Pipe band marching at Ballater Highland Games
Highland games in Scotland
Follow the sound of massed pipe bands, cheer on world-class athletes and join spectators celebrating one of Scotland's most iconic traditions.
What to expect at a Highland games
Every summer, towns and villages throughout the country play host to this most Scottish spectacle. Watch impressive athletes battle it out, hear the incredible instruments played by talented musicians, and admire the skill of the Highland dancers, as they all compete in activities that date back to the earliest days of the clan system.
Whether you want to be a part of history, love Scottish music and culture or just want a great day out, head to a Highland games and you’ll soon be swept away with the magic.
Highland Games: Explained
Watch our short film to discover what happens throughout the day, from the Chieftain's Parade and massed pipe bands to Highland dancing and the famous heavy events.
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A taste of the Highland games
No two Highland games are exactly alike. From idyllic island gatherings to tight-knit celebrations in historic towns nestled amid Highland glens, Royal Deeside, the Scottish Borders and other beautiful landscapes, each has its own sense of place, community and distinct character. Here’s a selection from across Scotland to give you a flavour of what to expect.
Glenfinnan Games
Where: Lochaber
When: August
What to expect: Mountainous scenery, traditional games
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the West Highlands, Glenfinnan combines traditional Highland Games with breathtaking scenery, making it one of Scotland's most picturesque gatherings.
Explore Glenfinnan Highland Gathering
Braemar Highland Games
Where: Aberdeenshire
When: First Saturday in September
Known for: Royal connections
What to expect: Heavy events, Highland dancing, piping
Perhaps Scotland's most famous Highland Games, the Braemar Gathering is renowned for its royal patronage, spectacular setting in Royal Deeside and centuries-old traditions.
Explore Braemar Highland Games
Tug of war at the Braemar Gathering
Peebles Highland Games
Where: Scottish Borders
When: First Saturday in September
One of the Scottish Borders' premier Highland games, Peebles combines traditional heavy events, pipe bands, Highland dancing and family entertainment in the picturesque setting of Hay Lodge Park, making it an easy day trip from Edinburgh.
Explore Peebles Highland Games
Cowal Highland Gathering
Where: Argyll
When: August
Known for: World's largest gathering
What to expect: Highland dancing, Heavy events, piping
One of Scotland's biggest Highland celebrations, Cowal Highland Gathering is famous for its international Highland dancing championships, lively atmosphere and packed programme of traditional events.
Explore Cowal Highland Gathering
Cowal Highland Gathering
Skye Highland Games
Where: Isle of Skye
When: August
What to expect: Island setting, Highland traditions
Held beneath the dramatic Cuillin mountains, the Skye Highland Games combine traditional heavy events, Highland dancing and piping with the spectacular scenery and warm island welcome that make Skye one of Scotland's most iconic destinations.
You never forget your first Highland Games. The sound of the pipes, the cheering crowd and seeing a caber thrown for the first time—second only to whisky, it's one of the most quintessentially Scottish experiences you can have.
Sam Heughan - Actor, author and co-founder of Galloway Distillery
Try the Highland games
Think you've got what it takes to toss a caber? Watch our videos and learn how competitors master some of the Highland games' most iconic events with Scottish strongman Jamie Barr.
How to caber toss
Reckon you could toss a caber at a Highland games? We got Scottish strongman Jamie Barr to show us how it’s done at Balgonie Castle in Fife.
How to shot put
Think you’ve got what it takes to throw a stone in the shot put? We got Scottish strongman Jamie Barr to show us how it’s done.
How to weight for height
We got Scottish strongman Jamie Barr to show us how competitors throw a 56lb weight up in the air at Balgonie Castle in Fife.
Highland games – brief history
Ancient origins
11th century (legend) – Medieval Scotland
Legend has it that King Malcolm III organised a race near Braemar to find the fastest messenger. While the exact origins are debated, competitions of strength, speed and endurance were a feature of clan gatherings throughout the Highlands for centuries.
Clan traditions
16th–18th centuries
Highland games became important social occasions where clans gathered to celebrate, compete and demonstrate strength and skill. Events such as running, jumping, wrestling and feats of strength were accompanied by music, dancing and storytelling.
Victorian revival
19th century
Many Highland games were revived and organised into public events during the Victorian era as interest in Scottish culture grew. Queen Victoria's love of the Highlands and her patronage of the Braemar Gathering helped raise the profile of the games both within Scotland and internationally.
A living tradition
20th century
While many traditions remained unchanged, Highland games continued to evolve. Alongside iconic heavy events, visitors could enjoy Highland dancing, pipe bands, local food, cycling, hill races and newer crowd favourites such as haggis hurling at some games.
Highland games today
Today
More than 60 Highland games take place across Scotland every summer, from internationally recognised gatherings to small community celebrations. Together they welcome thousands of competitors, volunteers and visitors, keeping centuries of Scottish traditions alive while offering unforgettable days out.