What are Scottish Highland Games?
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A Highland Games event is a day(s) long celebration of Scottish heritage, combining aspects of sport and culture. Think of a county fair and a track meet all rolled into one.
The “games” part consists of men – and women – competing in the traditional Scottish “heavy athletics” events: throwing various weights, stones, and the caber (a pole) for distance, height or accuracy. Multiple events occur all throughout the day.
Celtic music performers are featured on stage. Pipe and Drum bands perform as entertainment, in competition, and as accompaniment to Highland dancing – both performances and dance competition. All the participating pipe bands combine in parade to open and close the event, and to "Call the Clans".
Scottish Culture is celebrated with Clan displays, genealogy & educational exhibits and Celtic food and merchandise sales. And not to forget the drink – whisky, beer and more.
What about the 2025 Phoenix Games?
Producing the Scottish Games is a challenging balance of the costs to present a world class event and the (hopeful) expected revenue. The event has to cover its expenses, as well as provide initial capital for funding the next year's planning.
Unfortunately the 2024 Games had both reduced attendance and attendee spending, along with increased costs - as we all have seen in our personal lives.
2025 will be a rebuilding year, to return in 2026.