(Photo Credit VisitScotland / David N Anderson)
Looking for an authentic Scottish experience during your stay? The Highland Games offer unforgettable sights, sounds, and traditions — all within a short drive from our holiday lodges in Blairgowrie. Whether you’re into caber tossing, pipe bands, or simply enjoying the local culture, there’s something for everyone (including your dog!).
Below is our guide to the top 2025 Highland Games, complete with event dates, highlights, dog-friendly notes, and travel tips.
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## 🏴 Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games
– 📅 **Sunday 7th September 2025** (always first Sunday of September)
– 📍 Bogles Field, Essendy Road, Blairgowrie PH10 6QU
– 🌟 Our local gem! Includes heavy events, Highland dancing, pipe bands, Ardblair Stones, and a dog show.
– 🐾 *Dogs welcome — there’s even a dog show!*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏔️ Strathmore Highland Games
– 📅 **Sunday 8th June 2025** (Always 2nd Sunday of June)
– 📍 Glamis Castle Grounds, DD8 1RJ
– 🌟 Held in the picturesque castle grounds — perfect for families.
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~40 mins via A94*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏞️ Birnam Highland Games
– 📅 **Saturday 30th August 2025** (Always last Saturday of August)
– 📍 Games Park, Little Dunkeld, PH8 0AD
– 🌟 High-energy events, kids’ races, and local food.
– 🐾 *Dog-friendly with open spaces*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏃 Pitlochry Highland Games
– 📅 **Saturday 13th September 2025** (Always 2nd Saturday of September)
– 📍 Ferry Road, Pitlochry PH16 5DZ
– 🌟 Traditional games in a scenic mountain town.
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~45 mins via A93 and A924*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏛️ Crieff Highland Gathering
– 📅 **Sunday 17th August 2025** (Always 3erd Sunday of August)
– 📍 Market Park, Crieff PH7 4BP
– 🌟 Scotland’s oldest games — with strongman contests and pipe bands.
– 🐾 *Dogs welcome — bring ear protection for pups*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏹 Glenisla Highland Games
– 📅 **Friday 22nd August 2025** (Always 4th Friday of August)
– 📍 The Haugh, Forter, Glenisla PH11 8QW
– 🌟 A rural highlight full of local character.
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~30 mins into the Glen*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏕️ Strathardle Highland Games
– 📅 **Saturday 23rd August 2025** (4th Saturday in August)
– 📍 Bannerfield, Kirkmichael
– 🌟 Highland dancing, piping, and agricultural show.
– 🐾 *Dog-friendly for well-behaved companions*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🏇 Aberfeldy Highland Games
– 📅 **Saturday 9th August 2025** (2nd Saturday in August)
– 📍 Wade’s Park, Aberfeldy PH15 2BJ
– 🌟 Blends country show vibes with traditional games.
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~50 mins via A984 and A827*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🪓 Braemar Gathering
– 📅 **Saturday 6th September 2025** (Always first Saturday in September)
– 📍 Braemar AB35 5YX
– 🌟 Royal presence, iconic traditions, and Highland spectacle.
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~1 hr via scenic A93*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🎯 Ballater Highland Games
– 📅 **Thursday 14th August 2025** Always 2nd Thursday in August)
– 📍 Games Park, Bridge of Allan FK9 4QJ
– 🌟 Historic gathering Honored royal guests, Track and Light Field events
– 🚗 *Drive time: ~1.5 hr via scenic A93*
– 🔗 More info
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## 🧭 Travel Tips for a Great Highland Day Out
– 🕰️ **Arrive early** to enjoy the full atmosphere and find parking
– 🥾 **Wear layers and comfy shoes** for unpredictable weather and terrain
– 🧺 **Pack snacks or a picnic**, or discover nearby cafés
– 💳 **Bring cash** — some stalls and entry points may not take cards
– 📸 **Capture memories** with photos of the events and performers!
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Whether you want to cheer on the caber toss, admire Highland dance, or browse artisan crafts — these games offer something truly unique. As your hosts, we’re happy to help with directions, itinerary suggestions, or dog-friendly local pubs to make your day complete.
**We look forward to welcoming you to Blairgowrie — let the games begin!**
