Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and world-class athleticism of Scotland's Highland Games at the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering. Nestled by the iconic waters of Loch Ness, this gathering is a celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring top-tier athletic competitions alongside captivating performances from pipers and dancers. The event kicks off with local events starting at 10:30 AM, offering community members an opportunity to showcase their skills in traditional heavy lifting and track & field disciplines. The afternoon programme commences at 12:30 PM, marking the beginning of a series of thrilling competitions that draw athletes from around the globe. A highlight this year is the inaugural World Female Heavy Events Championship, sanctioned by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA). This groundbreaking event honors women's strength and skill with ten coveted spots available to competitors who meet specific qualifying standards. The championship adheres strictly to RSHGA rules, including anti-doping regulations developed in partnership with UK Anti-Doping. For those interested in more traditional heavy events, the Open Heavy Events category offers five throwing disciplines under RSHGA guidelines, open to a limited number of participants due to schedule constraints. Junior athletes born between 2008 and 2014 can also compete in four similar events designed for their age group. Track & Field enthusiasts will enjoy a diverse range of sprinting, middle-distance running, jumping, and Under-14 categories open to all skill levels. Entries are made online but participants have the flexibility to choose which events they wish to participate in on the day itself after registration at the Secretary’s tent. Pipers from both senior and junior ranks will take center stage during piping competitions that include the classic Piobaireachd, a traditional event integral to any Highland Games experience. Detailed entry rules for all categories are available online for further information. Join us as we honor Scottish culture through sport, music, and dance at Glenurquhart Highland Gathering – an unmissable spectacle on Scotland’s sporting calendar.
Races Offered
Other
Aug 22, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Other
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
40 days remaining
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Drumnadrochit.
thermostatTemperature
12.1° / 18.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
10.1° / 16.0°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 26m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.6 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.9)
humidity_mid
Humidity
77.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:45
nightlight
Sunset
20:56
About Drumnadrochit
Learn more about the host city, Drumnadrochit.
Drumnadrochit is a village in the Great Glen, the fault line that traverses the Scottish Highlands. With a population of 1130 in 2020, it stands on the west shore of Loch Ness at the outlet of the River Enrick. This was difficult to ford in spate so Thomas Telford built a bridge in 1811, hence Druim na Drochaid, "the ridge of the bridge". The impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle stand nearby, but the town makes its living from the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, and every coach tour of the Highlands calls here.