Scotland is famous the world over for our traditional Highland Games. All summer long these spectacular events take place from north to south, and east to west. The Clyde coast town of Gourock kicks off the season in May, quickly followed by Gordon Castle then Blackford Highland Games. With a further 11 Games held throughout June, there is something for everyone.
Pipe Bands
The sound of the pipe bands at every Highland Games is one that can make the hairs stand out on your neck. Young players will come up through the ranks of their junior pipe band, perhaps dreaming that one day they may be lucky enough to attend the World Piping Championships. These are held in August every year and nearly 200 pipe bands, and thousands of pipers, travel from all over the globe to take part in Glasgow.
The winners in 2023 were Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia who had to put in a stunning performance to beat the 2022 winners and runners up. It was their first ever win at the World Championships and celebrations would have gone on long into the night!
Cycling and Heavyweight events
The history of the Scottish Highland Games is that the ancient Clan Chiefs would use certain events to choose their strongest warriors. Today men, and women, travel to Scotland to test thier skills in shotput, tug of war and the famous, unique test of tossing the caber. The long, heavy pole has to be turned completely over, keeping a straight line, an extremely difficult task needing strength and skill.
More recognisable athletics is also part of the Highland Games with runners and cyclists battling to proudly take home a medal. Highland dancers also fight for medals from a very young age, enjoying the Sword Dance or a Highland Fling.
Blair Castle Piper
John was delighted to grab a selfie with the wonderful piper at Blair Castle. She performs a fantastic set of tunes every hour while Blair Castle is open, to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Some of her tunes were composed by local musicians which added a very personal touch to the rendition.
Oban High School Pipe Band
We often visit the fery port of Oban during our tours. It is a particular pleasure if we are there on Tuesday evening when the Oban High School Pipe Band proudly perform in the town centre. As the music filters along the front of Oban Bay the crowds slowly build as they realise what a special experience it is to hear this young band playing. Tutors can be seen giving feedback to all the sutdents but to an untrained ear it is all magic! One day the World Pipe Band Championships may beckon.
July Highland Games
With 16 Highland Games held in July all across Scotland, this is a busy month. Airth, Luss, Stonehaven and Halkirk are just a few. All of these events need a band of committed volunteers who spend the year planning the Highland Games in their own local town and village. So much work goes on behind the scenes to make sure spectators enjoy a full day of fun and spectacle. The Halkirk Highland Games is one of the most northerly and has a huge following across the county of Caithness and beyond. Dancing is one of the most fiercely fought competitions and as well as the Highland Dances there may also be an Irish Jig.
Braemar Highland Games
As the summer season draws to a close, Braemar Highland Games is one of the most well known across the world. Almost every year, since Queen Victoria visited Royal Deeside in the late 19th century, a member of the Royal Family has attended. The late Queen Elizabeth II was said to always enjoy the day very much, and now King Charles is sure to attend to keep up the tradition.
If you would like to include one of these memorable Games in your itinerary then let us know and we will pick the very best for you.
