Glenurquhart Highland Gathering & Games
The Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games is a one-day Highland sports and culture meeting at the Games Field in Drumnadrochit, set by Loch Ness on 22 August 2026. The programme combines traditional heavy events, track and field athletics, piping and dance competitions, local community competitions and a tug of war in the afternoon programme.
A World Female Heavy Events Championship sanctioned by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA) will take place at the event. That championship is limited to ten places, runs under RSHGA rules and includes RSHGA rules on clean sport developed with UK Anti-Doping. Entry for that championship has an earlier deadline and automatic qualification is available for athletes meeting these standards:
- Shot put 9 lb: 36 feet
- Weight for distance 16 lb: 56 feet
- Scots hammer 13 lb: 85 feet
- Weight over the bar 28 lb: 14 feet 6 inches
- Caber
Open heavy events follow RSHGA rules and comprise five traditional throwing events, with prizes for individual and overall performance; open heavy entries may be limited due to championship scheduling. Junior heavy events run under RSHGA rules and are restricted by birth dates and competitor limits.
Track and field events are held under Scottish Athletics rules and include sprints, middle distances and jumps in female and open categories, plus under‑14 events. Local events are limited to competitors from the defined local area and are held as part of the morning programme. Entry registration for the main event is online with fees varying by category; some local events may be entered on the day without prior online registration. A waiting list may be used for some options and payment is only taken if a place is offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Event Schedule
Local Events Start at 10:30am
Afternoon Programme starts at 12:30pm
WORLD FEMALE HEAVY EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Making Scottish History - The first ever World Female Heavy Events Championship sanctioned by the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association ( RSHGA) in Scotland, hosted at Glenurquhart Highland Games. This ground breaking event celebrates women’s strength, skill and determination and we hope that showcasing these athletes on a world stage will be an inspiration to future generations.
The World Championship will be run under the rules of the RSHGA including their rules on Clean Sport developed working in partnership with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD):
- Only 10 places available. Full entry rules, information & prize details on our website.
- Automatic qualification for athletes meeting the following standards in at least one event:
| Event | Weight | Qualifying Standard |
| Shot Putt | 9lbs | 36 feet |
| Weight For Distance | 16lbs | 56 feet |
| Scots Hammer | 13lbs | 85 feet |
| Weight over the Bar | 28lbs | 14 feet, 6 inches |
| Caber |
Entry Deadline is 1st July 2026 for World Championship or earlier if maximum limit is met
HEAVY EVENTS
Please visit our website for details competition rules, equipment specifications and prize information.
Open Heavy Events
Run under RSHGA rules: Athletes will compete in five traditional throwing events. Prizes awarded for individual and overall performance. Limited to 8 competitors due to the World championship schedule.
Junior Heavy Events
Run under RSHGA rules: Athletes will compete in five traditional throwing events. Open to athletes born between 31/12/08 and 23/08/14. N.B. START TIME: 10:30am. Maximum 6 competitors.
TRACK & FIELD
Run under SAL rules: Always a crowd favourite, our track and field events include sprints, middle distances, and jumps in female and open categories, plus under-14 events.