Highland Games 2026 in Scotland: Complete Calendar, Events & Visitor Guide

Summer in Scotland is synonymous with the Highland Games. These one‑day outdoor festivals combine traditional sports, music, dancing and family fun. The games are rooted in Scottish culture; they have taken place for centuries and are celebrated by communities across the country. In 2026 the programme is bigger than ever: more than 60 games will run from May to September, drawing locals and visitors to glens, towns and islands to watch cabers being tossed, pipes skirling and athletes competing. This guide explains what the Highland Games are, lays out the 2026 calendar, and gives practical advice so you can plan your trip.

What Are the Highland Games?

The Highland Games are a series of sporting and cultural events held in villages, towns and cities across Scotland. They are often called Scotland’s “Olympics with a tartan twist” because competitors show off strength and skill in events such as the caber toss, hammer throw, weight for height, shot put, and tug‑o‑war. There is also Highland dancing and solo piping competitions, plus massed pipe bands filling the air with music. Many games include livestock parades, best‑dressed pet competitions and even evening ceilidhs.

Historically, the games may date back to King Malcolm III’s 11th‑century race up Creag Chòinnich near Braemar to select a swift messenger. Clan chiefs later used these competitions to recruit the strongest fighters. The gatherings were suppressed after the 1746 Act of Proscription, which outlawed kilts and bagpipes, but they were revived following the act’s repeal and are now a proud expression of Scottish identity.

Popular events you’ll see

• Caber toss: competitors attempt to flip a tapered log (up to 5.9 m long and about 79 kg) end‑over‑end; success is judged on how straight the caber falls.
• Hammer throw: athletes spin a 22‑lb (10 kg) metal ball attached to a wooden shaft, wearing spiked shoes to grip the ground.
• Stone put (shot put): similar to modern shot put; stones weigh 20-26 lb and are thrown from a stationary or short run.
• Weight for height/distance: an iron weight is tossed over a bar for height or thrown for distance.
• Tug‑o‑war: two teams of eight pull a rope; the aim is to drag the marker across the line.
• Highland dancing: dancers perform routines such as the Highland Fling and Sword Dance.

Highland Games 2026 Calendar

The games traditionally begin in May and end by mid‑September, with peak season in July and August. Below is the 2026 schedule. Always confirm dates locally, as some smaller games may change.

May 2026

Game	Date	Location
Gourock Highland Games	Sun 10 May	Battery Park, Gourock, marks the official start of the season.
Gordon Castle Highland Games	Sun 17 May	Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers, hosts massed pipe bands and heavy events.
Atholl Gathering & Highland Games	Sun 24 May	Blair Castle, Pitlochry preceded by the Atholl Highlanders’ parade.
Blackford Highland Games	Sat 30 May	Blackford.

June 2026

Game	Date	Location
Cornhill	Sat 6 Jun	Cornhill, heavy events and family fun.
Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games	Sat 6 Jun	Helensburgh Cricket & Rugby Football Club; free shuttle bus from town centre.
Braemar Junior Games	Sat 6 Jun	Braemar for ages 5–18, encouraging youngsters to try traditional events.
Markinch	Sun 7 Jun	Markinch, Fife.
Strathmore	Sun 14 Jun	Glamis Castle.
Lesmahagow / Oldmeldrum	Sat 20 Jun	South Lanarkshire & Aberdeenshire.
Ceres Games	Sat 27 Jun	Ceres, Fife; the oldest continuous Highland games since 1314.
Drumtochty	Sat 27 Jun	Drumtochty, Aberdeenshire.
Kenmore	Wed 1 Jul	See July.

July 2026

July is when the games truly explode. Highlights include:

• Luss & Glengarry (Sat 4 Jul) n the banks of Loch Lomond and in Glengarry.
• Alva Games (Sat 11 Jul): Known for its hill race up 147‑m Quarry Hill.
• Inverness Highland Games (Sat 11 Jul): Held at Bught Park. Since 1837 the Inverness games have been one of Scotland’s premier events; 2026 promises a bigger festival with Highland dancing, caber tossing, strongman contests, piping, haggis hurling and a marketplace. The day includes local food stalls and craft vendors.
• Lochcarron (Sat 18 Jul): Scenic west coast setting.
• Tomintoul & Strathavon (Sat 18 Jul): The highest village in the Highlands.
  Stonehaven (Sun 19 Jul), Burntisland (Mon 20 Jul) and Inveraray (Tue 21 Jul): Each offers a mix of athletic and cultural competitions.
• Mull (Thu 23 Jul): Includes a bagpipe competition.
• Airth, Balquhidder/Lochearnhead/Strathyre, Dufftown, Halkirk (Sat 25 Jul): Multiple games across the country.
• St Andrews (Sun 26 Jul): Features massed pipe bands.

