>> Highland Games >> Pitlochry Highland Games
The games are run by a team of hard working, unpaid local volunteers under the guidance of the Games Chieftain, Charles Butter.
The annual pipes and drums parade down Pitlochry main street takes place around 11.30 am (check for exact time as this can vary by a quarter of an hour) on games day. The bands attending the games are asked to take part in the parade, with prizes awarded for the best band, with judges being strategically located along the band route. Each judge is asked to score the bands on appearance, music, marching etc
The games need to attract in excess of 5,000 paying spectators each year. The money raised goes to cover the costs of organising and running the event. As you would expect the weather plays a big part in deciding how many people turn up on the day. From the takings roughly 35% of the money raised goes in prizes and trophies; another 33% goes towards, marquee hire, toilets, traffic signs and control, judges' expenses. Like all events the organisation depends on a core of hard working
The Highland Games is very much a traditional Highland Games, celebrating Scottish Highland culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Events include:-
• Pipe Band Competitions
• Solo Piping
• Highland Dancing
• Tossing the Caber
• Throwing the Hammer
• Putting the Stone (the origins of the modern event 'Putting the Shot')
• Tug of War
• Track Events, (cycling, high jump, long jump, cycling, adult and children foot races).
• Finale of the Massed Pipe band Parade.
Car Parking - many people park within the town of Pitlochry, but the Highland Games has its own parking area at very affordable prices (better than leaving the car in town) at £4 per car (2023 prices). All you have to do is drive down to Pitlochry Recreation ground, (there are yellow signs showing you the way, from Pitlochry town centre) and your car will be parked right next to the games field.
Entrance fees are very reasonably priced. Prices (as per their web site January 2023) are:- £10 adults; kids (5 to 16yrs) £2; online tickets are subject to a booking fee. Dogs on leads are welcome. Remember this offers fantastic all day entertainment starting at 10.30am and finishing generally around 6pm with the massed band finale. Even if you stay for an hour or two it is still excellent value and you will be thoroughly entertained.
Pitlochry Highland Games are at the end of the Scottish Highland Games Season and are always very popular with visitors to Scotland.