Saturday 15th August 2026

Stirling Highland Games and International Gathering

Stirling Highland Games

Welcome to the Official ticketing website of the Stirling Highland Games and International Gathering.

The Stirling Highland Games is the areas flagship outdoor sporting celebration of Scottish heritage, delivering a high-impact day of tradition, competition, and community at the heart of one of Scotland’s most historic cities. Set against the iconic backdrop of Stirling, this established event brings together athletes, performers, clans, and visitors from around 50 visiting nations in a format that has stood the test of time, and continues to deliver strong value for audiences year after year.

At its core, our traditional Games showcase elite Highland athletics, with competitors from across Scotland and beyond contesting classic heavy events such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and shot putt. These are not demonstrations – they are serious contests, run to professional standards, and consistently draw top-tier talent. Included in the athletics programme is competitive Highland dancing, track and field and Stirling’s exclusive Stirling Stones competition, all requiring focus and discipline whilst wrapped in cultural authenticity.

Beyond the games field we provide a well-rounded visitor experience including a massive traders village and a creative arts schedule. Our Traders Village can include clans, crafters, and food vendors with several street food trucks and bars offering top quality Scottish fayre. Our creative arts schedule can include live battle demos, Scotland Talks sessions, live music and more. Groups, families, history enthusiasts, and international visitors all find clear value propositions, from hands-on engagement to premium spectator viewing.

Visitor feedback of the Stirling Highland Games is that its efficiently run and designed to deliver a full day of entertainment without unnecessary complexity. It balances respect for tradition with modern visitor interests, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for first-time attendees and returning supporters alike.

For anyone seeking a genuine, authentic Scottish cultural experience—executed with professionalism and pride—the Stirling Highland Games is a great choice worth making.

Stirling is a great base to explore Scotland from, with local villages and towns like Bridge of Allan and Dunblane only a 10 minute drive away. You can also take a day trip to the breathtaking Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, which is only a 30-minute drive away, or jump on a train to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Countdown to Stirling Highland Games 2026

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The Gathering

Our Gathering can draw in a vibrant crowd of up to 8000 visitors annually. Our transformative event offers you a Great Day Out, seamlessly blending tradition, athletic competition, and entertainment. Beyond the thrilling competitions, Stirling Highland Games also acts as a hands-on learning experience for young people.

Stirling can now trace the roots of our Highland Games back to 1818. The Stirling Chapmen first introduced Highland pursuits such as ‘Tilting at the Ring,’ ‘Foot Races,’ and ‘Horse Races.’ Today, we proudly showcase a myriad of traditional Highland games, from the iconic heavyweights including the caber toss to the elegant Highland dancing; from the track & field to the para-athletes competing in the Adaptive Heavyweights competition, captivating spectators with their strength and determination.

The Location

Stirling’s Highland Games is set within Stirling Sports Village, 1 mile east of the city centre. Our games field offers amazing panoramic views of the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey, and Stirling Castle. As proud members of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, we curate a full schedule of competitions including Athletics, Youth Running, Cycling, and Heavyweights with more details on our What’s On page.

Explore Stirling

Stirling Highland Games is not merely an athletic event; it's a festival-style Day Out that includes a massive traders village and the creative arts so the entire family can enjoy. Why not make a weekend of it and stay in Scotland's ancient captial. Steeped in Scottish culture and full of stories and legends for you to enjoy.

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The Stirling Stones

Exclusive to the Stirling Highland Games is the Stirling Stones and the Bruce Challenge, a test of strength, endurance, and agility that separates the mightiest athletes from the rest. Cheer on participants as they strive to carry a Scottish Whin and a Scottish Granite boulder the furthest distance weighing in at a mighty 164.5kg.

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Caledonian Forest

As stewards of the environment, our organisers and SHG committee are committed to helping reduce carbon emissions. Join us in our eco-conscious efforts by offsetting some of your carbon emissions by planting a tree in Ceangail's Grove, situated in the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.

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Whats On at The Games

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026
Find out what’s on at this year’s event on August 15th so you can plan for your weekend in Stirling.

“On behalf of the Stirling Highland Games Committee, we look forward to welcoming you all to our highland games event and trust you will have an amazing experience in one of Scotland’s most historical cities.”

Matt McGrandles, Stirling Highland Games President

2013 to present

Visit Scotland

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026
You won’t get any argument from the Stirling Highland Games Committee here. Your visit to Scotland will be epic and Stirling should definetely be on your to-visit list when you are here.

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Explore The Games

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2026
The Stirling Highland Games Committee looks forward to welcoming you in person to the 2026 event on August 15th. In the meantime, why not follow us on our social media pages for up-to-date information?

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Saturday 15th August 2026

Stirling Highland Games and International Gathering