The Games started in 1973 as a small fundraising event for local communities.
Fast forward 50 years and it’s now the biggest single day out in East Dunbartonshire. This family orientated event is immensely popular with the local community of Milngavie, Bearsden and the surrounding areas – we also attract visitors from around the world.
The next games will take place on Saturday 10th June 2023 at the West of Scotland Football Club, Glasgow Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 6AQ. Throughout the day, we have all the traditional highland games events; from wrestling, pipe bands, heavies, arm wrestling to Scottish dancing. The games also play host to the World Haggis Hurling Championship and everyone is encouraged to have a go! There’s also fairground rides and shows, great food and drinks venues, craft and trade stalls, as well as exhibitors and displays.
The Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games are organised by volunteers who give up their time free of charge to make the event a fun-filled day out for all who come.
If you are interested in supporting this year’s games, you’ll find more information here.
If you would like to take a trade stall at this year’s games, click here.
Funding Neuro has been the Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games charity partner since 2014. Over the years, visitors to the games have very generously donated to help them find new ways to treat people with brain disorders.
Alan Rough – Partick Thistle and Scotland goalkeeping legend – was our chieftain and master of ceremonies for 2022.
He joins a long list of famous chieftains such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Red Rum, the Blue Peter team, Murdo MacLeod, Gavin Hastings, Michelle McManus, cast members of Emmerdale and many more.
But who will be our 2023 Chieftain???
Events and activities run throughout the day. The timetable below is typical of the events we run each year. You can also listen out for announcements on the day.
We are very proud to be the home of the World Haggis Hurling Championship. Each year we encourage everyone to have a go – even the Chieftain!
What a turnout for the 2022 Haggis Hurling World Championship. We had entrants from all over the world taking part: Ukraine, France, Germany, Spain, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa, Nepal, Brazil – the list was endless!!
Back to defend his 2019 title was Garry McClay (pictured accepting his trophy from the games chieftain Alan Rough) and once again he retained it with an immense hurl at 187.5ft! Closely followed by Connor from Gullane (on the right) for his second year in second place – we know who’ll be in training for next year! Third place this year goes to our very own, hardworking volunteer Matt Howick (on the left)!!
Well done everyone – we all had a blast!!
The present world record for haggis hurling was set at 217 feet (66 metres) by Lorne Coltart at the games on 11th June 2011, beating Allan Pettigrew’s 180-foot (55-metre) record which had stood for over twenty years. Could 2023 be your year?
The official Highland Games car park is a short to moderate walk away from the venue and is well sign-posted, there is disabled parking close to the event.
Each year we are thankful for the support of our sponsors and volunteers who help make the games the best day out ever! Find out more information on our Supporters page.