Your Local Guide to the 2025 Highland Games Season: Perthshire and Beyond
- Craigellie House
- May 18
- 7 min read
Updated: May 29
During your stay with us at Craigellie, immerse yourself in one of Scotland's most cherished traditions by attending a Highland Games. These spectacular celebrations of Scottish culture, heritage, and athletic prowess take place from May to September across our beautiful region. From intimate village gatherings to world-renowned events attended by royalty, there's a Highland Games experience waiting for every visitor.
What to Expect at a Highland Games
Highland Games are far more than athletic competitions – they're vibrant festivals celebrating everything that makes Scottish culture unique. Here's what you'll discover at these remarkable events:
Traditional Athletic Events:
Watch in awe as kilted athletes compete in iconic Scottish sports. The famous caber toss sees competitors attempt to flip enormous wooden poles end-over-end, while the hammer throw and stone put (shot put) showcase incredible strength and technique. Tug o' war competitions bring local teams together in displays of collective power, and track cycling events will keep you well entertained. There are often hill running races as well as track events throughout the afternoon.
Highland Dancing:
Skilled young dancers in traditional dress perform precise, intricate steps to the skirl of the pipes. From the energetic Highland Fling to the exactness of the Sword Dance, these performances showcase centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.
Pipe Bands and Music:
The stirring sound of bagpipes echoes across the games fields as solo pipers compete and full pipe bands perform. The mass band finale creates an unforgettable wall of sound that embodies the spirit of Scotland.
Clan Traditions:
Many games feature clan tents where you can discover your Scottish ancestry, learn about tartan patterns, and explore family histories. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with Scotland's rich genealogical heritage.
Local Food and Crafts:
Sample traditional Scottish fare from local vendors, browse handmade crafts, and perhaps pick up some unique Scottish souvenirs to remember your Highland Games experience.
Family Entertainment:
All the games welcome families with activities for children, making them perfect outings for guests of all ages staying at Craigellie. The smaller the games, the more opportunity there is for participation, but most have a visitors' race at the very least.
2025 Highland Games Calendar
Here are the Highland Games taking place near Craigellie during the 2025 season. We recommend checking individual websites for the dates you plan to visit including ticket information, and, closer to the time, any weather-related updates.
May
25th - The Atholl Gathering at Blair Castle: One of Scotland's most picturesque Highland Games, set in the magnificent grounds of Blair Castle. This historic gathering combines traditional competitions with the stunning backdrop of one of Scotland's most beautiful castles. The intimate setting makes it perfect for first-time Highland Games visitors.
31st - Blackford Highland Games: A charming village games that captures the true community spirit of Highland gatherings. Blackford offers a more relaxed atmosphere where you can get close to the action and experience Highland Games as they've been celebrated for generations.
June
8th - Strathmore Highland Games at Glamis Castle: Experience Highland Games in the grounds of Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother. There is a lovely balance between world-class competition and local participation, with local schools battling it out in the Tug O' War. Why not visit Glamis Castle, one of Scotland's most famous castles, at the same time, creating an unforgettable day out? Your games ticket also includes entry to the Castle Gardens.
July
2nd - Kenmore Highland Games: Nestled on the shores of Loch Tay, Kenmore offers one of Scotland's most scenic Highland Games settings. This friendly community event showcases traditional competitions with something for everyone.
13th - Perth Highland Games, North Inch: One of Scotland's largest Highland Games, Perth attracts competitors and spectators from around the world. The extensive programme includes international-level competitions alongside traditional events, making it a spectacular day of Scottish sport and culture.
26th - Balquidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Highland Games: Set in Rob Roy MacGregor country, this games celebrates the heritage of one of Scotland's most famous folk heroes. The stunning Trossachs location adds natural beauty to the cultural spectacle.
27th - St Andrews Highland Games: Taking place in Scotland's ancient university town, St Andrews Highland Games is a relative newcomer on the Highland Games Scene, celebrating just 38 years of action! The proximity to the famous golf courses and historic cathedral makes this perfect for a cultural and fun day out.
