Events at the Ballater Highland Games form part of the qualification for the Glenfiddich Heavy Events Championship and the Grampian Games Qualifying Championship. These encourage the younger athletes to participate in the heavy and field events of the traditional Highland Games.
Ballater Highland Games prides itself in having something for everyone, young and old alike. On Games Day there are a number of varied trade stands, together with a funfair for the children.
The Chieftain of the Games and his party traditionally arrive around 14:30 and are attended by a Regimental Guard of Honour.
At certain intervals throughout the day, the Pipe Bands parade around the perimeter track and this is always a great spectacle.
Opening Hours: Gates open at 10:00, and competitions commence at 11:00, continuing until approximately 17:00. Beat Retreat by the Pipe Bands is planned for 19:00 on the Church Green in Ballater.
Knock Castle is a ruined tower house, typical of the traditional type of residence of a laird, a Scottish landed gentleman. The Castle sits in a strong position on a knoll in a field on the south side of Craig of the Knock, at the entrance to Glen Muick.
Knock Castle...
Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. Their characteristic feature is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle.
The stone circle surrounds...
A great deal of ceremonial and colourful pageantry accompanies clan proceedings, and at the Aboyne Games is no exception. Having formed in 1867, Aboyne is regarded as "The Traditional Highland Games" which continues to attract thousands of visitors to witness the...
Culsh Earth House is an example of a souterrain built about 2,000 years ago, and despite its name, it was not a dwelling, but a stone-lined underground passage.
This example survives in a very complete state, and is one of only a few souterrains in Scotland that can...