Let the Games commence!

Highland Games have been a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years, and the modern Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games have taken place in the town on and off since 1887. 

 Held on the first Sunday in September, the day after the famous Braemar Gathering just up the road, Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games is a fun day out for all the family, showcasing the traditional skills and talents of the heavyweights, Highland dancers and pipers. 

 The Games take place on Bogle’s Field on the outskirts of Blairgowrie and, as well as the heavyweight, Highland dancing and piping competitions, the popular event also features a variety of other attractions. 

These include the Ardblair Stones challenge, a test of strength that invites people of all ages and abilities to see how many of the increasingly heavy stones they can lift on to a whisky barrel. The heaviest stone weighs more than 150kg and the feats of endurance and effort by everyone taking part make this a challenge not to be missed – even as a spectator! 

Visitors to the Games are also encouraged to take part in the annual Blairgowrie versus Rattray tug o’ war competition using what organisers believe is the longest tug o’ war rope in the country, and there are mini Highland Games activities for youngsters to try out – you may even discover a heavyweight star of the future! 

Entrants in the traditional heavy events demonstrate their skills and strength in a range of activities including the shot put, hammer throw, weight over the bar and weight for distance, and of course the famous Blair Caber! There are men’s, women’s and junior prizes up for grabs in each of the open and local competitions.

Talented Highland dancers bring a splash of colour to the Games, with entrants to the competitions travelling from all over Scotland and beyond to take part.

 And Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games is one of only five in Scotland to hold the prestigious Competing Piping Association events, attracting competitors from across the world. 

 There are performances from Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band, often joined by fellow musicians from other local pipe bands, a hugely popular dog show, the Hill Race – which sees the first finisher in a kilt receive a bottle of champagne – track and field events, and more than 60 trade stands, community stalls and other attractions to keep visitors to the Games entertained throughout the day. 

 So if the skirl of the bagpipes and the opportunity to test your strength – or watch others do so – and enjoy a great afternoon’s entertainment appeals to you, then head along to Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games and experience for yourself the sense of community and heritage of this wonderful part of Scotland.