The Most Anticipated Highland Games in 2025

For many people, the Highland Games are as iconic to Scotland as whisky, haggis, kilts and bagpipes. Moreover, this uniquely Scottish event is held yearly in Scotland from May to September. At the Highland Games, you can see exciting competitions for strength, bagpipe playing and Highland dancing, which are very Scottish. In this guide, we will explore the origins of the Highland Games, their development, the time of holding them, iconic events, and tips for enjoying them. Most importantly, it also mentions 8 Scottish Highland Games worth looking forward to in 2025.     

What Are the Highland Games? 

The Highland Games celebrate Scottish traditions, which are essential to Scottish culture. Today, the Highland Games are as iconic to Scotland as the kilt and whiskey. They include various sporting events and a rich Scottish atmosphere, from bagpipe playing and Highland dancing to pole throwing. The Highland Games are not limited to sporting events but often include various family-friendly activities such as food and craft stalls, livestock activities, parades and even the best pet costume competition.

Origin of the Highland Games

The history of the Highland Games can be traced back centuries. Many believe its origins can be traced back to the 11th century. Initially, the Highland Games were thought to be a way for tribal leaders to select the strongest and most capable warriors. For example, some believe that the Highland Games originated from a race held by King Malcolm III of Scotland on Craig Joynitch Hill outside Braemar to select a new messenger.

Development of the Highland Games

Since its inception, the Highland Games have been popular until the enactment of the Banishment Act in 1746. During the 40 years that the Act was in effect, Scottish costumes, customs, and gatherings (including the Highland Games) were banned. The Act was repealed in 1782, and the Highland Games were resumed. When the Scots immigrated to other countries, they brought this tradition to all parts of the world. Today, the Highland Games are held almost everywhere, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, Hungary, Bermuda, Chile, and Australia.

When and Where Will the 2025 Highland Games Be Held? 

Unlike most major sporting events, the Highland Games are not held just once. Today, many Highland Games are held worldwide at different times of the year. So, where and when will the 2025 Highland Games be held? Below is a discussion of where and when the 2025 Highland Games will be held.

Where Will the 2025 Highland Games Be Held?

Unsurprisingly, the Highland Games are held all over their origins (Scotland), from the coast in the far north of the Scottish Highlands southwards to Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Wherever you are in Scotland in 2025, you can be sure that a Highland Games is nearby.

When Will the 2025 Highland Games Be Held?

In 2025, the Highland Games will usually run from May to September. The season begins on May 11 with the Gourock Highland Games. The peak season is in July and August. Over 30 Highland Games events are held in Scotland every month until the end of September. Most Highland Games are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays.

The following are some of the Highland Games that will be held in Scotland in 2025, announced by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association:

For a complete list of Scottish Highland Games, visit the RSHGA website.

The Most Anticipated Highland Games in 2025

There are dozens or even hundreds of Highland Games held in various parts of Scotland every year. No matter which Highland Games you attend in Scotland, you will have a good experience. Here are eight popular representative Highland Games in Scotland from May to mid-September:

Gourock Highland Games

Location: Greenock Sports Complex, Eldon St, Greenock PA16 7QG, UK

Date: Sun May 11, 2025

Website: https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/

Ticket Price: Free

Events: Pipe Band Contest, Highland Dance, Female Heavyweights, Heavyweights

On May 11, 2025, the Gourock Highland Games will be Scotland's first Highland Games 2025. This game is free and open to everyone. At this year's Gourock Highland Games, you can see Highland dancing competitions, bagpipe and drum band competitions, mini Highland Games, children's entertainment, gift and craft stalls, and more.

Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games

Location: Rhu Road Higher, Helensburgh, G84 8JR

Date: Sat June 7, 2025

Website: https://www.hlhighlandgames.scot/

Ticket Price: Adult tickets (over 17 years old) are £8, children's tickets (5-16 years old) are £4

Events: Running, Heavyweights, Highland Dance, Hillrace, Female Heavyweights

The Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games are suitable for almost all ages. From thrilling pole tossing and hill races to exhilarating Highland dancing, participants will challenge their physical limits in the highland events.

