Programme of Events

In 2025 the Games are to be held at Monaltrie Park Ballater on Thursday 14th August. Events will commence approximately as in 2024's programme of events.

No fees are required for the events as this is covered by the admission ticket payment. Competitors enter at the Secretary’s Tent 30 minutes before each event. Several events have classifications for younger competitors.

The Chieftain of the Games and his party traditionally arrive around 2.30pm and are attended by a Regimental Guard of Honour.

At certain intervals throughout the day, the Pipe Bands parade around the perimeter track and this is always a great spectacle.

It is stressed that, in the interest of public safety, no unauthorised person will be permitted entry onto the track or onto the competition area itself at any time during the Games.

 ose pipers wishing to compete in the solo piping competitions on Games Day are requested to enter in advance by completing a Competition Entry Form and forwarding it to our Piping Convenor, whose contact details are on the Form.

Thank you very much in anticipation of your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to this year's Ballater Highland Games.

 Highland dancing events will now include 5th and 6th places to align with other Grampian Games and help towards the season award from Walkers Shortbread. 

Entry for the Hill Race is on Games Day, those proposing to participate should be aware of the Hill Race Briefing, which will be as follows:

BALLATER HIGHLAND GAMES HILL RACE BRIEF:-

You are all competing in this event with the full knowledge and understanding that you are doing so entirely at your own risk.
All runners should display their race numbers as clearly as possible to aid identification for both the race commentary and at the finish line.
The race route is twice anti – clockwise round the Games arena, out of the Games Park, following Provost Craig road until it joins the A93 (Ballater – Braemar), then turning left to cross over the railway bridge and down the main street through the village centre. The route through the village is not open to deviation.
You then cross the bridge over the River Dee and follow the clearly marked recommended route to the summit of the hill. You then run around the cairn (receiving a proof stamp from the race official) before descending the same route down the hill, through the village and into the Games Park, completing one lap anti - clockwise of the arena and finishing in front of the Chieftain’s tent.
The recommended route is directly up the middle of the hill following a well-worn path. The path varies in underfoot conditions and difficulty. .
The path narrows in several places and may result in runners having to leave the path to overtake slower runners. Slower runners still making their way to the summit should give way and move aside to faster runners making their descent.
Any runner who chooses to retire early from the race must report to a member of the field team immediately upon their return to the Games Park.

ENJOY AND STAY SAFE

 A reminder that there is a bonus for anyone setting a new record for the Race. In 2023 the existing 1978 record (we believe our Hill Race record existed longer than any other in Scotland!) of 16 minutes and 59 seconds was broken by Jamie Crowe with a time of 16 mins 48 secs. He received an additional bonus of £450.

If no new record is set this year, £10 will be added to the bonus each year until a new record is set, up to a maximum bonus of £500. Thereafter, that bonus will remain available until there is a new record.

There will also be a £50 bonus for any lady breaking the existing record in the ladies' category, presently 20 minutes 38 seconds.  If the record is not broken this year, this bonus will be available each year thereafter until it is.