Hands up for the Games
HIGHLAND Games are among the summer’s most exciting and colourful spectacles. There are many games and gatherings taking place across the country, bringing together local communities, international athletes, spectators and visitors for a lovely family day out. Check out some upcoming games you won’t want to miss.
Near Crieff, experience the traditional Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games tomorrow for dancing, a pipe band, a Clan March, heavyweight, and track and field events. There will also be fun races for children, trade stands, a picnic, and a traditional folk band.
lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk
In the north, Durness in Sutherland will be hosting its traditional Highland games with track and field events, piping, Highland dancing and plenty of children’s activities on July 28.
durnesshighlandgathering.co.uk
Halkirk Highland Games, near Thurso, was established in 1886 and attracts crowds of up to 3,000 people. Come along for pipers, Highland dancers, track and field events, hammer throw, shot putt, and a variety of stalls, food and drink, a fun fair and more.
halkirkgames.co.uk
A newcomer to the scene, the St Andrews Highland Games, hosts a variety of traditional events and competitions, including running, heavy weights, tug-o-war, and Highland dancing. Come along for a fun, family day out on July 30 at Station Park near St Andrews Links.
standrewshighlandgames.co.uk
In Perthshire, the Killin Highland Games on August 2 hosts Highland dancing, shot putt, hammer throw, an open hill race, and several piping competitions, including the March, Strathspey and Reel, and The Jig.
killingames.co.uk
On August 5 enjoy several Highland games across the country, including in Newtonmore, Dundonald in Ayrshire, and North Berwick, East Lothian, all with spectacular performances from pipe bands, the ever-popular heavy events, traditional Highland dancing, and a variety of events for the kids to take part.
shga.co.uk/events/newtonmorehighland-games/
At Dundonald there will also be a range of food & drink, arts and crafts stalls, dog agility displays, and battle re-enactments.
dundonald-games.org.uk/
The North Berwick Highland Games will be celebrating their 22nd anniversary this year, so don’t miss out.
northberwickhighland games.org/
In Stirling, the Bridge of Allan Highland Games, on August 6, attracts between 8,000 to 10,000 people each year and hosts heavyweight competitions, welcomes around 200 Highland dancers, over 1,000 pipers, and includes a range of trade stands, refreshment stalls, and craft activities.
bofagames.com/
Held in Monaltrie Park, Aberdeenshire on August 10, the Ballater Highland Games will include circuits from the Glenfiddich Heavy Events Championships and the Grampian Games Qualifying Championships. There will also be stalls, trade stands, a fun fair, and heavy and field events.
ballaterhighlandgames.com/
On September 2, head to the Peebles Highland Games for competitions including pipe bands, heavy events, and Highland dancing, malt whisky and Scottish gin tasting, haggis hurling, stalls, fairground rides and much more.
peebles-highland-games.org/
For more about the Games, see shga.co.uk/events.php