Lochcarron Highland Games

Location: Attadale Estate, Strathcarron IV54 8YX

Date: Sat July 19, 2025

Website: https://www.lochcarrongames.org.uk/

Events: Running, Heavyweights, Tug of War, Light Field Events, Hillrace

The Lochcarron Highland Games, held in beautiful Wester Ross in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, welcomes people of all ages to come and watch. You can see traditional heavyweight events, athletics events, Highland dances, and bagpipe performances here. On the day of the Lochcarron Highland Games, you can also enter the Attadale Gardens for free to enjoy the tranquillity.

Halkirk Highland Games

Location: Halkirk, KW12 6YN

Date: Sat July 26, 2025

Website: https://www.halkirkgames.co.uk/

Ticket Price: Adult tickets are £10, children's tickets (12-16 years old) are £5

Events: Running, Cycling, Heavyweights, Solo Piping, Highland Dance, Light Field Events, Youth Cycling

Halkirk Highland Games, held in Caithness, the northernmost county of Scotland, is a traditional and fantastic Scottish sports event. The Halkirk Highland Games attract about 3,000 spectators every year. In the competition here, you will see track and field athletes, cyclists, bagpipers, Scottish Highland dancers and others competing for the highest awards.

Aboyne Highland Games

Location: Green, Charlestown Rd, Aboyne AB34 5EL

Date: Sat August 2, 2025

Website: https://aboynegames.com/

Ticket Price: Adults (over 16) £15, children (5-15) £5

Events: Running, Heavyweights, Tug of War, Solo Piping, Highland Dance, Light Field Events, Hillrace

The Aboyne Highland Games, held in the most beautiful part of Aberdeenshire, is considered by most to be the "traditional Highland Games" and attracts thousands of visitors every year. At the Aboyne Highland Games, you can watch dancing, violin, bagpipes, tug of war, hill races and various traditional Highland Games events.

Stirling Highland Games

Location: Stirling Sports Village, Borrowmeadow Farm Road, Stirling, FK7 7UJ, Scotland

Date: Sat August 16, 2025

Website: https://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Ticket Price: £10.50 for adults (over 16s), £5.25 for youth (13-15s) and concessions (seniors/students/carers)

Events: Running, Cycling, Heavyweights, Highland Dance, Light Field Events, Adaptive Heavyweights, Junior Heavyweights

At the Stirling Highland Games, you can see running, cycling, highland dancing and light field sports. In addition, you can also browse the craft stalls, art stalls, street food vendors, beer bars, whiskey bars, and activity challenge areas for children to enjoy while watching the games.

Braemar Highland Gathering

Location: Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Broombank Terrace, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YX

Date: Sat September 6, 2025

Website: https://www.braemargathering.org/

Ticket Price: From £25 (Seated Tickets)

Events: Running, Heavyweights, Heavyweights, Tug of War, Solo Piping, Highland Dance, Light Field Events, Hillrace

As we all know, Braemar Highland Gathering is one of Scotland's largest and most lively Highland Games. This highland game attracts people from all over the world and members of the British royal family. At Braemar Highland Gathering, you can see single bagpipe competitions, Scottish Highland dancing, athletics, tug of war, Scottish heavy races (including hammer throwing, stone pushing and wooden pole throwing) and the famous gathering hill race.

Pitlochry Highland Games

Location: Recreation Ground, Ferry Road, PH16 5DZ

Date: Sat September 13, 2025

Website: https://www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk/

Ticket Price (including booking fee): Adults £11, Children (5-16 years) £2.25

Events: Running, Cycling, Heavyweights, Tug of War, Solo Piping, Pipe Band Contest, Highland Dance, Light Field Events, Youth Cycling, Female Heavyweights, Junior Heavyweights

The Pitlochry Highland Games is usually the last in Scotland each year, and there are a variety of activities throughout the day for you to enjoy. As early as 1852, Pitlochry hosted the Highland Games. In addition to the large-scale traditional events, you can see dancing, bagpipes, cycling and running at the Pitlochry Highland Games.

