The Games take place at Monaltrie Park, Ballater, AB35 5NN which is well signposted from all approaches to the town.
The event is always held on the second Thursday in August. gates open at 9.30am, competitions start at 10am and proceedings officially start at 12 noon, continuing until approximately 5.00 p.m.
Car parking is available adjacent to the park and can accommodate large vehicles, if necessary. To ease administration, touring buses should make prior arrangements with the Games Secretary. Payment beforehand is not necessary however, as the admission charge is collected by the gatekeepers at the entry point.
Competitors should note that they will be charged for admission to the Games, but they are then free to compete in all their events, as there are no event entry fees payable.
For all types of accommodation available in Ballater, visit:-
www.visitballater.com
For Ballater Caravan Park information, visit:-
www.ballatercaravanpark.com
Please reach us at info@ballaterhighlandgames.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Ballater Highland Games is always the Second Thursday in August. This year, August 14th, 2025.
Ballater Highland Games is held at Monaltrie Park, Ballater, AB35 5NN
Gates open at 10am, competitions start at 11am.
Adult Admission (Age 16+) - £15.00 +Booking Fee
Child (Age 5 - 16) - £5.00 +Booking Fee
Child (Age 0-4) - Free
Car Parking - Free / But please order a ticket to help us keep track of numbers.
Admission tickets can be purchased online From our Tickets Page
Each year seats are provided on the grass open terrace exclusively for Patrons of the Games in the Patrons' Enclosure, with access through the Patrons arch. For further details please visit our Membership and Patrons page.
Please note that admission tickets do not allow access to the Patrons Enclosure or the Hospitality Tent.
To complete the day, Beat Retreat by the Pipe Bands is planned for 7pm on the Church Green in Ballater.
The ground is a flat public park, with an area set aside for disabled parking, but there are no special provisions for wheelchairs.
Yes - if they are well-behaved and on a short lead, but they are not allowed in the Patrons Hospitality Tent. Please be aware that due to the crowds your dog may not enjoy it, but there are quieter walks around Ballater, should they wish.
Yes, for some events (see the Events page) - other competitors enter on the day – all report to the Secretary’s Tent no later than 30 minutes before each events.
No - all competitors pay for admission tickets to the Games, and can then enter any competition without additional cost.
There is a limited area for tents.
All dances at Ballater are Open/Premier, they are one and the same thing.
No.
No.
The Programme of events, will have details, once available.
There is only one class – see age groups in the schedule.
We have SOHDA judges.
Three - although two may be sufficient in the case of young pipers.
The Programme of events, will have details, once available.
No.
Between 2.5 and 3 miles, with 600 feet elevation.
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