
Caber Toss Demonstration
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Scotland's Highland games are usually one-day events taking place in outdoor spaces across the country. Built around traditional Highland sports such as the caber toss, tug o' war and the hammer throw, a Highland games event also includes Highland dancing and music, and lots of family fun such as food and craft stalls and games.
Many events will also involve livestock events, parades and even best-dressed pet competitions. Some Highland games continue into the night with more music gigs, ceilidhs and discos.
Our Highland games are so popular, that when Scots emigrated to other lands, they took the tradition across the world with them. Highland games have taken place in America since 1836, but also run in other countries such as Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Brazil. But there's no better way to experience them than in their original country!
Where are the Highland Games?
Though they may have started in Highland Scotland, the games these days stretch right across Scotland from the far north coast of the Highlands, out west to the island of South Uist, east to Aberdeenshire and south to Peebles.
When are the Highland Games?
The Highland games events season begins in May with the Gourock Highland Games, it peaks in July and August with over 30 events each month, and comes to a close towards the end of September. Most Highland games events take place at the weekend, on either a Saturday or a Sunday.

Ballater Highland Games
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Highland Games Events in 2023
Every Highland games event has a unique character and tradition and many are held in simply stunning locations. Make new friends with the locals and other visitors as you enjoy our Scottish hospitality and watch a gripping sporting spectacle of champions, with dancing, music and more.
Experience the Highland games in all its glory and enjoy the amazing atmosphere that the games offer.
- Forres Highland Games, 8 July 2023
- Luss Highland Games, date TBC for 2023
- Dundonald Highland Games, date TBC for 2023
- Bridge of Allan Highland Games, 6 August 2023
- Cortachy Highland Games, date TBC for 2023
- Stirling Highland Games, 19 August 2023
- Crieff Highland Gathering, 20 August 2022
- Cowal Highland Gathering, date TBC for 2023
- Braemar Highland Games, 2 September 2023
- Pitlochry Highland Games, 9 September 2023