Competitions
in 2025

10:00 to 17:00

When you visit Stirling Highland Games in Scotland, you’re stepping into a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture that also happens to feature top-tier sport. It’s colourful, welcoming, and full of energy — but it’s important to know that what you’re watching is the real thing.

The athletes you’ll see are highly trained competitors who prepare all year for these events. The famous caber toss, hammer throw, and stone putt aren’t novelty challenges or audience participation games. They’re demanding athletic disciplines with long histories, strict rules, and great pride on the line. You’re watching people who know exactly what they’re doing and are there to compete, not to “have a go.” It’s the same for competitors in Highland Dancing, and the athletes entering track and field.

That said, the experience for visitors is very approachable. Competitors are often happy to chat between events, explain what’s happening, and pose for photos. You’ll get a close-up view of the action, hear the impact of the weights hitting the ground, and feel the tension as distances are measured, judges confer about who crossed the line first and winners are decided.

Beyond the competitions, you’ll enjoy the trader’s village with food stalls, makers, arts and crafts. It’s a full day out that blends sport, music, and tradition in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

In short, the Highland Games are friendly and festive for spectators — but fiercely professional in the arena. Come to soak up the atmosphere, learn the stories, and watch Scottish tradition performed at a very high level.