Stirling Highland Games 2024: Events, parking and how to get tickets

Thousands are expected at the upcoming Stirling Highland Games.

The popular gathering has been running for more than 200 years and showcases the best of Scottish culture.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the event, including ticket prices and the weather forecast.

When is Stirling Highland Games 2024?

This year’s Stirling Highland Games will take place on Saturday, August 17. The gates open at 10am and events run until 5pm.

Former international rugby player Kevin McKenzie, who was born in Stirling, is this year’s chieftain and will open the games at 12pm.

The Bruce Challenge, a heavyweight contest unique to the Stirling Highland Games. Image: Bryan Robertson

What are the games and when are they?

10am: Highland dancing competition – primary, beginners, novice
10.30am: Adaptive heavyweights competition
12pm: Chieftain opens the games
12.10pm: Stirling Stones competition
12.30pm: Track and field – open and youth handicap heats
1pm: Heavyweights competition – hammer, shot put and weight for distance
1.10pm: Track and field – open 800m cycle handicap
1.20pm: Track and field – open 800m handicap and open 90m handicap final
1.40pm: Track and field – youth 90m handicap final
1.50pm: Track and field – open 1600m cycle handicap
2pm: Highland dancing competition – intermediate and premier. Track and field – youth 800m handicap

Young people competing at last year’s Stirling Highland Games. Image: Juliet Magee
2.10pm: Track and field – open 200m handicap heats
2.25pm: Track and field – youth 200m handicap heats
3pm: Visitors races – adult and youth. Track and field – open 3,200m handicap final
3.40pm: Track and field – open 200m handicap final
3.45pm: Track and field – youth 200m handicap final
3.55pm: Track and field – open 1,600m handicap
4pm: Heavyweights – tossing the caber. Track and field – long jump
4.05pm: Track and field – open 400m handicap
4.10pm: Track and field – youth 400m handicap
4.20pm: Track and field – D’eil tak the hindmost cycle
4.25pm: Track and field – triple jump
4.30pm: Heavyweight – weight over the bar

What else is happening at the Games?

Fancy getting involved? The all-weather hockey pitch is hosting a community area from 11am to 2pm, offering sporting challenges

Alongside the athletic action, a Traders Village, which features dozens of local makers and producers, will open at 10am.

Elsewhere, to commemorate Stirling’s 900th anniversary, a photo exhibition is taking the place of Discover Stirling.

And history fans may also enjoy the planned heritage tours, explaining the history of the site. These will start at 11.30am and run at various points throughout the day.

Plus, Stirling Gaelic Choir is due to perform at both 1pm and 3pm.

Can you still get tickets for Stirling Highland Games?

Tickets for the gathering can be purchased online.

Adult tickets cost £12 per person, while the concessions rate (for students, pensioners and carers) is £6.

Heavyweights at Stirling Highland Games. Image: Juliet Magee

The ticket price for children aged between 12 and 15 is £6, £2 for ages five to 11, and under fours go free. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

SHG Experience tickets, offering exclusive perks at the event, are sold out.

How can I get to Stirling Highland Games and is there parking?

The Stirling Highland Games are held at Stirling Sports Village.

There is parking at the site, but it is expected to be full by 12pm.

Alternative places to park include Springkerse Park & Ride and Forthside Car Park, though there may be charges. A drop-off and pick-up area is also located next to the Highland Games site.

From Stirling Railway Station and Bus Station, it is a 25 to 30-minute walk to the site.

Buses are also available, with the P1 service operating between Stirling Bus Station and Springkerse Park & Ride.

Stops include Forthside Way at The Peak, which is closest to the games.