Dundonald Highland Games

Dundonald Highland Games

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!

Saturday 2 August 2025
11.30am - 6pm
Free
Playing Field, Dundonald, KA2 9HD

Map

You might also like...

Ayr
Split image with a bright blue panel on the left showing a white geometric logo and the words Public Diners. On the right, a black-and-white photograph of people sitting at tables with checkered tablecloths in a communal dining hall, eating and drinking together.
Monday 1 September - Saturday 13 September 2025
See listing for opening hours
Free

Public Diners Exhibition

Ayr
Triptych image showing elements related to the Ayr Guildry in Scotland. The left panel displays a black and gold plaque with the Ayr Guildry crest and text reading: 'AYR GUILDRY CORNEY AND BARROW, SCOTLAND’S OLDEST WORKING WINE CELLARS, FOUNDED 1766 BY EIGHT AYR GUILDRY MEMBERS AS ALEXANDER OLIPHANT & CO.' The center panel features a close-up of a ceremonial metal object, possibly a badge or medal, engraved with architectural imagery and symbols of trades, including compasses and a square. The right panel shows a colorful stained glass window with religious or historical figures and ornate heraldic designs at the bottom, set in a Gothic-style church or cathedral window frame.
Tuesday 2 September - Saturday 27 September 2025
See listing for opening hours
Free

Ayr Guildry: 700th Anniversary 1325 - 2025

Ayr
ayr_show_red_arrows-1.jpg
5 - 6 September 2025
Free

International Ayr Show Festival of Flight

Maybole
Close-up of a person wearing green gardening gloves, holding a small plant with soil-covered roots above a freshly tilled garden bed, with gardening tools lying on the grass nearby.
Monday 8 September 2025
5.30pm - 7pm
Free

Green Health Workshop at Maybole Library

Girvan
Image shows promotional material for a Damian Barr author event, likely celebrating his book "The Two Roberts." On the left, the book cover is displayed, featuring a black and white image of a person lying down, with the title "The Two Roberts" in a bold, teal font above the author's name, "DAMIAN BARR," in a smaller, matching font. The cover also includes a tagline in smaller print at the top. The background of the promotional material is split diagonally, with a teal color on the top left and a textured coral/pink on the bottom right. Overlapping the coral section is the text "DAMIAN BARR" in large, bold, cream-colored letters, with "AUTHOR EVENT" underneath in a smaller, matching font. To the right of the text stands a photograph of Damian Barr, a white man with short brown hair, glasses, and a beard, looking off to the right. Above the text, in a smaller teal font, it reads "A 2025 BOOK TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE OBSERVER, THE GUARDIAN, THE HERALD AND THE BBC."
FULLY BOOKED
Tuesday, 9 September 2025
2pm - 3pm
Free

Author Event with Damian Barr - ‘The Two Roberts’

Ayr
A promotional poster for 'Rock for Heroes: The Ultimate Rock Anthems.' It features three musicians playing guitars, with their faces obscured. The background is a dark, cloudy sky. The text on the right side of the image reads: 'ROCK FOR HEROES THE ULTIMATE ROCK ANTHEMS GUNS N ROSES, MEATLOAF, BON JOVI, QUEEN AND MANY MORE.
Wednesday 10 September 2025
7.30pm
28 – £34

Rock For Heroes

Join our newsletter

Get the latest Destination South Ayrshire news and events delivered straight to your inbox…

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the latest Destination South Ayrshire news and events delivered straight to your inbox…

Copyright © 2025 Destination South Ayrshire. Provided by South Ayrshire Council.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the latest Destination South Ayrshire news and events delivered straight to your inbox…