highland games in aberdeen & grampian Highlands

Scotland's Highland Gamesare renowned throughout the world as a unique event combining skills, culture and music. Whilst the games still contain a very competitive element, the spectacle of Highland dancingand pipe bands combined with the tradition and excitement of the occasion make Highland games a real highlight for any visitor lucky enough to be in Scotland at the right time. Highland Games are held in Scotland from the end of May to the middle of September every year, attracting crowds from several hundred to over ten thousand at some of the larger Highland Games.

The origin of the games are, like most traditions, lost in the mists of time - however the popularity of highland games is as strong as ever especially in America where there are many more Highland Games held than in Scotland.

Colourful, exciting, fun, competitive, memorable, world famous - just a few of the words that sum up Scottish Highland Games. From the skill and agility of the heavies, the colourful and proud massed pipebands, and the traditional costumes of the highland dancers, this is a great spectacle not to be missed. A typical Highland Gathering will include pipe band competitions, highland dancing and traditional feats of strength such as tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, the shot putt and a tug-of-war.

See below to find a list of the Highland Games and Gatherings in Aberdeen and Grampian - some are within a 10 minutes drive, most within an hour. The dates for 2006 will be displayed as soon as finalised – but most events are on the same day or days of the month each year.

Braemar Highland Gathering
Lonach Highland Gathering and Games
Aboyne Highland Games
Ballater Highland Games
Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games
Dufftown Highland Games
Braemar Junior Highland Games
Forres Highland Games
Stonehaven Highland Games
City of Aberdeen Highland Games
Drumtochty Highland Games
Old Meldrum Sports and Highland Games
Aberlour House Junior Highland Games
Cornhill Highland Games