Iconic Events at the Highland Games

Because the Highland Games are so vast and varied, listing everything you can expect to see at a Highland Games event would be difficult. So here are just a few of the iconic events you'll typically see:

Caber Toss

The Caber Toss is considered the most iconic and popular Highland Games event. Competitors throw a wooden pole (a full length of wood about 19 feet tall) into the air with both hands. The competition is not judged on how far the pole can be thrown but on whether or not it lands upright after flipping in the air. It tests not only the strength of the competitors but also their balance and precision.

Hammer Throw

The Hammer Throw is a more well-known event. However, unlike the Olympic hammer throw, this event requires competitors to swing a metal hammer attached to a long wooden pole with all their might. Note that in this event, the athlete's feet must remain still. The criterion is to throw the hammer as far as possible. The men's hammer weighs 22 pounds (10 kilograms), while the women's hammer weighs 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms).

Shot Put

Similar to the shot put event in the Olympics, competitors must run a short distance to throw the shot put as far as possible. However, in the Highland Games, competitors use stones (about 20 pounds) instead of steel balls.

Tug of War

Tug of war is still popular in Scotland's Highland Games. Two teams (usually eight people) are at each rope's end. The criterion for this event is whether the opponent at one end of the rope pulls the opponent's mark about 6 feet past the centre line. Usually, this event is a best-of-three game.

Weight for Height

Weight for Height is also called weight over bar. Competitors in this event need to throw a weight with a handle from between their legs and over a horizontal bar with one hand. The weight thrown by women is usually 28 pounds (about 11 kilograms), while the weight thrown by men is usually 56 pounds (about 24 kilograms). The height of the horizontal bar increases with each round of the competition, and the competitors have three attempts at each height of the horizontal bar. The criterion is to get the most successful throws.

Tips for Enjoying the Highland Games

The Highland Games are Scotland's most distinctive traditional event, combining sports, music, dance, and folklore, and they are full of unique charm. Whether it's your first time or you want to enhance your experience, these tips can help you enjoy the event better:

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

The Highland Games in various parts of Scotland are held at different times, so log in to the official website in advance to check the information. For example, popular events such as the Cowal Highland Gathering or Braemar Highland Games require advance ticket booking. If the Highland Games are held in a remote area, booking nearby accommodation in advance or planning a self-driving route is recommended.

Tip 2: Dress Appropriately

When attending the Scottish Highland Games, you can wear kilts or tartan clothing to experience the Scottish style. The games are mainly held outdoors on grass or in parks, and comfortable and waterproof shoes are a must for standing or walking for long periods.

Tip 3: Highland Games Packing List

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Highland Games, which combines sports competition and Scottish culture, consider preparing and packing the following items and equipment.

The above packing list is for reference only; please adjust it to fit your needs. Some Highland Games venues prohibit using selfie sticks or tripods, so confirm the rules beforehand. In addition, avoid bringing sharp objects (such as knives) into the spectator area to prevent accidental scratches on others or yourself.

Tip 4: Special Events Viewing Tips

If you want to enjoy the Caber Toss, pay attention to the player's throwing angle and the landing posture of the stake (a vertical landing is best). Pay attention to the player's unique stone grip and force in the shot put competition.

Tip 5: Spectator Safety Tips

Please follow the warning signs at the venue and watch the game in the designated area. Avoid entering the competition site, especially the throwing area of the hammer and shot put. After entering the crowded Highland Games site, keep your belongings. If you bring children, please take care of them to prevent them from getting lost or accidentally injured by the equipment.

