It’s game on for Scotland’s annual contests of Highland dancing, heavyweights and caber tossing!
WORDS: KATRINA PATRICK
1 Inverness Highland Games
The biggest games in the north of Scotland takes place in Bught Park Arena, Inverness, on July 13. The first games here in 1822 included a prize of five guineas for the person who was fastest at pulling the leg off a dead cow. Thankfully, that competition has been dropped during the intervening centuries, but other events remain close to tradition, providing an entertaining day out for all with food stands and a craft tent.
aboutinverness.co.uk/inverness-events/inverness-highland-games
2 St Ronan’s Border Games
Founded by poet and novelist James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, in 1827, these games form a week-long celebration across July 13-20 this year. As well as the traditional activities, visitors can see the silver arrow for which athletes originally competed, and the unique Cleikum Ceremonies. These see a local installed as a representative of the town’s patron saint St Ronan, re-enacting the tale of the saint driving the devil out of town. Don’t miss the torchlit procession to the top of Caerlee Hill. stronansgames.org.uk
3 Stirling Highland Games
Set within Stirling Sports Village, this games field is fantastic for spectators, offering amazing panoramic views of the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbe and Stirling Castle. If, that is, you can tear your eyes away from the competitions, including Highland dancing, all the heavyweight events, cycling, racing and special competitions just for kids. stirlinghighlandgames.com
4 Bute Highland Games
If you fancy a real adventure, then hop on a ferry bound for the Isle of
Bute to take in the games on August 24! At this event you can enjoy the competitions, pipe bands and Highland dancing, and snack at the many food stalls on local, gourmet produce.
Don’t miss your chance to watch a match of shinty, Scotland’s more hazardous and entertaining answer to hockey.
butehighlandgames.org
5 Crieff Highland Gathering
An essential part of any Highland Gathering is the heavyweight competition, and Crieff in Perthshire hosts the most prestigious of them all – the Scottish Heavyweight Championships. Open to entrants from around the worl