August 2026

Game	Date	Notes
Newtonmore, Aboyne, Aberlour Strathspey & Mey	Sat 1 Aug	Four games on the first Saturday.
Bridge of Allan	Sun 2 Aug	Held in the shadow of Stirling Castle, featuring heavyweight competitions, athletics and wrestling.
Isle of Skye Highland Games	Wed 5 Aug	On the shores of Portree; includes a dinghy regatta, rowing races, tug‑o‑war and caber toss; takes place on the Wednesday of the first full week of August.
Killin	Wed 5 Aug	On the banks of Loch Tay.
Dornoch Gathering	Fri 7 Aug	Near the Royal Dornoch golf course.
Aberfeldy Show & Games, Brodick, Inverkeithing, Strathpeffer	Sat 8 Aug	Multiple games across the central belt and islands.
Perth	Sun 9 Aug	Takes place at Scone Palace Parklands.
Tain	Sun 9 Aug	East coast.
Ballater	Thu 13 Aug	The local gathering near Balmoral.
Assynt	Fri 14 Aug	North-west coast.
Helmsdale, Stirling	Sat 15 Aug	Stirling games include the unique Bruce Challenge; athletes carry a Scottish whin and a 164.5 kg granite boulder across a distance.
Crieff Highland Gathering	Sun 16 Aug	Home of the Scottish Heavyweight Championship.
Lonach Gathering & Games	Sat 22 Aug	At Bellabeg; known for hill racing, bagpipes and a vibrant local community.
Strathardle & Lonach	Sat 22 Aug	Additional games.
Glenurquhart	Sat 22 Aug	On the shores of Loch Ness.
Argyllshire (Oban Games)	Thu 27 Aug	Takes place in Oban with large crowds.
Birnam	Sat 29 Aug	Combines athletics and family fun.
Cowal Gathering (Dunoon)	Thu 27 – Sat 29 Aug	Often called the “Cowal Highland Gathering,” this is one of the world’s biggest games with pipe band championships and fireworks.

September 2026

Game	Date	Notes
Braemar Gathering	Sat 5 Sep	Held at the Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park in the Cairngorms; always the first Saturday of September. It features hammer throwing, putting the stone and caber tossing. The reigning monarch often attends.
Blairgowrie & Rattray Games	Sun 6 Sep	Near the River Ericht.
Pitlochry Highland Games	Sat 12 Sep	Staged in the town’s Recreation Ground; includes caber tossing, a Grand Pipe Contest and numerous stalls. Pitlochry Games were among the first to be re‑established in 1852.
Bowhill Highland Games	Sun 13 Sep	Final event of the season.

Spotlight on Key Games

Braemar Gathering (the Royal Games)

Braemar is arguably the most famous Highland Games

Location: the village of Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park, 97 km west of Aberdeen.

Date: first Saturday in September. The gathering’s history dates back to the 11th century; it was formalised by the Braemar Highland Society in 1815 and gained royal patronage in 1866. Expect to see the royal family watching events such as the hammer throw, stone put, caber toss and tug‑o‑war. A highlight is the massed pipe bands marching into the arena at noon. Arrive early: traffic queues form on the A93 road from Aberdeen, and parking is limited.

Inverness Highland Games (city‑friendly spectacle)

The Inverness Highland Games take place at Bught Park in the Highland capital. They have been held since 1837 and continue to attract thousands. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 11 July. Events include Highland dancing, caber tossing, strongman competitions, piping and haggis hurling. The field is lined with food stalls, craft vendors and a bar; there is also an Evening Ceilidh for dancing. Seating areas are first‑come, so bring a chair or picnic blanket. Accommodation in Inverness books up quickly during July; plan early.

Pitlochry Highland Games (end‑of‑season festivities)

Held on 12 September 2026 in the Victorian town of Pitlochry, these games mark the end of the season. They offer caber toss, hammer throw, athletics, dancing and a Grand Pipe Contest. The Pitlochry games are historic: Lady Feilden presented a brooch to Charles Duff in 1852 for the best Highland bagpiper. Pitlochry itself is charming, with cafés and shops along Atholl Road and a backdrop of wooded hills and the River Tummel.

