Highland Games of Scotland, a celebration of Scottish culture and the might of burly athletes, are welcoming to travelers, great for kids, and a fun way to spend a day. Find out how to attend a Highland Games event and what to expect when you’re there.
The sound of bagpipes filled the air as I settled onto a patch of grass to watch burly men in kilts attempt to hoist and flip massive timber logs.
I was about to witness a competition known as the “caber toss,” a demonstration of strength, stamina, and strategy.
This was my first Highland Games, which I attended in the seaside village of Arisaig. But you have lots of others to choose from; it was just one of more than 100 Highland Games held across Scotland annually, and they welcome visitors. If you’re curious to attend one, too, here’s what you need to know.
What are the Highland Games?
Highland Games are one-day events that take place in outdoor spaces across the northern parts of Scotland, known as the Highlands. They are celebrations of Scottish culture that feature traditional sporting events, dancing, music, food, and local handicrafts. Highland Games are family-friendly events that have the feel of a local festival.
Among the most iconic attractions are the “heavy” competitions—like caber toss, shot put, the hammer throw, and tug of war (pictured above)—where large trophies, cash prizes and local prestige are on the line. While I witnessed only men participating in Arisaig, women and para-athletes are welcomed to participate, too, according to the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association.
The caber toss is a crowd favorite within this collection of competitions, and one with practical roots: Feats of strength like log throwing once helped Scottish clans identify the best fighters for their respective armies.
Most of the modern-day, musclebound men at the Arisaig Highland Games struggled to get the giant wooden pole to flip. When one competitor finally did, the spectators framing the field erupted into cheers and high fives—myself included.
Moments like that made my Highland Games experience a vacation highlight. It was an afternoon where I immersed myself in Scotland’s colorful culture amongst locals who welcomed my attendance and curiosity.
When are Highland Games held?
Highland Games take place from May to September, peaking in the months of July and August. They typically fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
These are full-day affairs, but you needn’t feel obligated to stay the entire time—my family stayed about three hours. That was enough time to witness the dancing and most of the major competitions, enjoy some food, shop, mingle with locals, and give our toddler daughter ample time to jump in a bouncy house before continuing our Scotland adventure by car.
How can I find a Scottish Highland Games to attend?
Online calendars published by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association and Scotland Welcomes You can identify an event that may work with your travel plans. Some of the largest and most popular events include: the Cowall Highland Gathering (in Argyll); the Braemar Gathering (in Aberdeenshire); and the Inverness Highland Games (in Inverness).
While you can pre-purchase admission tickets ahead of time to some of the bigger Highland Games, other local events, like the one I attended in Arisaig, only accept cash or card payments at the entrance. (Admission cost my family £10 per adult and £5 per child, or US $13.26/ $6.60.) Definitely plan to have extra cash on-hand for food and souvenirs offered by local vendors, as most won’t accept card or digital payments, and finding an ATM in the middle of the Highlands countryside is wishful thinking.
Another thing to keep in mind: transportation to and from the event. Highland Games are often held in stunning, albeit remote, locations. Check your event’s website to determine the best train, bus or DIY driving route. For instance, the website for the Arisaig Highland Games provided detailed instructions that included SatNav and GPS coordinates, which we plugged into our rental car’s navigation.
(Credit: Shutterstock / Imladris)
What kinds of things happen at a Highland Games in Scotland?
Given the diverse array of experiences offered at each Highland Games, it’s best to grab a program guide upon arrival (or check the event website ahead of time) to determine what you wish to prioritize.
Each event typically begins with an opening ceremony of pipe bands before moving to events, conducted simultaneously in a wide area, that include Highland dancing, bagpiping, and the “heavy” competitions that the Games are famous for.
Highland Games can also involve livestock judging and silly sports that have no special significance other than to inspire laughter, such as haggis hurling.
The Arisaig Highland Games, as an example, also featured local vendors selling everything from handmade leather goods to locally produced plaids and tartans, food stalls serving up snacks like fresh-made sugar donuts and haggis-topped pizza, tents pouring local beer and whisky, and carnival-style games and rides to keep wee ones engaged.
Can I participate in Highland Games? Can kids participate?
Don’t expect to toss a caber or dance on stage to the bagpipes. Those events are reserved for pre-registered competitors who are accomplished athletes. Most attendees have a great time simply watching. However, some of the smaller Highland Games do allow spectators, including children, to participate in foot or sack races.
What are some practical things to keep in mind before attending Highland Games?
• Prior to travel, review the website for the specific Highland Games you’ll be attending. That will help you prepare logistically and educate you to the specific clan history and unique traditions you’ll witness.
• Dress in layers, wear waterproof shoes, and have rain gear. These outdoor events take place, no matter the weather, in a country where people are used to experiencing four seasons in a single day, even in summer.
• Bring a travel blanket, ideally one that’s waterproof. While some venues have seating, it’s best to be prepared with something lightweight and portable.
• Don’t expect great Wi-Fi service. Highland Games typically take place in beautifully remote areas where service may be spotty.
• Bring cash. Some vendors won’t or can’t take credit card or digital payments.
• Take out your camera. Photography, so long as it’s respectful, is welcomed.