Your Guide to Highland Games
WHAT ARE HIGHLAND GAMES?
When we think of Highland Games, we hear the pipes and drums, we smell the scotch pies, we envision rows of tartan goods, and we might even feel an unstoppable urge to do the Highland Fling! But, how did the Games come about and were they always such a monumental celebration of Highland traditions?
Highland Games have their origins in medieval Scotland, deeply rooted in the clan culture of the Highlands. Some historians trace their beginnings even further back to the ancient Gaelic traditions shared with early Irish society during the Dalriadic period. While the exact origins are debated, the Games as we recognise them today began to take shape in the High Middle Ages. King Malcolm III of Scotland is often credited with formalising athletic competitions as a way to select the strongest and most able men for service. It's said he organised a foot race at Craig Choinich in Braemar to determine the swiftest amongst his men to be his messenger.
Although every Games has its local flair, here's a list of events you can typically expect at a traditional Highland Games:
HEAVY
EVENTS
• Caber Toss
• Stone Put
• Scottish Hammer Throw
• Weight for Distance
• Weight for Height
• Sheaf Toss
• Tug o'war
Athletics
Hill Races & Kilted Races
Pipe Band & Solo Competitions
Highland Dance Competitions
Clan & Heritage Tents
Children's Activities
Livestock / Dog Displays
Whisky Tasting
Live Music
Food & Drink
Craft & Market
Read our Highland Games Blog to find out more
Much of what we now consider as Highland Games events date to the Victorian era. Queen Victoria established a longstanding royal tradition when she attended the Braemar Gathering for the first time in 1838. The first 'modern' Highland Games are believed to have been held in 1818 in St Fillans. Highland Games now blend strength-based events with vibrant music, Highland dancing and pageantry. Today, these Games are held not only across Scotland, with the Braemar Gathering standing as the most iconic, but around the globe. From Canada and the United States to New Zealand, Australia and beyond, Highland Games are celebrated by communities worldwide, showcasing the enduring spirit and heritage of Scotland.
TARTAN FINDER
Visit our clan pages and search by name, colour or region to discover your tartan and roots
Top tips when searching for your tartan
Every clan has many septs and other names associated with it - these are listed on the clan pages.
The sound of a name is generally more important than the spelling, as standardised spelling is a fairly recent development.
Many believe that Mac is Scottish and Mc is Irish but in reality this is simply another spelling variation or abbreviation in ancient records.
You might have a clan or district (regional) connection.
What of our Celtic cousins? The Celtic nations include Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany. There are tartans associated with all of these nations and all of our products can be made in any one of these tartans.
If you need some help and advice finding your tartan our Customer Service team offers a genuine Scottish welcome. We also offer Ancestry, Clan and Tartan Experiences and Measuring Appointments
Virtually via video call, in person at our Edinburgh and Crieff shops, from our US store in Albany, NY and our Showroom in Duns, Scottish Borders.
Visit our Tartan Finder and explore your roots
CLAN OF THE MONTH
Every month we choose a clan and celebrate their history, castles, famous faces and an interview or two with interesting people from the clan or society.
Find out more and vote for your clan to be featured.
Stuart Simpson & family in Fraser & Duncan tartans
SHARE YOUR CELEBRATIONS OF TARTAN
We'd love to see you in action! Share your photos from the Highland Games in your ScotlandShop tartan outfits and tag us to show off your tartan style whether it's kilts, dresses, or matching family looks, we can't wait to celebrate with you!
WHAT TO WEAR - MEN
Dressing up is half the fun at Highland Games, and nothing says tradition quite like a kilt! Whether you're tossing a caber or just cheering from the sidelines, looking the part adds to the experience. For the authentic touch, our heavyweight 8 Yard Kilt in over 500 tartans is a classic choice. Want something lighter for warmer weather? Try our 4 Yard Kilt in a lightweight 10oz fabric. Complete the look with a day sporran, kilt hose, flashes and kilt pin, and you're ready for the field.
Tartan
1. Day Sporran, Men's Casual 4 Yard Tartan Kilt & Men's Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater 2. Men's Kilt Outfit: Casual Kilt & Argyll Jacket, Clan Crest Belt Buckle & Leather Kilt Belt 3. Tweed Kilt Jacket and Waistcoat, Men's 6 Yard Casual Tartan Kilt, Kilt Socks, Tartan Kilt Flashes, Wool Tartan Tie and Formal Dress Sporran 4. Men's Casual 4 Yard Tartan Kilt, Formal Dress Sporran & Men's Quarter Zip Lambswool Sweater 5. Men's Casual 4 Yard Tartan Kilt, Tartan Sporran, Baseball Cap with Tartan Peak and Optional Clan Crest Embroidery & Aran Crew Neck Wool Sweater 6. Men's 6 Yard Casual Tartan Kilt. Tartan Sporran, Aran Crew Neck Wool Sweater, Kilt Socks,
Kilt Flashes & Ghillie Boots 7. Artisan Classic Sporran & Tweed Kilt 8. Eight Yard 16oz Traditional Heavyweight Kilt, Tweed Kilt Jacket and Waistcoat, Artisan Classic Sporran & Wool Tartan Tie 8. Men's 6 Yard Casual Tartan Kilt, Semi Formal Sporran, Clan Crest Belt Buckle & Leather Kilt Belt
Not sure about the kilt? No problem. Tartan shirts, jackets and trousers make great alternatives that still show off your Highland pride. Our tartan bomber jackets are a modern, stylish nod to tradition, and paired with tartan trainers or casual brogues, you'll be both comfortable and confidently dressed. Rain or shine, make sure your outfit is as bold as your Scottish spirit!
