Event Details
Braemar Royal Highland Gathering 2026 – Scotland's Most Famous Highland Games
On Saturday, 5 September 2026, the village of Braemar in Royal Deeside hosts the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering – the most famous and prestigious Highland Games in the world. Held at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this spectacular event has taken place every year since 1832. Around 16,000 visitors from around the world gather each year to witness ancient Scottish athletic traditions, colourful tartans and the stirring sound of the bagpipes.
Royal Connections
The Braemar Gathering is the only Highland Games event with a royal patron. King Charles III personally attends the Gathering each year when staying at nearby Balmoral Castle, continuing a tradition begun in 1848 when Queen Victoria first attended the event.
Highlights
- Caber Tossing – the iconic Highland Games discipline of throwing a large pine log
- Hammer Throw and Putting the Stone – traditional heavy events performed by the Kilted Heavies
- Highland Dancing – over 100 competitors in traditional tartan performing the Highland Fling and Sword Dance
- Solo Piping and Pipe Band Contest – world-class bagpipe competitions throughout the day
- Massed Pipes and Drums – all 12 bands marching into the arena together at 11:30 AM
- Gathering Hill Race – a gruelling run up 365 metres to the five cairns visible from the park
- Tug of War, track and field events and junior competitions
- Adaptive Heavyweights – an inclusive competition category
Program
Gates open at 9:00 AM. The official competition program begins at approximately 10:00 AM. The day's most iconic moment comes at 11:30 AM when all 12 attending pipe bands march into the arena together as the Massed Pipes and Drums. A second Massed Bands parade departs from Auchendryne Square at 3:00 PM. The event concludes at approximately 5:00 PM.
Tickets
Tickets are available directly from the official Braemar Gathering website. There are two categories: General Admission (standing) from £20 and Seated Tickets (assigned seating, ringside or covered grandstand) from £30. All Seated Tickets automatically include General Admission. A booking fee of £5 (UK) or £6 (international) applies per order. Group bookings of 8 or more should be arranged by emailing [email protected]. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets as early as possible – seated tickets in particular sell out fast.
- The nearest major cities are Aberdeen (approx. 58 km via the A93) and Inverness; both offer good transport links.
- A shuttle bus is available for elderly and less mobile visitors from the main car park on the A93 to the park entrance.
- Pack warm, waterproof clothing – Scottish September weather can be unpredictable.
- Accommodation in and around Braemar fills up months in advance; book early.
- Contact [email protected] in advance for accessibility queries.
