:: HHG Homepage

Welcome to the web site for the Halkirk Highland Games, the premiere sporting event in the North of Scotland and the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Every summer, on the last Saturday in July, up to 5,000 visitors and locals flock to the village of Halkirk in Caithness (pop. 1,000) for a day of traditional and spectacular Scottish sport. They are guaranteed to be enthralled in watching over 100 competitors, many being national or world champions, challenging each other for various championship titles. The immensely strong Highland 'heavyweight' athletes, light footed Highland dancers, traditional Scottish pipers, fast runners, nimble jumpers, courageous cyclists, accurate clay pigeon shooters, excited children and even bonnie babies, all compete in around 100 events to produce a memorable afternoon.

The Halkirk Games offers the biggest prize purse in Scotland with over £21,000 available. Combined with a friendly welcome, excellent organisation and the staging of many national championships, it is no wonder that athletes from all over the world enjoy competing at Halkirk. In particular, the traditional Scottish heavyweight competition regularly attracts the best 'Heavies' from the USA. The "Heavies" resplendent in their kilts, are the true Highland strongmen and provide a unique sporting spectacle. Tossing the caber (a 19 foot long tree trunk) is an event not to be missed. Throwing the Scots hammer, tossing the sheaf, putting the shot, throwing the weight for height and distance, plus the eight man tug o' war contest are events that will keep you enthralled all afternoon.

Spectators enjoy ringside seating with enlightening and clear commentary for nearly 6 hours, from 12 noon. Enjoyment is enhanced by easy parking, a colourful and exciting fun fair, numerous side stalls, covered catering/refreshment facilities plus on-field toilets and changing facilities. Annual gatherings of the clans Gunn & Sinclair at the Games provide an opportunity to discover Caithness family history.

The Games are normally held on the last Saturday in July and officially starts at 12 noon with the traditional march of the pipe band and organising committee, from the village centre to the Games field at the Recreation Park. The last event is normally around 5.30pm and at 7.30pm the pipe band does a special parade in the main street for an hour. The day is completed with a grand marquee dance at 10.30pm.

Why not come along to the next Halkirk Games for a great family day out, you will not be disappointed.