Posts for July, 2023

When is this event?

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There have been Games held in Ballater since 1864 and, apart from the war and pandemic years, the Games have continued uninterrupted until the present day. The Games have been honoured in recent times by visits from Their Majesties the King and Queen, The former, Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.

Many famous athletes and champions have competed at Ballater. Today the events form part of the circuits comprising the Glenfiddich Heavy Events Championship and the Grampian Games Qualifying Championship, which encourages the younger athletes to participate in the heavy and field events.

Ballater Highland Games prides itself in having something for everyone, young and old alike. On Games Day there are a number of varied trade stands, together with a funfair for the children. On occasion, personalities are to be seen, and one memorable day a military 25 pounder was fired to signal the start of the Hill Race.

To complete the day, Beat Retreat by the Pipe Bands is planned for 7pm on the Church Green in Ballater.

Every August, on the fourth Saturday, all roads lead to Lonach.

Travel along them to Strathdon and enjoy a day that will linger long in the memory.

A warm welcome awaits at the friendly gathering.

The Junior Highland Games has been organised to allow children between the ages of 5 and 18 the opportunity to participate in games events normally reserved for adults and hopefully create interest for the future generations. The emphasis is on fun and is intended to provide educational experiences in an informal and participative way. The event will be held in the Braemar Games Field and has backing of The Braemar Highland Society.

Children will be able to participate as well as receive education and instruction in a number of traditional games events overseen by qualified instructors.

New competitors are welcome and instruction is provided. Events include highland dancing competition, piping competition and tug of war teams events

Visit one of Scotland’s longest running Highland Games, showcasing traditional heavy and light events, highland dancing, piping competitions and lesser known entertainments like tilt the bucket and barrel racing.

From 11am – 5pm followed by a dance with the Black Rock Ceilidh Band

Held on the 3rd Saturday in July every year, for over 175 years!

A small committee of dedicated volunteers hosts a wide variety of events and activities for the entire family in the pretty Royal Deeside village of Ballater! Highlights have included Scarecrow Competitions and Trail, Films, Duck Races, Dog Show, Picnics, Pantomime/Hobby Horse Trials, Discos, Messy Play, Car Boot Sale, plus numerous Sporting, and Outdoor Events. The week surrounds The Ballater Highland Games.

Initiated in 1987 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession and to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater’s Victoria Week brings together numerous sections of the community to lay on a host of fun activities for all ages. Over the years BVW has raised thousands of pounds for local causes and continually seeks to renew and refresh itself by reflecting current trends and initiatives.

Including some shiny new events, as well as the classics, it’s set to be the biggest BVW in a few years!

Held on the Games Field in the centre of Nethy Bridge, they are one of the oldest Highland Games in the country. Known as the “Friendly Games” the Abernethy Highland Games are famous for the Massed Bands march around the arena and for being the annual Clan Grant Gathering.

Games Day starts at 10.00 am with childrens’ events and dancing competitions. The Chieftain’s Parade is at 1p.m. when the Massed Pipe Bands and Clan Grant Gathering march from the Nethybridge Hotel over the River Nethy and onto the field. The afternoon has all the traditional competitions; dancing; pipe bands; solo piping and drumming; athletics; road race and traditional heavy events – tossing the caber, hammer, weight over the bar etc.

The Atholl Gathering and Highland Games will return to Blair Castle on Sunday 28th May 2023.

The Atholl Highlanders officially open the Highland Games with a ‘March On’, led by the sound of their pipes and drums.

Strongmen from around Scotland take centre stage to battle it out. Events include tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer.

Plenty of other attractions, such as highland dancing, tug o’ war, solo piping, trade stands and refreshments provide a fun day out for all the family.

We are beyond thrilled to announce the return of the Atholl Highlanders Parade and Gathering on Saturday 27th May 2023.

The Atholl Highlanders are the only remaining private army in Europe and act as the personal bodyguard to the Duke of Atholl, who is Chief of Clan Murray. Whilst they don’t have any military role, they are armed with Lee Metford rifles and include a pipe band.

Please see our website for further information.

Braemar Royal Highland Gathering commencing at 9.30am with all the traditional events and competitions.

Massed Pipe Bands, Piping, Dancing, Tug of War, Light Events.

Lots of local food vans providing Steaks, burgers, fish & chips, ice cream, coffee & cake, bar, BBQ.

Trade stands from local suppliers – Whisky, Gin, Scottish Crafts, Clothing & Gifts

NO DOGS ALLOWED IN GAMES PARK ON GAMES DAY.

HH22 is hosting, for the first time ever at Grantown East Highland Heritage and Culture Centre:

*Women’s Open Championship (1st time in Scotland’s history)
*Women’s Lightweight (to include Euro Championship, 1st time in Scotland’s history)
*Men’s Lightweight (to include Euro Championship)
*Masters 40+ (1st time outside of MWC)
*Juniors under 17 & under 20

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Where is this event being held?