On the first Saturday of June
you can find us at:
Helensburgh Cricket & Rugby Football Club
The Fields Of Duchess Wood
Rhu Rd Higher,
Helensburgh
G84 8JR
No Parking On-Site
We advise all our guests to, where possible,
travel via public transport.
There is strictly no public parking available on-site.
Blue Badge Holder Drop-Off Only
(please contact the Games Secretary for further information)
FREE Transport Service
Free Shuttle Bus to the Games.
The event will operate a free shuttle bus service throughout the day to and from the Pier Car Park in Helensburgh Town Centre (only a 5-minute walk from Helensburgh Central Railway Station) to the Highland Games field.
This shuttle service will run
every 15 minutes
from 10:00am to 4:45pm
Highland Games - What to expect
To make the most of your day, you’ll need:
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Highland games tickets - You can get your tickets online here
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Your friends and/or family to enjoy the games with,
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Scottish weather is so unpredictable that you may need to bring waterproofs and/or sun cream.
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When there has been rain in the few days before the games, Wellington boots may help, as there are no set paths on the games' field.
The Ultimate Guide to Highland Games Activities: Unleashing Your Scottish Spirit
Are you ready to experience the thrill and excitement of the Highland Games? Get ready to unleash your Scottish spirit and dive headfirst into a world of tradition, competition, and camaraderie. In this ultimate guide to Highland Games activities, we will immerse ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Scotland's most iconic sporting event. From the thunderous sounds of bagpipes to the formidable strength of the caber toss, the Highland Games offer a unique blend of athletics, music, and Scottish heritage. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or simply looking for a fun day out with friends and family, the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games have something for everyone.
Join us as we explore the events that make up the Highland Games. From the picturesque backdrop of the Scottish countryside to the warm, welcoming spirit of the local Helensburgh community, the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games provide an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike. So, come and prepare to be immersed in the centuries-old traditions of Scotland's beloved Highland Games.
Highland Dancing
Traditional Scottish Highland Dancing showcases remarkable stamina, precision, skill, and poise. The dances included in the competitions are; The Highland Fling, The Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, The Sailor’s Hornpipe, The Half Tulloch, and The Highland Laddie.
Find out more
Pipe Band
Our local Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band usually honour our highland games by piping in the opening ceremony.
You can see and hear their soulful, inspiring, and ethereal tones during the day as they march and play their rousing songs.
Heavy Events
Scottish heavy athletics are a thrilling display of brute strength and throwing prowess. Events such as the Caber Toss, Scottish Hammer Throw, Shot Put, Weight for distance and Weight Over the Bar are particularly popular and entertaining to watch.
Want to know more?
Athletics Events
The athletics events feature 90, 200, 800, and 1600-metre races. Additionally, there is a hill race and a relay race. In the hill race, athletes run 7.7km (4.78 miles), rising 354 metres to the top of Tom na h-Airidh.
For those feeling particularly sporty, there are races for children and adult visitors to participate in.
Entertainment
Highland games are social, family-friendly gatherings that often include charity fundraising events. Fun activities and stalls feature bouncy castles and other entertainment for both children and adults. The Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games are also dog-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your well-behaved dog along.
Food and Drink
A variety of refreshments, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available, along with an assortment of regional and local produce from the catering stalls at the games. There’s usually something to suit everyone’s taste.
Listen out for the compère on the tannoy.
The events in the games arena will be announced.
Winners will be proclaimed, and other important information will be broadcast.
Programme
Event Schedule
09:30 Highland Dancing Stage Opens
10:00 Highland Dancing Competitions Begin
10:00 Event Opens to Visitors
10:15 Ladies and Local/Amateur Heavy Competition
11:30 - 12:00 Official Opening Ceremony
12:15 Professional Heavy Competition
13:00 Athletics Events begin with 90m and 800m events
14:00 Hill Race
14:05 Enter on the Day Children's Races - Short Sprint Races: U5 / 6-7 / 8-9 / 10-11 / 12+
14:10 Enter on the Day Adults 200m Handicap Race
14:25 200m Scottish Championship Open and 1600m events
15:00 Primary and Secondary School Youth Relays (See ‘Athletics’ page for further info)
15:30 200m Races
17:00 - 17:30 Winners Presentations