Highland Games are one of Scotland’s great living traditions — colourful, high-spirited gatherings of sport, music and dance held in towns and villages across the country throughout the summer. From the skirl of massed bagpipes to the sight of a burly athlete tossing a caber, they offer a wonderful window into Scottish culture and are a highlight of any summer visit.
What are the Highland Games?
The Games have their roots in the clan gatherings of centuries past, when chiefs would test the strength, skill and speed of their men. They were revived and popularised in the Victorian era — not least thanks to Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm — and today dozens of Games take place each year, mostly between May and September.
The heavy events
The signature spectacle is the “heavy events”, where kilted athletes compete in feats of raw strength:
- Tossing the caber — flipping a huge wooden pole end over end; the most iconic event of all.
- Putting the stone — similar to the shot put, using a heavy stone.
- Throwing the hammer and the weight over the bar.
- Tug o’ war — teams battling it out to roars from the crowd.
Dancing, piping and more
Alongside the athletics, Games feature Highland dancing competitions (including the Highland Fling and Sword Dance), solo and massed pipe bands, hill races, and children’s events. There are usually food stalls, craft stands and clan tents, making for a full and festive day out.
Famous Highland Games
The most celebrated is the Braemar Gathering in the Cairngorms each September, traditionally attended by the Royal Family. Other big events include the Cowal Highland Gathering at Dunoon (the largest), and popular Games at Oban, Ballater, Aboyne, Inveraray and many more towns across the Highlands and beyond.
Visiting the Highland Games
Games are held from late spring to early autumn — check dates when planning your trip (see the best time to visit Scotland). Arrive early for parking, bring layers and waterproofs whatever the forecast, and enjoy the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What are Highland Games?
Traditional Scottish gatherings combining heavy athletics (like tossing the caber), Highland dancing, pipe bands and other events, held across Scotland in summer.
When are the Highland Games held?
Mostly between May and September, with the famous Braemar Gathering taking place in early September.
What is tossing the caber?
The signature Highland Games event, in which an athlete flips a large wooden pole (the caber) end over end so it lands pointing away from them.
Which is the most famous Highland Games?
The Braemar Gathering in the Cairngorms, traditionally attended by members of the Royal Family, is the best known; the Cowal Gathering at Dunoon is the largest.
