world famous - just a few of the words that sum up the fun of Scottish Highland Games. From the skill and agility of the heavies, the colourful and proud massed pipebands, and the traditional flair of the highland dancers, this is a historic spectacle not to be missed.

Information on the Scottish Highland Games

Throughout the summer season 14 Scottish Highland Games take part in Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands – from the Cornhill Highland Games in June to Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious Scottish Highland Games event, the Braemar Gathering in September, you’re sure to find a Highland Games to attend during your visit to this part of Scotland.

The Queen attends Breamar Highland Gathering
travel in Aberdeen and Grampian in Scotland

The Lonach Gathering is a truly unique event - nowhere else will you see the march of the Clansmen. The Men of Lonach, in full highland dress, armed with pikes and Lochaber battleaxes, march around the arena.

This is a friendly and warm gathering of the clansmen and friends, whose enthusiasm and unparalleled genius make the games an outstanding success.

The grand finale of the Games season, the Braemar Gathering, is the biggest and most prestigious Scottish Highland Games event. Queen Elizabeth II is Patron of the Braemar Gathering, which not only attracts a great crowd but also enjoys annual attendance from the Royal Family. Steeped in tradition, the Highland Games date back more than 1000 years when locals showcased their men’s physical prowess. Games like the Braemar and Lonach Gatherings attract thousands of spectators. Smaller town games have equal appeal however – by their very nature, they are more intimate than the larger events.

When to visit Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands to see the Games!

The following Scottish Highland Games take place in Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands from June to September (provisional dates). Remember to keep checking back for exact dates for the games, contact details and further information.

Cornhill Highland Games 03/06/2006   Dufftown Highland Games 29/07/2006
Oldmeldrum Highland Games 17/06/2006   Aberlour & Strathspey Highland Games 05/08/2006
Aberdeen Highland Games 18/06/2006   Aboyne Highland Games 05/08/2006
Drumtochty Highland Games 24/06/2006   Ballater Highland Games 10/08/2006
Forres Highland Games 08/07/2006   Inverurie Highland Games August
Tomintoul Highland Games 15/07/2006   Lonach Highland Games 26/08/2006
Stonehaven Highland Games 16/07/2006   Braemar Highland Gathering 02/09/2006
       

Information on the Highland Games and Travel in Scotland

VisitScotland Aberdeen and Grampian can help you plan your trip to see the Scottish Highland Games by booking accommodation, providing travel information, and offering advice on how to get the most out of your holiday in Scotland.

If you’d like more information on the Highland Games or any other activity to be enjoyed in our beautiful region, please do not hesitate to call us on +44(0) 1224 288828 or email Aberdeen@visitscotland.com

Alternatively you can contact the National booking and information line at vistscotland.com on +44 (0) 1506 832 121 or email info@visitscotland.com


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Images courtesy of:
The Glenfiddich Distillery / John Paul Photography, Scottish Viewpoint, Stewart Buchanan

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