Finish off your Highland Games look with classic men's accessories from embroidered clan crest polos, jackets and hoodies to Ghillie boots, tartan messenger bags and flat caps. And for that final touch of Scottish pride, don't forget your Highland wear accessories such as Kilt Pins, Sgian Dubhs & Sporrans.
Not near our stores? Book a virtual measuring appointment
1. Men's Tartan Bomber Jacket 2. Men's Tartan Trousers - Classic Fit & Men's Geelong Crew Neck Sweater 3. Men's Tartan Shirt
Tartan and Leather Hip Flask 5. Clan Crest Cufflinks & Kilt Pin Set
Gift Boxed
Tartan Messenger Bag
Tartan Flat Cap
Ghillie Boots 9. Clan Crest Polo Shirt
WHAT TO WEAR - WOMEN & CHILDREN
There's no better time to show off your tartan style than at Highland Games! Many women choose to wear a classic kilted skirt, timeless, flattering, and full of Scottish spirit. Available in over 500 tartans, they pair beautifully with a cosy sweater, casual top, or tailored jacket, giving you plenty of outfit options whether you're there for the dancing, the athletics, or just the shortbread. A tartan dress is a brilliant alternative that keeps the traditional look but adds a feminine twist. And if subtle is more your style, a splash of tartan goes a long way. Think sashes, scarves or even a statement tartan handbag to complete your look.
1. Tartan Gathered Skirt, Aran Crew Neck Wool Sweater, Brushed Wool Tartan Scarf & Tartan Sporran Bag 2. Women's Tartan Bomber Jacket, Wool Tartan Tam & Tartan Dog Lead 3. The Kate Coat 4. Celtic Wrap Tartan Skirt & Women's Round Neck Lambswool Sweater 5. Tartan Shirt Dress 6. Full
Length Kilted Tartan Skirt & Tartan Serape 7. Tartan Mini Kilt, Tartan Rucksack & Women's Round Neck Lambswool Sweater 8. Tartan All Round
Peated Skirt 9. Tartan Kilted Skirt
Highland Games are a brilliant day out for all ages, and little ones love getting involved whether they're cheering from the sidelines or taking part in the junior races and events. That's why we offer a full range of tartan clothing for children, designed with fun, comfort and practicality in mind. Our boys' kilts come with matching sporrans and flashes, while girls can choose from traditional kilted skirts or adorable tartan pinafore dresses. And because muddy fields are all part of the experience, we've got you covered with machine-washable polyviscose options as well as traditional 100% wool. Want to go all-in on the family look? Don't forget, we've got matching tartan accessories for the family pet, too. Dressing up for the Games has never been this fun or this cute!
Add a touch of flair to your outfit with women's accessories like a classic tartan sash, stylish tartan trainers, or a pretty petal brooch. Stay practical and proud with a tartan bag, a women's tartan beret, or show off your heritage with a clan crest water bottle perfect for a full day of Highland fun.
1. Boy: Boy's Wool Tartan Kilt, Children's Aran Lumber Cardigan, Boy's Semi Formal Sporran & Boy's Kilt
Socks Girl: Girl's Wool Tartan Kilt & Children's Aran Sweater 2. Girl: Girl's Tartan Pinafore Dress & Small Tartan Kilt Bag Boy: Boy's Wool Tartan Waistcoat, Boy's Tartan Shorts & Children's Tartan Flat Cap 3. Boy's Machine Washable Tartan Trousers 4. Wool Tartan Sash 5. Women's Tartan Beret 6. Tartan Petal Brooch 7. Tartan Trainers 8. Clan Crest Water Bottle 9. Tartan Kilt Bag
How to Shop
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Visit
Showroom and HQ – Duns Make an appointment Station Road, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3EJ
Events
We will be popping up at locations and events around the USA, Canada and Scotland. Keep an eye out on our Events page and social media for when we are near you.
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Woman: Full Length Kilted Tartan Skirt, Tartan Pumps & Women's Crew Neck Cashmere Sweater Girl: Girl's Wool Tartan Kilt & Children's Aran Sweater Boy: Boy's Wool Tartan Kilt, Children's Aran Lumber Cardigan, Boy's Semi Formal Sporran & Boy's Kilt Socks Man: Men's Casual 4 Yard Tartan Kilt, Formal Dress Sporran, Aran Crew Neck Wool Sweater, Kilt Socks & Ghillie Boots