Highland Games have been a part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years and are just as popular today as they have ever been.
Showcasing the traditional skills and talents of the heavyweights, Highland dancers and pipers, they are a great way to experience the sense of community and heritage of a place.
Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games is held on the first Sunday in September, the day after the famous Braemar Gathering just up the road, and is a fantastic fun day out for all the family.
Research done by the town’s Our Heritage group has revealed that the history of Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games goes back more than 135 years.
Back then the event was held on Fair O’ Blair day in July and was known as the Highland Games and Military Sports. It was attended by a detachment of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons whose band played during the day and the programme included some intriguing events such as sword v sword and sword v lance competitions, wrestling on horseback and a sword exercise at a gallop.
Over the years, the Games were held in various locations in Blairgowrie and Rattray with thousands of visitors descending on the town, particularly from Dundee as it was one of the highlights of the Dundee Holiday Week and special trains ran from the city with cheap fares offered by the railway company.
Since 1991, the Games have been held at Bogle’s Field on the outskirts of Blairgowrie and, after a two-year hiatus due to the global coronavirus pandemic, organisers of the Games are delighted to be back in the Field and have been working hard to ensure that the event is true return to form.
Today the Games attracts competitors and spectators from all over the world to east Perthshire, particularly for the heavyweight, piping and dancing competitions.
As well as the traditional favourites, it is also home to the Ardblair Stones challenge, a test of strength that everyone is welcome to have a go at – head along and see how many of the increasingly heavy stones you can lift on to a barrel.
There are also track events, including a hill race, a mini Highland Games for children, a dog show and performances by local pipe bands. Other attractions include axe throwing and a climbing wall, and there will be a wide range of food and drink outlets to whet your appetite and lots of trade stands offering locally produced crafts.
One of the highlights of the day is always the annual Rattray versus Blairgowrie tug o’ war challenge with what is thought to be the longest tug o’ war rope in the country.
For the latest news and information on Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, check out the website or follow the Games on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Gates open at 10am on Sunday, September 4 th , 2022. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £4 for children and concessions, under 5s free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available priced £20. Car parking is £1.
For further information visit www.blairgowriehighlandgames.
