-123 days until Games Day

Highland Games

Fun & games for all ages

Location

Dundonald Ayrshire KA29HD

Date

Saturday 5th August 2023

Saturday 5 August 2023

Dundonald Highland Games is one of Ayrshire’s premier cultural events. It is unique in capturing traditional Scottish heritage and strong community spirit within the picturesque setting of Royal Dundonald Castle. Admission to the Games is completely free and offers a whole range of entertainment and activities.

The festivities begin at 11.30am with the Children’s Fancy Dress competition at the Montgomerie Hall followed by the Street Procession through the centre of the village to the Playing Fields. At 12.30pm, during the Opening Ceremony watch the coronation of the Games Queen and the Chieftain’s Address.

Throughout the day the Piping Arena is home to the RSPBA Pipe Band and Drum Major contests where highly skilled local, regional and international bands compete from Grades 1 to 4. Elsewhere, the Solo Piping and RSOBHD Highland Dancing stages will showcase some of the finest Scottish and global talent. The Events Arena will provide a range of alternative entertainment including our burly Scots competing at the Heavy Events. Royal Dundonald Castle and the Visitor Centre is open all day and the castle will also provide a magnificent background for the Solo Lament during the Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony.

Visit the Stalls & Craft Fayre where you will find a fantastic blend of commercial stalls and local clubs and organisations from throughout the village.

Later on why not enter our popular Open Events competition which is free for members of the public to join in a variety of fun games and activities. Then watch the locals battle it out during the Tug-o-war and marvel in awe as the Massed Pipe Bands Parade marches through the village from the War Memorial.

Finally, round the day off by following a well-respected local tradition and drink a toast to the Chieftain in the local pub and continue the festivities in good company.

We hope you enjoy our Highland Games and all the events and activities held during Dundonald Games Week.

Haste ye back!

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Dundonald Highland Games Schedule

Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day 1-3pm Dundonald Castle This year to kick off Games Week, Friends of Dundonald Castle will be hosting a fun and interactive event for all our young history and archaeology enthusiasts! Come along to this free event and take part in a variety of hands-on experiences, artefact handling, short castle tours and more! There’s also plenty of space for a family picnic and you can top these up with a great food and drink selection in the visitor centre. No tickets needed, just pop along on the day!  

Car Treasure Hunt

Monday 31st July, 6-7pm Make up a team of family and friends and explore and solve clues that will take you on a local adventure. Register at Dundonald Primary School car park between 6pm and 7pm.

Walking Treasure Hunt

Tuesday 1st August, 7pm - 9pm Starts at Castle Visitors Centre - On foot around Village Solve the clues to follow the secret path through the village walking distance approx two miles. Register at Dundonald Castle and Visitors Centre at 7pm. Free Entry

Pet Show

Wednesday 2nd August, 7pm - 8.30pm Dundonald Playing Field Sponsored by Dundonald House Care Home The Pet Show is on Wednesday 3 August at 7:00pm at the Playing Fields below Dundonald Castle (registration from 6:30pm). There are various entry classes for all the local talent from the animal kingdom. Classes are as follows:
  • Best small furry animal
  • Best puppy (3 months-1 year)
  • Best Adult dog (2-6 years)
  • Best Veteran (7 years and older)
  • Best Rescue dog
  • Fancy dress
Rosettes 1st - 6th place Best in Show - first in classes 1-6 All pets and owners receive a certificate of entry. Entry: Entry is free and made at the event.

Kids Fun Run

Wednesday 2nd August, 6pm - 7pm (registration from 6pm) first race 6:15pm The Kids’ Fun Run is on Wednesday 2nd August 2022 from 6:15pm in the Playing Fields below Dundonald Castle (registration on field from 6pm). Primary 3 to secondary run out playing field and around Kilnford estate. From Toddlers to Teens the Fun Run is open to kids of all ages. Categories are:
  • Primary 7 and Secondary (out of field)
  • Primary 5 and 6 (out of field)
  • Primary 3 and 4 (out of field)
  • Primary 1 and 2 (flat race in field)
  • Nursery (flat race in field)
Entry is free and registration made at the event.

Fancy Dress Competition

Saturday 5th August 11:30am Fancy dress competition takes place on Saturday morning at the Montgomerie Hall, Main Street. Age categories for this competition are:
  • 0-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5, 6 and 7 years
  • 8 years and above
  • Groups
Free entry on the day.

Dundonald Games Day

Saturday 5th August, 12noon Games day starts with a parade down our Main Street to Dundonald Playing Field, at the end of Games Day there is a massed pipe band display in the field, followed by a parade back up the Main Street.
  • RSPBA Pipeband competition - 2023 entry form
  • RSPBA Solo Piping competition - entry form coming soon
  • RSOBHD Highland Dancing competition
  • Stalls
  • Events
  • And so much more….

Event Sponsors

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Event Location

Dundonald Playing Fields
Winehouse Yett
Dundonald
Ayrshire
KA2 9HD