The Lochaber Highland Games (Fort William) used to be held on the last Saturday in July on the field at An Aird and enjoyed a great backdrop of Ben Nevis and Cow Hill. We are hopeful a Highland Games in Fort William will be organised in the future.
The modern form of Highland Games is a continuation of a gathering which had it’s origin centuries ago in clan culture in the Highlands. The clan Chiefs organised contests to find the strongest men for bodyguards, the fastest men for couriers and the fittest men for their fighting force.
As a sporting event, these contests were a way by which the rival clans could compete with each other without resorting to the bloodshed of battle, however not all contests were warlike. Pipers and dancers were also important for entertainment and the best of these could find a place in the Chiefs retinue. During the day, a junior piping competition is held at the piping marquee playing the March Strathspey and Reel, a Jig and the Piobaireachd. Heavies Events Junior and senior heavies events take place over the day commencing around 10.00am.
Competitions include throwing the scots hammer, tossing the caber, weight over the bar and throwing the light stone. Athletics On the track, there is a full athletics programme of 100m, 200m, 400m 800m and 1500m races for various age groups plus long jump, relay and fun races for the young children. A tug of war competition is also run. For visitors with mobility disabilities, there is a motability scooter race which usually has a strong fun element.
The main athletics event external to the field is The Cow Hill race which is an arduous 2 mile hill race climbing 287 metres (900’), the majority of which can be viewed from the field with binoculars.
Arisaig Highland Games |
Mallaig & Morar Highland Games |
Glenfinnan Highland Games |
Invergarry Highland Games - visit our events section to find out details about future Highland games around Lochaber.
Highland Dancing
Beginners, Novice, Intermediate, Premier and adult competitions are held for up to 10 dances including the Pas de Basques, Highland Fling, Sword Dance and Hornpipe. The dancing competition is run under SOBHD rules.
The Clann are a period authentic group of highlanders who are experts on the use of traditional weaponry. The Clann set up an encampment on the field to allow visitors to see how highlanders may have lived and to allow inspection of their armoury. During the afternoon, The Clann provide 2 full battle displays with commentary. Visit their website at
www.theclann.co.uk