Aboyne Highland Games
2 august
ABERDEEN Aboyne
Aboyne Village Green, Charlestown Road, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5HS 10.30am – 6.00pm Price £10 (adults), £3 (children 5-15), free (under 5s) Event website Tel: 01339 886049
See the population of the small Aberdeenshire village of Aboyne double as its annual Highland games get underway this August. Dating back to 1867, the games offer a jam-packed line-up of piping, Highland dancing, heavy and light contests. Don’t miss the Scottish Championship events in the 800 m Race and Putting 56 lb Weight for Distance categories, just two of the highlights of this fantastic event. In addition to its great sporting events, Aboyne is the first Highland games to run an International Fiddle Competition. Pop into the town’s hall to be treated to the sounds of talented musicians playing a range of Scottish tunes, from the Slow Air and March to the Strathspey and Reel. You can also enjoy a wide
range of solo piping competitions, including the traditional (and very tricky) Piobaireachd. Witness the unforgettable sight of pipe bands parading through the village in the morning before they announce the raising of the chieftain’s banner at noon. Should you happen to arrive a little late, don’t worry – you can still catch the massed pipe bands marching around the arena in the afternoon, plus the beating retreat at the games’ close. You’ll find a great range of activities all just a short drive from Aboyne, not to mention pleasant local cafés in the village itself. Try your hand at rock climbing in nearby Ballater, or head to the village of Dinnet to stroll around Loch Kinord and explore the Cairngorms National Park.
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