Highland Games & Scottish Traditions
Highland Games, which have their origins in the Scottish clan system, date back 300 years and continue to take place across Scotland between May and September each year. People from all over the world compete in heavy events such as the caber toss, as well as athletics, piping, drumming and dancing. Spectators often enjoy a picnic and a ‘wee dram’ whilst they soak up the celebratory atmosphere.
The 2012 Highland Games Calendar is outlined below:
Information provided by www.visitscotland.com:
August 10 (Friday) Assynt Highland Games Secretary: Helen Acreman, Split Rock Croft, 145A Clachtoll, Lochinver, Sutherland. IV27 4JD Tel: 01571 855215 e-mail htheakston@hotmail.com August 11 (Saturday) Atholl & Breadalbane Highland Gathering Contact: John Robertson, Middleton, Logierait, Pitlochry. PH9 0LH Tel 01796 482376 e-mail; jrlogierait@ukonline.co.uk August 11 (Saturday) Strathpeffer Highland Gathering Secretary: Julian Foot, Braerlach, 3 Ardival East, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire/ IV14 9DY Tel: 01997 423340 e-mail strathpefferhighlandgathering@gmail.com August 12 (Sunday) Perth Highland Games Secretary: Andrew Rettie, 24 Florence Place, Perth.PH1 5BH Tel: 01738 627782 e-mail: andrew@highlandgames.org.uk August 18 (Saturday) Helmsdale Highland Games Secretary: Fiona Sutherland, Fhearnan, Old Caithness Road, Helmsdale. KW8 6JW August 19 (Sunday) Crieff Highland Games Secretary: Mrs Morag Speak, Blue Heaven, Nellfield Place, Crieff. PH7 3DX Tel; 01764 652973 e-mail secretary@crieffhighlandgathering.com August 23 (Thursday) Argyllshire Gathering (Oban) Secretary: Jean Ainsley, c/o Jean Ainsley & Co., 21 Argyll Square, Oban. PA34 4AT Tel: 01631 567007 e-mail mail@jeanainsley.co.uk August 25 (Saturday) Birnam Highland Games Secretary: David Crawshaw, Stronlochie, St.Mary`s Road, Birnam. PH8 0BJ August 25 (Saturday) Invergordon Highland Games Secretary: Alison Stewart,20 Moss Road, Tain. IV19 1HH Tel: 01862 893952 e-mail: astewart225@btinternet.com August 25 (Saturday) Lonach Highland Gathering Secretary: Jennifer Stewart, Balachailach, Glen Deskry, Strathdon. AB36 8XL Tel: 01975 651772 e-mail enquiries@lonach.info August 25 (Saturday) Strathardle Highland Gathering Secretary: Robert Wilson, c/o CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, 101 George Street, Edinburgh. EH2 2ES Tel: 0131 663 3475 e-mail rob.wilson@cms-cmck.com August 26 (Sunday) Grantown on Spey Highland Games Secretary: Elaine Watt, 32 Kylintra Crescent, Grantown on Spey. PH26 3ES Tel: 01479 873237 e-mail gosgames@yahoo.com September 1 (Saturday) Braemar Highland Gathering Secretary: Wm. Meston MVO, Coilacriech, Ballater. AB35 5UH Tel: 01339 755377 e-mail: info@braemargathering.org September 2 (Sunday ) Blairgowrie Highland Games Secretary: Louise Gourlay, 32 The Crescent, Luncarty, Perth. PH1 3EZ Tel: 01738 827064 e-mail: lgourley@tiscali.co.uk September 8 (Saturday) Pitlochry Highland Games Secretary: June D.A.Templeman, 16 Lettoch Terrace, Pitlochry. PH16 5BA Tel: 01796 473488 e-mail: secretary@pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk September 15 (Saturday) Invercharron Highland Games Secretary: Mrs Morag Chalmers, Migdale Mill, Bonar Bridge. IV24 3AR Tel: 01863 766521 e-mail invercarronhighlandgames@yahoo.co.uk