HIGHLAND FLINGS
The best Scottish-themed events and clan celebrations taking place across the world – start planning now
SCOTLAND
Now until 14 January 2024 TARTAN, V&A DUNDEE
This new exhibition celebrates the global story of tartan, and its complex, rich, and sometimes painful history. vam.ac.uk/dundee/exhibitions/ tartan
29 July 2023
HALKIRK HIGHLAND GAMES, CAITHNESS
A huge event in the north of Scotland, these spectacular games attract the country’s best competitors in heavy-weight and track and field events. halkirkgames.co.uk
4-26 August 2023
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO, EDINBURGH One of the most iconic events in the city’s calendar, audiences will be spell-bound by displays of military precision. Read more on page 28. edintattoo.co.uk
4-28 August 2023
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE, EDINBURGH
The world’s largest performing arts festival descends on the city once again in August. With theatre, comedy, music and dance shows, there is nowhere we’d rather be. edfringe.com
9 August 2023
ISLE OF SKYE HIGHLAND GAMES, PORTREE
These games have been held since 1877 and are a celebration of Skye’s unique heritage. skye-highland-games. co.uk 12-20 August 2023
PIPING LIVE!, GLASGOW
This annual celebration of piping returns to the streets of Glasgow for its 20th anniversary, with performances from pipers from all over the globe. pipinglive.co.uk
2 September 2023
BRAEMAR HIGHLAND GATHERING, BRAEMAR
One of the most prestigious in the world, these games are frequently attended by royalty. Traditional events include stone throwing and caber tossing, alongside music and Highland dancing, piping, and drumming displays. braemargathering.org
USA & CANADA
4-5 August 2023
THE ST ANDREW’S SOCIETY OF DETROIT ANNUAL HIGHLAND GAMES, MI
Join the society for its 174th annual action-packed Highland Games, featuring Scottish entertainment, clans, and heavy events, as well as a cèilidh to kick everything o. highlandgames.com
11-13 August 2023
FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES, ON One of Canada’s largest Scottish events, expect pipe bands, a clan village, Scottish dancing, whisky tasting, and heavy-weight events. fergusscottishfestival.com
11-13 August 2023
GODERICH CELTIC ROOTS FESTIVAL, ON
Celebrate the worldwide appeal of Celtic music with performers from all over the globe on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. celticfestival.ca
25-26 August 2023 JAMESTOWN REGIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL & GATHERING OF THE CLANS, NY
With pipe bands, Highland dancing and an appearance from popular Canadian Celtic rock band, Mudmen, this festival is one you won’t want to miss. 96thhighlanders.com
26-27 August 2023
DOUGLAS COUNTY HIGHLAND GAMES & CLAN GATHERING, OR The 30th Oregon State Heavy Athletics Championship will see parades, sporting events and music in the picturesque grounds of the Henry Estate Winery & Vineyard. facebook.com/ events/1097016221696991
2 September 2023
CAPITAL DISTRICT SCOTTISH GAMES, NY
Pipe band championships, Highland dancing and traditional heavy-weight events will be held at these popular games at the Altamont Fairgrounds. scotgames.com
2-3 September 2023 CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES, AB
In the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, the thrill of the pipe bands echo around this celebration of all things Scottish. canmorehighlandgames.ca
AUSTRALIA
5 August 2023
THE WARRINGAH SCOTTISH SOCIETY CÈILIDH, NSW Celebrating 50 years of the Warringah Scottish Society, this is a chance to get together for a dram or two and a cèilidh. facebook.com/ WarringahScottish Society
16-20 August 2023 SCOTS IN THE BUSH, QLD
Celebrating the contribution of Scottish people to Australia, this four-day event will see pipe bands, cèilidh bands and dancers come together to perform on the historic Boondooma Homestead. boondoomahomestead. org.au