Add Your ListingDating back to the earliest days of the Scottish clan system, Scotland’s Highland Games bring together some of the strongest athletes from across the country to take part in various traditional sporting events.
Once used to train men for battle, the Scottish Highland Games sees teams of competitors go head to head during various heavyweight and lightweight events. Kilted athletes gather from all around to show off their speed, strength and endurance as they hurl timber logs and shot puts to the tuneful melodies of traditional Scottish pipers.
Steeped in tradition and history, a visit to any of the games which are held right across Scotland is a must for any local or visitor to Scotland alike.
Want to experience the action of the Scottish Highland Games in 2023? Here is an overview of how the games came to be, along with information about the upcoming events.
What Are The Scottish Highland Games?
Legend has it that King Malcolm III who reigned between 1058 and 1093 hosted the first gathering of the Scottish Highland Games. Back then, clan chiefs would select their fiercest clansman to battle it out in a demonstration of brute strength and speed. The tradition continued for many centuries, until the Jacobean era (1603 to 1625) when there was a crackdown on traditional island culture.
Thankfully, the Scottish Highland Games returned after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent their honeymoon in Scotland. Following the purchase of Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria reintroduced The Braemar Gathering in 1832. Since then, The Scottish Highland Games have once again become a regular fixture in Scotland’s calendar attracting visitors from across the globe.
In terms of what actually happens at The Scottish Highland Games, the truth is that no two games are the same, which is all part of the mystique. Though, what you can typically expect is that the day will start a chieftain’s parade which sees a procession of pipe bands, athletes and highland dancers travel from the main square of the town or village to the arena where the games are being held. The amazing spectacle then gets underway with heavyweight events along with piping and highland dancing competitions.
Events In The Highland Games
- Caber toss
- Cycling
- Haggis hurling
- Hammer throw
- Highland Dance
- Hill race
- Junior heavyweights
- Light Field Events
- Pipe Band Contest
- Running
- Solo Piping
- Stone Put
- Tug of War
- Weight for height
- Wrestling
- Youth Cycling
Where Are The Highland Games Held?
The Highland Games are held across the length and breadth of Scotland. This means it’s possible to find an event within a reasonable distance, wherever you happen to be staying, if you are looking for a guide to Highlands, you can read more about them here.
In addition, the games are held in other countries of the world which have links to Scotland.
When Are The Scottish Highland Games?
The Scottish Highland Games are mostly held between late spring and early autumn, bar the exception of the New Year Sprint which is held on New Year’s Day.
Below is an overview of when the Scottish Highland Games will be held to help you plan your event schedule.
January 2023
January 1st, 2023
New Year Sprint – Musselburgh Racecourse
May 2023
May 21st, 2023
Gordon Castle Highland Games
May 27th, 2023
Blackford Highland Games
June 2023
June 3rd, 2023
Cornhill Highland Games
Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games
June 4th, 2023
Markinch Highland Games
June 10th, 2023
Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games
June 11th, 2023
Strathmore Highland Games
June 17th, 2023
Oldmeldrum Sports & Highland Games
June 18th, 2023
Aberdeen’s Highland Games
June 24th, 2023
Drumtochty Highland Games
July 2023
July 1st, 2023
Luss Highland Games
Thornton Highland Gathering
July 5th, 2023
Kenmore Highland Games
July 8th, 2023
Alva Games
July 15th, 2023
Lochcarron Highland Games
Tomintoul Highland Games
July 16th, 2023
Stonehaven Highland Games
July 17th, 2023
Burntisland Highland Games
July 18th, 2023
Inveraray Highland Games
July 20th, 2023
Mull Highland Games
July 22nd, 2023
Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Highland Games
July 29th, 2023
Dufftown Highland Games
Halkirk Highland Games
July 30th, 2023
St. Andrews Highland Games
August 2023
August 4th, 2023
Dornoch Highland Gathering
August 5th, 2023
Aboyne Highland Games
Inverkeithing Highland Games
Strathpeffer Highland Gathering
August 6th, 2023
Bridge Of Allan Highland Games
August 9th, 2023
Isle Of Skye Highland Games
August 10th, 2023
Ballater Highland Games
August 12th, 2023
Atholl & Breadalbane Highland Gathering
North Berwick Highland Games
Tain Highland Gathering
August 13th, 2023
Perth Highland Games
August 19th, 2023
Helmsdale Highland Games
Stirling Highland Games
August 20th, 2023
Crieff Highland Gathering
August 26th, 2023
Birnam Highland Games
Glenurquhart Highland Games
Lonach Highland Gathering & Games
Strathardle Highland Gathering and Agricultural Show
September 2023
September 2nd, 2023
Braemar Highland Gathering
September 9th, 2023
Pitlochry Highland Games
September 10th, 2023
Bowhill Highland Games
Where To Stay During The Highland Games
Given the unique history of the Scottish Highland Games, they remain an unmissable event for any visitor to Scotland. Whether you’re on holiday here or have Scottish ancestry, there’s no better way to discover the ancient cultures and traditions which have shaped the lives of residents for many centuries. Plus, there are some spectator events you might want to try also!
For those planning on attending any of the Scottish Highland Games events in 2023, Best Scottish Cottages has holiday accommodation right across Scotland to ensure you have a wonderful stay.
Whether you are in search of a dreamy woodland retreat or a boutique hotel, you’ll find it all on our website. To see our current availability, head over to browse highland accommodation. As the Scottish Highland Games are held right across the country, you may also be interested in finding accommodation specific to a particular location in Scotland.
While you’re here, be sure to give us a follow on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook where we post regular inspiration for your next break in Scotland. On our social media, we’ll also let you know about any late availability or deals to inspire your visit.
