Braemar Highland Gathering - 1 day tour

Scotland’s premier Highland Games - The Braemar Highland Gathering takes place in the pretty village of Braemar on Royal Deeside. This exceptional event has a long and noble history. It has taken place here, in one form or another, for over 900 years. Today it’s a World-famous celebration of traditional dancing, music and sportsmanship.

Before her death, Queen Elizabeth was the patron of the Braemar Highland Gathering for over 70 years and regularly attended the event with members of the Royal Family when she stayed at nearby Balmoral Castle. The Monarch’s attendance maintains a tradition that dates back to 1848 when Queen Victoria first visited the event.

Your Braemar Highland Gathering tour starts in Edinburgh and will take you on a scenic journey through the ancient Kingdom of Fife then through Glen Shee to reach Braemar in Royal Deeside.

Once in the showground (admission is included), you’ll marvel at the kilted “Heavies” who show off their athleticism when they take part in contests like Putting the Stone, Throwing Weight and, of course, Tossing the Caber!

Listen to the grunts and groans as two teams battle it out on the Tug of War. After a long battle of too and fro the winners will receive their prize from a member of the Royal Family.

Over 100 dancers will participate in magical displays of Highland Dancing, one of the oldest dance forms and highly developed over many centuries. In their colourful tartan outfits, the contestants will compete in traditional dances like the Highland Fling and The Sword Dance. Hornpipe.

During your time at the Braemar Highland Gathering, you’ll get to enjoy listening to many Pipe Bands performing bagpipe music during the day. A real highlight will be the march of the Massed Pipes and Drums comprising all 12 bands performing in unison.

We’ll depart from Braemar in the late afternoon returning to Edinburgh by mid-evening. What a memorable day this has been!