Other notable games

• Lonach Gathering: Fourth Saturday of August in the village of Bellabeg; features hill racing, pipe bands and a parade of clansmen carrying pikes.
• Bridge of Allan Games: 2 August near Stirling Castle. Heavyweight competitions, athletics and wrestling create a dramatic show.
• Isle of Skye Highland Games: First full week of August; includes sailing regattas, rowing races and tug‑o‑war.
• Stirling Highland Games: Mid‑August; features the unique Bruce Challenge, where competitors carry two heavy stones across a course. The event’s proximity to Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument adds to the appeal.

Traditions & Cultural Significance

Heritage and clan culture

The games celebrate clan heritage. Pipe bands open ceremonies and accompany athletes. Clans often erect tents to welcome members and display family history. Attendees typically wear tartan kilts or clan colours. During the games you’ll hear Pibroch, classical bagpipe music and see dancers perform the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas and Sailor’s Hornpipe. These dances require stamina and precision and are judged on technique and timing.

Modern inclusivity

While heavy events were historically male‑dominated, women now compete in some disciplines. Children can try events at junior games such as Braemar Junior, and there are races for visitors at Helensburgh & Lomond. Fun activities like haggis hurling throwing a meat pudding as far as possible are open to all.

Community celebrations

Many games have evening ceilidhs (dances) and live music. For example, the Inverness Highland Games host an evening ceilidh and live entertainment in a bar tent. Food and drink stalls serve local specialities such as Aberdeen Angus burgers, craft beer and whisky, while markets sell tweed, jewellery and crafts. These events offer a chance to meet locals and immerse yourself in Scottish hospitality.

Visitor Guide – Planning Your Highland Games Trip

When to go & weather

The bulk of the Highland Games take place from late June to late August; July and August see the highest number of events.

• May/June: early games like Gourock and Atholl are quieter and offer spring blooms.
• July: peak season. Advance booking is essential for accommodation and tickets. Expect mild temperatures around 18 °C but be prepared for rain.
• August: busiest month. Some games coincide with festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
• September: fewer games but cooler weather. Pitlochry and Braemar provide autumnal colours.

Scottish weather is changeable; pack layers, waterproofs and sun cream. Wellington boots are helpful if rain has made fields muddy. Bring cash for entry fees and stalls, as card machines may be unreliable.

Getting there & transport

Most games are accessible by road. Major venues like Braemar, Pitlochry and Inverness are served by the A9 and A93 routes. Smaller games may be reached via single‑track roads, drive carefully and allow extra time. Many events offer free shuttle buses; for example, the Helensburgh & Lomond games run a shuttle from Helensburgh town centre every 15 minutes.

Chauffeur and private tours

If you prefer not to drive, consider a private chauffeur service. We and our partner, Inverness Chauffeur Hire operate from Inverness and offer hotel transfers, golfing trips and day tours across the Highlands. They have a luxury leather interior and a driver/guide with over 20 years’ experience. They can collect you from Inverness city centre, airport or nearby towns and can customise a tour to include a Highland Games visit. This service (available daily in 2026) is ideal for visitors who want a stress‑free trip to remote games.

Tickets & etiquette

• Tickets: Most games charge a small entry fee (£6–£20). Larger games like Braemar and Inverness sell tickets online in advance.
  
• Seating: Bring a camping chair or rug; seating is often limited.
  
• Dress code: Wear comfortable shoes and dress for rain or shine. Kilts are welcomed but not required.
  
• Pets: Many games are dog‑friendly; keep dogs on leads.
  
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing competitors.
  

Accommodation

Popular games (Inverness, Braemar, Pitlochry) attract big crowds. Book hotels or B&Bs months in advance, especially if traveling in July or August. Consider staying in nearby villages to avoid crowds and enjoy rural scenery. Campsites and glamping pods provide budget options; Pitlochry and the Cairngorms have excellent facilities.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Highland Games are more than sporting competitions; they are a living celebration of Scotland’s heritage. With dozens of events scheduled across the Highlands and beyond, 2026 promises a spectacular season. Whether you’re drawn by the royal atmosphere of Braemar, the city energy of Inverness, or the scenic charm of Skye and Lonach, you’ll find an event that suits your interests.

Ready to experience the Highland Games? Start planning now: check the calendar, book your tickets and accommodation early, and consider a private chauffeur service from Inverness for a hassle‑free day out. Pack your tartan, bring your enthusiasm and join Scotland’s communities in celebrating strength, tradition and fun.