Sporting Events in Scotland

Do you love sport? Well, you'll be pleased to know that Scotland does too! All kinds of events are hosted across the country every year, and you can be part of the crowd!

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Scotland on a Global Stage

We've hosted some pretty major events, with millions of people across the world tuning in to see the sporting action unfold in Scottish arenas and iconic venues. We've had the the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Perthshire and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - it was hailed by many as being the best games ever and we (modestly) have to agree!

Explore Top Sporting Events in Scotland

These landmark events were followed up by FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2015, the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in 2016, the TOTAL BWF Badminton World Championships in 2017, the European Championships in 2018, the Solheim Cup in 2019 and the UCI Track Nations Cup and The 150th Open in 2022.

And there's plenty more to come - Scotland will host:

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Glasgow and Scotland - 3-13 August 2023

Spectator sports

Common Ridings

This spectacular horse-riding festival held in the Scottish Borders is one of Britain's best-kept secrets.

12 cycling events in Scotland you won't want to miss

There are wonderful routes to explore any day of the year and also a great selection of fantastic cycling events to join or for spectators

Shinty

A sport which is at the heart of many communities across the Highlands, shinty is played with wooden sticks and a ball and has been compared with field hockey. This ancient sport runs in the blood and often you'll find different generations of the same family in teams.

Rugby

Scotland has an appetite for rugby, no matter what level of the game. From the full internationals against the world's best right down to weekly club games, you'll find plenty of enthusiasm, drama and excitement, both on and off the pitch.

Horse Racing

A day at the races can be a lot of fun! In Scotland, there's a range of historic thoroughbred racecourses in the likes of Ayr, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Dress up for a race day and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Take part in sports

It's not always about being on the side lines or in the audience - there are some amazing opportunities to get involved in mass participation events.

Curling

See one of Scotland's oldest sports played out on one of 22 ice rinks across the country, usually between September and April. If temperatures dip below zero, you might even get to catch a game on a traditional curling pond! You might even fancy having a go yourself!

Peninsula trikes in Glen Fruin; near Helensburgh

Motorsports

Love the sound of a purring engine? Got the need for speed? Then check out some of Scotland's motoring events - there's thrilling island rallies, powerful supercars circuiting race tracks, and exhilarating speedways.

Golf

If you want to see some of the best golfers in the world play on the most challenging golf courses, come to Scotland - it's The Home of Golf, you know! Scotland hosts some of the biggest tournaments in golf each year, such as the Open Championship.

Mountain biker, Jamie Edmondson at Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre

© Ed Smith

Mountain Biking

See dirt fly, impressive speeds and great skills as top riders tackle unforgiving and testing trails at thrilling events such as the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, held every year in Fort William in the Highlands.

Enjoy a sporting holiday in Scotland

Canoeing in southern Ayrshire.

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

Active breaks

If seeing the wide variety of events on offer has inspired you to try out a new sport , or add in some new and exciting experiences on your trip to Scotland, we think you'll love these!

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Scotland on a Global Stage