| Where: | Glenfinnan, Highland at the Games Field and Monument withJacobite ceremony at loch side |
| When: | Saturday nearest 19th August/3rd Saturday in August |
| Time: | From 11.30 am (gates open at 11 am) with the Jacobite ceremony at 11.45 and the March at 12.30 followed by the competitions in the afternoon |
All year round, the imposing memorial at Glenfinnan marks the spot at which Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard on 19th August 1745, gathering his supporters for the Jacobite rising. Nowadays, on the weekend nearest the anniversary date, Highland games are held and also a commemoration of the events of the Forty-Five, including a piped march led by descendants of the Bonnie Prince and his adherents and representatives of the Clans. The competitions at the Games include running, tug-of-war, heavy events such as tossing the caber and throwing the hammer, and Highland dancing contests for different age groups- and of course no Highland games worth its salt would be without piping competitions. There are refreshments and craft stalls, sideshows around the field, and a beer and teas tent, all in the shadow of truly spectacular scenery near the shores of Loch Shiel. The day is rounded off with a ceilidh in the evening.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Saturday 16th August.
Admission to the Games in 2023 was £10 per person. As you can probably tell from the photos, it goes ahead whatever the weather!
Parking is available nearby- follow the directions of stewards. Parking for the Gathering is free- be aware that the adjacent visitor centre car park is open all year and there is a charge for it.
The nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct is of interest to fans of Harry Potter, while the National Trust for Scotland Visitor centre has information on the Rising.
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Glenfinnan-Highland-Gathering-130602813690942
Hi, we would like to know if the highland game event planned for August 19th is confirm. We would like to attend to the event so we have to book a flight, coming from Italy
Hello,
Yes the organisers have confirmed the date as August 19th for the Glenfinnan Gathering- if you need to check, you can contact them via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064901071502 and I know that you just buy tickets at the gate to the event, you don’t need to buy them in advance. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Best wishes,
Averil
can I enter the heavies on the day
Hi Alan,
Here at Calendar Customs we’re not connected with the Organisation of the games- you’ll need to check on this link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064901071502 to get to the official Facebook page where they’ll be able to advise. Best of luck!
Averil