Scottish Highland Games Association
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s ancient Highland games.

See hundreds of years of this tradition vibrantly depicted in Disney•Pixar’s Brave. A show of strength and honour, it continues to be a major cultural event in Scotland and worldwide.

Disney•Pixar’s Brave captures a snapshot of many aspects of Scottish culture and in one memorable scene, a particular tradition is vividly brought to life. Mystique still surrounds the Scottish Highland games, a traditional clash of titans dating back centuries. The early Celts living in Scotland would have viewed the event as a war game to test the mettle of the strongest and most courageous fighters.

Over time, they grew to be a means of appointing an entourage. Clan chieftains were known to select the fastest runners for couriers, the fittest and most formidable competitors for bodyguards and the best dancers and musicians for their entertainment. In Merida’s case, the time-honoured tradition is used to find her a suitable husband though the impetuous, flame-haired heroine of Brave is far from enamoured with her suitors.

Today, more than 60 games are held in towns and villages across Scotland between May and September by the governing body, the Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA). Some are even held in the atmospheric grounds of castles, such as the games at Drumtochty Castle or the Strathmore Highland Games at Glamis Castle, the stunning 14th century fortress immortalised in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Bringing together communities in a colourful celebration of Scottish heritage, the Highland games in the 21st century are no longer about demonstrating skills to wage war. They are great social gatherings with an electric festival atmosphere, attracting thousands of revellers each year and are a must-see event in Scotland.

The biggest - the Braemar Highland Gathering - regularly welcomes many thousands of visitors to cheer on the competitors as they display their Herculean strength. Spectators can watch in awe as kilted participants contend in events like tossing the caber, the hammer throw, shot put and the tug-o-war. No games are the same, with a variety of events, food, dancing and music to savour at each one.

Enjoy this fantastic spectacle in Disney•Pixar’s Brave, then experience a traditional Scottish Highland games for yourself.