EDITOR’S DIARY

Want to know the events the Scotland team is circling in our calendars in the coming months, well here are just a few…

FIVE OF THE BEST… HIGHLAND GAMES

1

The Atholl Gathering & Highland Games

27 & 28 May 2023

Taking place in the grounds of one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, Blair Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Murray, this annual event (pictured below) includes a parade by Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders (who can trace their origins back to Queen Victoria) on the Saturday. On the Sunday there will be traditional ‘strong’ games – such as the caber toss and throwing the hammer – plus piping competitions. atholl-estates.co.uk/events/atholl-gathering 2

Luss Highland Games

1 July 2023

Held along the shores of Loch Lomond since 1875 (except for the World Wars etc), these games have become the unocial annual gathering for members of Clan Colquhoun. However, you don’t need to be a Colquhoun to enjoy the event, as at its heart is a strong sense of community in events such as the local hill race, while you won’t want to miss the Tug o’ War. lusshighlandgames.co.uk

3

Mull Highland Games

20 July 2023

Highland games on the islands have a particularly local feel, largely because they’re just that bit harder for outsiders to get to. This year, even more locals are expected to attend the Highland Games in Mull as it’s the centenary year. So book your ferry ticket and go and celebrate with the islanders and whoop and holler at gloriously old-fashioned-sounding events such as the ‘hop, step, and leap’ and the famous Tobermory Galleon Cannonball Throw. mullhighlandgames.com

4

Cowal Highland Gathering

24-26 August 2023

The biggest Highland Games in the world, the Cowal event in Dunoon, Argyll, attracts an enormous 23,000 visitors each year. As well as all the traditional Highland games elements, there are a few curve balls thrown in, such as a fun run and even a mountain biking competition. For many though, attending these games is all about the poignant finale when the massed pipers and drummers unite in a rendition of Highland Laddie as the sun goes down over the Firth of Clyde. cowalgathering.com

5

The Braemar Gathering and Highland Games

2 September 2023

If Cowal is the biggest Highland games then Braemar is perhaps the most famous, initially endorsed by Queen Victoria and later frequented by Queen Elizabeth II, who would attend from her nearby holiday home of Balmoral. Expect all the traditional events alongside some spectacular Highland dancing, piping and drumming, as well as a royal guest or two. braemargathering.org