Tip 6: Respect Traditions and Etiquette

Please be polite when participating in Highland Games activities. For example, applaud when enjoying the performance and respect the efforts of the players and performers. However, some ceremonies of the Highland Games (such as the opening ceremony) require silence, especially when there are bagpipe performances. In addition, some competition areas may have restricted access, so please follow the staff's instructions.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Highland Games Event

Highland Games in the UK are fantastic, lively outdoor events. They are often held in scenic but potentially remote locations where access to mains power is very limited or non-existent. This is precisely where a Jackery Portable Power Station can benefit various people attending.

Highland Games are often all-day events. A Jackery allows you to keep your smartphone charged for taking photos and videos of the caber toss, Highland dancing, and pipe bands, staying in touch with friends or family at the event, or even looking up event schedules if available online. You can also recharge cameras, power banks, or tablets.  

Depending on the unpredictable UK weather and the specific Jackery Portable Power Station's capacity, you could power a small USB fan on a rare hot day or even a low-wattage heated seat cushion or small electric blanket if it gets chilly.

If attending with family or friends, a single Jackery (like an Explorer 240 v2) can be a central charging point for multiple people's devices throughout the day.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, perfect for any event, including Highland Games.

Enough Power for Event: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering portable fans, cameras, or tablets.

Various Recharging Methods: MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging methods.          

Durability & Reliability: The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. After 2,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with daily charging.   

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Review from Our User:

This mini Jackery is fantastic! I've been using it for a couple of months now. Regarding charging, it's swift in ideal conditions and performs well overall; I don't anticipate hitting the 100W max. I briefly reached 93W, but the average is around 35W. It does tend to slow down in colder temperatures, dropping to about 15W.

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 portable power station can be a helpful companion for any event indoors or outdoors. At around 3.5 kg and with a foldable handle, it's relatively easy to carry to any location. It features AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and a carport, allowing you to simultaneously charge or power various devices.

Portable Power Solution: The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station integrates a robust 256Wh capacity inside a compact framework. Equipped with 1 AC outlet, 1 USB-A port, and 1 USB-C port, it can simultaneously charge up to 5 devices, facilitating various appliances' rapid and efficient powering.

5 Ports & 1-Hour Charging: Now equipped with USB-C input and output capabilities, it facilitates 100W PD Two-Way Fast Charging. It features emergency flash charging, achieving a full charge in under one hour. Illuminate your stall, especially if it is under a gazebo on overcast days or if the event extends towards dusk. Good lighting makes your stall more inviting and professional.

Clean & Zero Emissions: Embrace sustainability with the Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2. Experience rapid solar charging that achieves a complete recharge in under 3 hours, providing clean energy at any location and time. It functions silently at 42dB, producing no pollutants or fumes, rendering it suitable for outdoor excursions.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Review from Our User:

The Explorer 240 V2 has been on my wish list for a while. I love how small it is and how many devices it can run. As someone who loves camping on the weekends, this seems like the perfect way to keep my phone charged and maybe even run a small fan.

Highland Games FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Highland Games in the UK:

1. How long do Highland Games last?

In Scotland, the Highland Games usually last about five months (early May to late September).

2. What is the biggest Highland Games in the world?

Today, the largest and most prestigious Highland Games is The Braemar Gathering, held every September.

3. What are the Highland Games?

While the events vary from Highland Games to Highland Games, they usually include the following events:

Caber toss

Tug of war

Hammer throw

Highland Dancing

Shot put

Weight for-height

Sheaf toss

Haggis hurling

Heavy contests

Highland clans

Stone put

Bagpipe contests

4. Can anyone participate in the Highland Games as an athlete in Scotland?

In Scotland, you need to register with the RSHGA to participate as an athlete in official Highland Games and events. If you are successfully registered as an athlete with the RSHGA, you can join in all Highland Games meetings and competitions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Highland Games, which have a history of hundreds of years, are part of Scottish culture and are still very popular today. The Highland Games are a display of athletic competition for most people. At the Highland Games, you can usually see iconic events such as Caber Toss, Hammer Throw, Shot Put, Tug of War, Weight for Height, etc. Whether you are a traveller planning to visit Scotland or a history buff interested in Scottish culture, this blog can provide all the information you need about the Highland Games.