August
7th - Killin Highland Games: Located at the western end of Loch Tay, Killin offers an intimate Highland Games experience surrounded by some of Scotland's most breathtaking mountain scenery. The village setting creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
8th/9th - Aberfeldy Show & Games: This two-day event combines a traditional agricultural show with Highland Games, offering visitors a comprehensive taste of rural Scottish life. The extended format allows for a more relaxed exploration of Scottish traditions.
10th - Cortachy Highland Games (near Kirriemuir): A traditional Angus games that maintains the authentic feel of historical Highland gatherings. This is a small affair in an intimate setting, encompassing home industries, flower show, dog show and more. It allows visitors to experience Highland Games as they were originally intended – as community celebrations.
14th - Ballater Highland Games: Located in Royal Deeside, Ballater Games takes place in the heart of an area beloved by the Royal Family. This well-established games has plenty of pomp and ceremony as the pipe band parades down the street and offers traditional competitions in a beautiful Highland setting.
16th - Stirling Highland Games: The Stirling Highland Games takes place with the historic Stirling Castle as a dramatic backdrop. This international gathering attracts competitors from around the world and offers one of Scotland's most impressive Highland Games experiences.
17th - Crieff Highland Gathering: A popular Perthshire games that combines traditional Highland sports with the charm of this historic market town. Crieff's central location makes it easily accessible for visitors staying throughout the region.
22nd - Glenisla Highland Games: One of Scotland's more remote Highland Games, Glenisla offers an authentic and very local experience in a stunning glen setting. The journey to reach this games is as rewarding as the event itself, showcasing some of Scotland's most unspoiled Highland scenery.
23rd - Strathardle Highland Gathering: A traditional Highland gathering that celebrates the heritage of this beautiful Perthshire glen. The intimate scale allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in Highland Games traditions and participate in events such as pillow fights and pairs jousting. There is a horticultural show which happens at the same time so you can admire wonky potatoes, huge marrows, admirable flower arrangements and local crafts in an adjoining marquee.
30th - Birnam Highland Games: Set in the village made famous by Shakespeare's Macbeth, Birnam offers all the usual events as well as a parade through neighbouring Dunkeld and across the bridge to Birnam. The Tay Valley location provides a beautiful setting for this well-established games and the day would not be complete without a wander along the banks of the Tay and a visit to charming Dunkeld village.
September
6th - The Braemar Gathering: The most famous Highland Games in the world, The Braemar Gathering attracts international attention and is regularly attended by members of the Royal Family. This spectacular event has been taking place in its present form since 1832 and includes tug o' war, solo piping, the kilted heavies, Highland dancing, and the famous Gathering Hill Race where runners climb 1200 feet. Due to its scale and the presence of Royalty it is the only Games where you are allocated a seat and cannot move freely between events. Advance booking is essential for this prestigious event, with many booking a year in advance. Braemar is about an hour from Craigellie, so we make a good base, in particular because accommodation in the immediate area sells out and is very highly-priced.
7th - Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games: Following the excitement of Braemar, this Perthshire games offers a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining high-quality competitions and entertainment.
13th - Pitlochry Highland Games: The perfect end to the Highland Games season, Pitlochry combines traditional competitions with the charm of this popular Highland town. The riverside setting and excellent facilities make it an ideal final Highland Games experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (Scottish weather can be unpredictable!), and perhaps a folding chair if you prefer guaranteed seating.
Parking: Most games offer parking facilities, though popular events like Braemar require advance planning. Consider arriving early for the best parking options.
Tickets: While some smaller games offer entry at the gate, popular events like Braemar and Stirling benefit from advance booking. Check individual websites for current pricing, availability and special deals for advance booking.
Accessibility: Most modern Highland Games venues offer accessibility provisions, but contact organisers directly if you have specific requirements.
We hope this guide helps you plan your Highland Games adventure during your stay at Craigellie. These magnificent celebrations of Scottish culture offer unforgettable experiences that will enrich your Scottish holiday and create lasting memories.
For more information about your stay with us and other local attractions, please don't hesitate to contact us at Craigellie. We're always delighted to help our guests make the most of their time in Scotland.
Photo credits: VisitScotland / David N Anderson
