Newtonmore Highland Games
&
Clan Macpherson Gathering
Sat 7th August 2027
About Us
Welcome to Newtonmore Highland Games – Scotland’s Premier Day Out!
On the first Saturday of August each summer, join us and enjoy a great day out at one of Scotland’s best Highland Games! Heavies, pipe bands, athletics, hill race, Highland dancing… take part in athletics events, haggis eating competition… Enjoy the colourful Clan Macpherson Gathering, browse the craft stalls, fairground rides, check out a shinty match and much, much more…
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Join us for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Highlands! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Newtonmore Highland Games is the perfect blend of thrilling competition, rich traditions, and family fun.
Witness the power and skill of the ‘Heavies’ as they compete in traditional events like hammer throwing, shot putting, and tossing the caber – with both men and women showing off their strength.
The Sound of Scotland
Be entertained by at least three pipe bands, each showcasing the heart-pounding rhythms of Scotland’s iconic music. Plus, don’t miss the individual piping contests.
A Celebration of Heritage
Experience the pageantry and pride of the Clan Macpherson as they come together for their annual march & Gathering. Clansfolk from around the world join in this grand tradition, adding color and ceremony to the Games.
Athletics for Everyone
The Games aren’t just for spectators – get involved! We’ve got a variety of athletic events for all ages, from kids races to adult competition. Compete for prizes and medals, or simply cheer on the athletes!
The Creag Dubh Hill Race – The Ultimate Challenge
Think you’re tough enough? Test your endurance in the famous Creag Dhubh Hill Race. Competitors run through the stunning Highland landscape, crossing rivers and climbing mountains before charging back into the arena. If you’re feeling brave, why not take part!
World-Class Dance and Culture
Competitive dancers from across the globe will perform intricate steps to the mesmerising sound of the pipes. It’s a celebration of Scottish dance at its finest.
Family Fun for All Ages
Beyond the athletic and cultural competitions, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. From thrilling rides and activities for the kids to a selection of food stalls and retail vendors, there’s something for all tastes. Don’t miss out on our famous haggis-eating competition, Dalwhinnie Whisky tastings, and much more!
A Glimpse into Scotland’s Ancient Sports
Catch a game of Shinty, Scotland’s oldest team sport, with a veterans’ six-a-side competition on the adjacent field.
Video
Newtonmore Highland games & Clan MacPherson gathering
Useful Information
How to find us:
The games arena is at the ‘Eilan’, Newtonmore’s shinty pitch at the south side of the village. What3Words Link with your satnav.
Address: An t’Eilean, 1 Perth Rd, Newtonmore PH20 1BD.
There’s lots of free parking available right next to the arena!
Prices
Adults £10
Children £5
Seniors £5
Family Ticket £25
Tickets can be purchased online (or at the gates with credit card or cash).
Prices
Tickets can be purchased at the gates with credit card or cash.
£10
ADULTS
£5
CHILDREN
£5
SENIORS
£25
FAMILY TICKET
2026 Timetable
10:00
Gates Open
12:00
Bands March Leaves Glen Hotel
12:30
Bands arrive, Chieftain Open Games
13:15
Kids Races Start B+G U6-U15
13:30
Macphersons March onto field
14:00
Hill Race
15:30
Mass Bands on field
16:30
Haggis Eating Comp!
11:30
U17 Sprints L+G 100,200,400
12:15
Open Sprints L+G 100,200,400
13:15
Open Shot Putt M+W
14:00
High Jump
15:00
800m U17 M+W
15:20
800m Open M+W
16:00
Relays 4x200m M+W
11:30
Ladies Shot Putt
11:40
Mens Shot Putt
12:00
Ladies Hammer
12:20
Mens Hammer
12:50
Ladies Weight for Dist
13:10
Mens Weight for Dist
13:30
Ladies Weight o Bar
14:00
Mens Weight o Bar
14:30
Ladies Caber
14:50
Mens Caber
09:30
Pibroch & Local Junior
10:00
Open Junior
10:30
Open Senior
10:00
Dancing starts
Enter Events
The Dancing Events are conducted under [SOBHD] judges. Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) is the World Governing Body formed in 1951. Enter online under ‘Dancing’ in the pale blue section on this page.
Track, Field and Heavy Events are conducted with a Scottish Athletics permit and under UK Athletics rules. Royal Scottish Highland Games Association [RSHGA] Athletes are eligible and welcome to enter competitions but must declare their SHGA Reg. No. at the time of entry.
Junior T&F / Heavies
Senior T&F / Heavies
Piping
Hill Race
Dancing
Gallery
Explore photos from past events
Game Results
Early history
Highland Games go back into the distant parts of Celtic history for their origin.
The earliest recorded highland games would appear to be in the reign of Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland nearly 1000 years ago.
Our History
History of Newtonmore Highland Games
The origins of the Highland Games date back over a thousand years, when King Malcolm Canmore of Scotland decreed that young men should compete in tests of strength and endurance. His aim was to find the strongest and most capable to serve in his royal guard, thus the tradition of the Highland Games was born.
In Newtonmore, the Games were first held in October 1945 as a welcome-home celebration for returning servicemen after World War II. It was a modest event, taking place on a patch of ground near the 17th hole of the Newtonmore Golf Course.
By 1947, the first hill race was introduced, crossing the River Spey, and the Clan Macpherson made their inaugural march through the village during their newly formed annual gathering.
In 1950, the Games moved to their current home at The Eilan, Newtonmore’s shinty pitch overlooked by Creag Dhubh, the new venue for the hill race. The annual date was formally fixed in 1965, establishing the tradition of always holding the Games on the first Saturday in August.
Game results
Game records
Event | Record | Holder |
16lb Shot Putt | 16.34 m | Scot Thompson (Elgin), 2007 Note: 15.62m, E. Irvine (EAC) 1987 |
16lb Scots Hammer | 40.96 m | Kyle Randalls(SCO)2014 Note: 38.16m, George Patience 1984 |
28lb Weight for Distance | 25.24 m | Bert Sorin (USA), 2007 Note: 22.90m, George Patience 1984 |
56lb Weight over Bar | 16ft 6in | Mike Zolkiewicz (USA) 2004 |
16lb Sheaf over Bar | 32ft | Travis Gardner (USA) 2014 |
Length of course approximately 4½ miles, vertical ascent 1200 feet.
Male | 26 mins 49 secs | Finlay Wild (Lochaber Athletic Club) 2019 |
Female | 32 mins 21 secs | Angela Mudge (Carnethy Hill Runners) 2006 |
Our sponsors
Headline Sponsors
A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and volunteers – your support makes the Highland Games possible.