by Antony J Waller

Created on: February 20, 2011   Last Updated: June 02, 2011

What better way to experience and celebrate Gaelic and Celtic culture and to bring the full flavour of Scotland alive than by savouring the sights and sounds of a traditional Scottish Highland Games. Hear the skirl of the bagpipes and the beat of the drums; see the colour and spectacle of kilted athletes straining and competing to toss the caber, throw the hammer and putt the shot. A visit to a gathering at the Highland Games is an occasion not to be missed. 

It is thought Highland Games have existed in one form or another for several thousand years, originally being a way for Clan chiefs to select their warriors and followers for battle. Today the Games proudly celebrate Scottish heritage through athletic competition, music and dancing, parades and entertainment.

The ‘season’ for Highland Games runs from the end of May to the end of September with events held the length and breadth of Scotland ranging in size from small local community games to the world famous Braemar Games which welcomes over 10,000 spectators. However, for those wishing to visit Scotland or plan a day out the larger, better known and more popular Highland Games gatherings take place throughout the summer months and into early autumn. These include:

The Cowal Highland Gathering, Dunoon, Argyll; Thursday 25th August to Saturday 27th August 2011.  http://www.cowalgathering.com/  Scotland’s largest and most spectacular Highland Games this 3 day event first held in 1894 now attracts 15,000 spectators with over 3,500 competitors taking part. Events include all the traditional sports and highland competitions with dancing, solo piping and pipe bands.

The Braemar Gathering, Braemar, Aberdeenshire; Saturday 3rd September 2011. http://www.braemargathering.org/  One of the oldest gatherings dating back to about 1815 these games enjoy the patronage of the Queen and are attended by members of the Royal Family. This makes this event extremely popular and those thinking of attending are advised to purchase tickets and make arrangements well in advance.

Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, Blairgowrie, Perthshire; 4th September 2011.  http://blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk/ Popular attractions at this gathering also include bird of prey demonstrations and the Celtic game of Shinty, a variant of hockey played with ball and sticks.

Pitlochry Highland Games, Pitlochry, Perthshire; Saturday 10th September 2011.                 http://www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk/ In addition to usual traditional events there are also cycling races and a mass parade of pipe bands.

In addition to these major events many communities hold smaller gatherings to which all are welcome. Indeed you may find yourself competing in some events if you so choose! Enjoy your visit to Scotland and the Highland Games of your choice.

To help you plan your visit a full list and information of Highland Games so far confirmed for 2011 and compiled by Visit Scotland.com, the official site of Scotland’s national tourism organisation appears below. http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/see-and-do/events 3/highlandgames/highland-games2011

Learn more about this author, Antony J Waller.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.