Highland Games Scotland 2026

Highland Games are one of the great Scottish traditions – caber tossing, stone putting, Highland dancing, piping, and the atmosphere of a Highland gathering. They take place across Scotland from late spring to early autumn, from tiny village games with a few hundred spectators to the world-famous Braemar Gathering attended by the Royal Family.

We’ve compiled every Highland Games, country show, game fair, and clan gathering in Scotland for 2026. Whether you’re planning a trip around a specific event or want to find what’s on during your visit, this is the definitive list. We also provide private chauffeur transport to any Highland Games – ideal for cruise guests, hotel visitors, or anyone who wants to combine a games day with Highland sightseeing. For music festivals, Edinburgh’s Fringe, the Commonwealth Games, and more, see our Scotland Festivals & Events 2026 calendar.

Highland Games & shows by month

Dates are sourced from official organisers where possible. Always check the organiser’s website before travelling, as dates occasionally shift. Multi-day events are marked.

Clan Gatherings 2026

Clan gatherings bring together families with shared Scottish ancestry for ceremonies, dinners, Highland Games events, and visits to ancestral lands. Many clans hold formal gatherings every few years. If you’re tracing your Scottish roots, attending your clan gathering is a powerful experience. See our Scottish ancestry and clan tours for help planning a clan heritage trip.

Highland Games near Inverness

If you’re staying in Inverness, several excellent games are within easy reach: the City of Inverness Highland Games (July), Strathpeffer Highland Gathering (August), Glenurquhart Highland Games near Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness (August), Dornoch Highland Gathering (August), and the Moy Country Fair (August). All are accessible as a day trip with a private tour from Inverness.

Highland Games near Edinburgh

The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston (June) is Scotland’s largest agricultural and country show. Further afield, the Ceres Games in Fife (June), Stirling Highland Games (August), and the Peebles Games are all reachable from Edinburgh. We offer private tours from Edinburgh that can include a Highland Games stop.

What to expect at a Highland Games

Heavy events are the centrepiece – the caber toss, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, and weight over the bar. Highland dancing competitions run throughout the day, with dancers in traditional dress performing the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Seann Triubhas. Piping competitions feature solo pipers and pipe bands. Most games also have a tug-of-war, hill race, food stalls, craft tents, and clan society tents. Arrive early for parking and to see the opening ceremony. Bring layers – Highland weather is unpredictable.

Country shows & game fairs

Scotland’s country shows and game fairs are rural events celebrating agriculture, field sports, and country life. The Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh, June), GWCT Scottish Game Fair (Scone, July), Black Isle Show (Muir of Ord, August), Turriff Show (August), and Moy Country Fair (near Inverness, August) are among the best. They feature livestock, equestrian events, gundog displays, country crafts, and exceptional food halls. See our whisky distillery guide if you want to combine a show visit with a tasting.

Frequently asked questions