Scotland

Scotland has a long tradition and history of Highland Games, where Clans would compete against each other in sporting events. Early Celts viewed such events as war games, where their strongest and bravest soldiers would emerge as champions.

Some say that Highland Games originated as a clan chieftain’s way of choosing the best bodyguards and the fittest fighters. However, not all the Chief’s requirements were warlike – musicians and dancers were important for the prestige of his household.

Choosing staff and supporters was done by holding competitions: good runners for couriers, strong men for defence and a range of entertainers to amuse them during the winter evenings.

Many events at today’s Highland Games still use items that would have been part of everyday life in the Highlands of old, such as round stones from riverbeds, which probably provided the original shot putts. Meanwhile, a Scots pine trunk shorn of its branches is still the caber that’s tossed today.

Many of these traditions can still be seen in Highland Games today however, they are now much more sociable and fun events celebrated worldwide.

The City of Stirling makes an amazing destination base for your visit to Scotland with easy access to over 80% of the Country being around 90 minutes away by car. Whatever your plans are, we believe your Scottish experience should start with, be part of or finish with a traditional highland games.

Stirling’s leading annual cultural sporting event showcases a traditional highland games experience for visitors, including Heavyweights, Highland Dancing, Track and Field and Piping performances. We have been building on the visitor experience by adding more authentic Scottish experiences on site that now includes a massive traders village as well as a full schedule of creative arts.

Stirling can now trace its history back to 1818, making Stirling one of the oldest highland games in Scotland. Although there have been several years where the event did not take place for one reason or another, make sure you head along to our fantastic event and tick this one off your bucket list. We recommend you buy your tickets online in advance at the discount offered and enjoy your time with us in Stirling.