Where to find a Highland Games in the Cairngorms National Park
By silverglades on June 26, 2014
A visit to the Scottish Highland in the summer would not be complete without attending one of the many Highland Games around the Highlands. The Games usually comprise of a programme of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions and 'heavy events' like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. The Games, of course, are as much about music and dancing as they are about sports. Dancing, piping, fiddling, and playing the clarsach (Gaelic harp). There was a competitive element here too. The clan chieftains pitted their pipers against those of other clans and the prestige that came from success was considerable
It is thought that Highland games originated from Scottish clans competing against each other in various sporting events, with clan chiefs selecting their strongest, fastest, fittest and most entertaining men to represent the clan. The formalisation of Highland games and their establishment as annual events dates from the 1820s, a part of the romanticisation of Highland culture that was rife amongst the British ruling class at the time.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of the best and most famous Highland Games in Scotland and below are details of just a few to help you plan your visit to one during your stay at Silverglades.
ABERNETHY HIGHLAND GAMES
First took place in 1880
Event Date: Saturday 9th August 2014 Always 2nd Saturday in August Location: Playing Fields, Nethybridge. Nearest Towns: Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey. Airport: Inverness. Events: Heavy Event, Piping Competition, Track Events, Highland dancing, Spectacular March onto the field of over 100 pipers in the grand massed bands display, followed by members of the Clan Grant Society who travel from all round the world for their annual gathering, Codona's Sideshows, trade stalls and a full catering and refreshment service add to the attractions. Spectators can make a full day out by travelling from Aviemore or Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway's steam trains to Broomhill where a free bus service takes passengers to Nethybridge. Events start at 10.30am. with the official opening at 1.15pm following the entrance of the massed pipe bands and parade by the Clan Grant . Car Parking is free. Contact: 01479 821492. Web: Nethybridge Highland Games
GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY HIGHLAND GAMES
Event Date: Sunday 24th August 2014 Location: Heithfield Park, Grantown-on-Spey. Nearest Town: Granton-on-Spey, Airport: Inverness, Links to London. Special Event: 56lb Weight for Distance Championship, Usual Events: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Open Tug O War, Running, Cycling, Field and Heavy Events, Mass Pipe Bands. Contact: Mrs E Watt Tel: 01479 873237
THE BRAEMAR GATHERING
Event Date: Saturday 6th September 2014 (Always 1st Sat in Sept) Nearest Town: Braemar, Aberdeen Airport: Dyce, Aberdeen, Links to London. Special Event: Queens Visit Plus other members of The Royal Household. 80 metres British Championship. Pre-entry required for Piping, Dancing, Track & Hill race. Mass Band Display. Usual Events: Highland Dancing, Solo Piping. Light and Heavy events. Tug O War. Seating: Prices From £6 To £20. Contact: Mr W Meston Tel: 01339 755377
Newtonmore Highland Games
Date: Saturday 2nd August, 2014 Location: The Eilan, Newtonmore Events: Running, Heavy Weights, Solo Piping, Light Field, Highland Dance
Secretary: Tom Robertson, Knockmalloch, Station Road, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, PH20 1AR Tel: 01540 673348 | [email protected]
Tomintoul Highland Games
Date: Saturday 19th July, 2014 Location: Public Park, Tomintoul Events: Heavy Weights, Solo Piping, Highland Dance
Secretary: Ms Patricia Grant, Monriack, 18 Main Street, Tomintoul, AB37 9EX Tel: 01807 580407 | [email protected]
