The Skye Highland Games have taken place every year since 1877 with the exception of the war years and more recently during the Covid pandemic. To read more about this incredible history please read the section at the bottom of the page.

History

A RICH HISTORY

THE GAMES

PIPING

ATHLETICS

The Skye Highland Games Association particularly welcomes all visitors to Skye. The Games were inaugurated in 1877 by the Skye Gathering Committee, who also own the field and still support the Games. Except during the World Wars and more recently during the Covid pandemic they have taken place annually in this natural amphitheatre from which some of the stones used to build the Gathering Hall were quarried.

The Games consist of Heavy Field Events, Athletics, Piping and Highland Dancing.

These events, unique to the Scottish Highlands, are an illustration of a way of life as well as being sporting events and entertainment conducted in a traditional manner.

There is also a Sailing Regatta, which consists of a single race for all classes of yacht.

A  CELEBRATION OF SCOTTISH HERITAGE

Skye Highland Games History

The Isle of Skye Highland Games has been run  over the last 140 years. To read more about this incredible event history, please click the article links below. Results from the last 12 years events are also provided.

Articles

These downloads contain articles from the Skye Games book which was published in 1998.

History of the Skye Games

How it all started

The Isle of Skye Pipe Band

Beyond Highland Dancing

Reminiscences

Some Memories and Impressions of the Hill Race

Skye Games

Download results

Results 2022

Results 2019

Results 2019 Dancing

Results 2018

Results 2017

Results 2016

Results 2015

Results 2014

Results 2013

Results 2012

Results 2011

Results 2010

Results 2009

Results 2008

Results 2007

Results 2006

Results 2005

 

 

Isle of Skye Highland Games Old Results sheet

EXPERIENCE

AUTHENTIC HIGHLAND TRADITION

The Games are one of the highlights of the Skye calendar and are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year as well as the local population who come from all corners of the island, and beyond, to witness or to participate in this authentic expression of Highland tradition and culture.

A day at the Skye Highland Games is guaranteed to live long in your memory.

Although the Skye Games in their present form were inaugurated in 1877, the tradition which they represent goes back hundreds of years before that, with clan celebrations that included fiercely contested feats of strength and endurance, together with piping and other forms of entertainment similar to those that can be enjoyed at the games today.

AN EVENT WITH A FASCINATING HISTORY

Piping forms an important part of the Games. Competitions are held in the Skye Gathering Hall and St Columba Parish Centre, with piping information available in the Royal Hotel, Portree. The Games attract Pipers from Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and the USA. Competitions for local pipers are held on the field where the Isle of Skye Pipe band plays at regular intervals. It is natural that piping should be important in Skye where the famous piping family of the MacCrimmons taught Piobaireachd at their college in Boreraig, Glendale.

Piper on the Isle of Skye at the Games

Athletic events are open to professional athletes from all parts of the world. Separate local events are restricted to those from Skye, islands adjacent and part of the mainland.

Highland Games evolved locally from informal feats of strength, speed and stamina. Huge stones were used for lifting and throwing. These have generally been replaced by standard equipment, but the highlight is still Tossing the Caber. The object is to toss the tree over so that the bottom end finishes up in line 180° from the competitor.

WARNING:

THE FIELD AND TRACK MUST BE KEPT CLEAR AT ALL TIMES AND SPECTATORS MUST NOT SIT OR STAND ON ANY FENCES OR WALLS. THE COMMITTEE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR INJURY DURING THE GAMES.

Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games
Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games

7th August 2024

isle of skye highland games logo version 2
Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games
isle of skye highland games logo version 2
Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games
Piper on the Isle of Skye at the Games
Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games

AN EVENT WITH A HISTORY

Piper on the Isle of Skye at the Games
Throwing the weight at the Isle of Skye Highlad Games