The Friendly Games in the Forest Village
When: 2nd Saturday in August, 10 am to 5 pm (approx)
Where: Nethy Bridge Games Field, PH25 3DA
Cost: Adult £8.00 | Child £4.00 | Family £20.00
COVID-19 Update - 15.02.2021
Cancellation of Games 14th August 2021
As the Covid-19 pandemic took hold around the world a year ago, we considered and then confirmed the cancellation of our 2020 Abernethy Highland Games. This was a decision not taken lightly and there were those who thought it would all be passed by August. If only we had known then that we would be in a similar position a year later, it would have been hard to contemplate. However, that is exactly where we are.
The Committee of the Abernethy Highland Games have taken the painful decision to again cancel this year's Highland Games which should have taken place on Saturday 14th August. We are fully aware that this will again leave a huge hole in the village calendar on what has become the busiest weekend of the village's year. There is also the knock-on effect of the social and financial fabric of the village.
However, we have to remain focussed on the main picture and that is on overcoming Covid-19 and if missing another year of 'the games' helps in any way it is well worth it. If everybody sticks to the rules, then the sooner we will be through this ongoing tragedy.
In the meantime, we are working on next year's games, although I remember saying this a year ago, and we hope to see you all in Nethy on Saturday 13th August 2022.
Updates will be posted when appropriate here on this community website.
Sandy McCook - Chairman, Abernethy Highland Games Association
Heavy Events
The most distinctive sport in the Games are the five disciplines which make up the Heavy Events. Competitions have their origins in the traditional work activities of the Highland Croft and hill. The object of tossing the caber is to throw it so that it turns end over end, finishing pointing away from the athlete. Other disciplines are the Scots Hammer; Weight for Distance; Weight over Bar, and Putting the Shot. At Abernethy the Tug-o-War is between members of the different Pipe Bands attending.
Details of Weights Used
Scots Hammer 16lb
Weight for Distance 16lb, 22lb and 28lb
Weight over Bar 32lb, 44lb and 56lb
Putting the Shot
Caber: 12 foot long, 3-4 inches wide at the thin end and 5-6 inches wide at thick end.
15 years old is the minimum age for the junior heavies.
Please use the entry form to register to take part in the Heavy Events, except for the Tug-o-War which is by invitation. The various Heavy competitions are outlined on the entry form.
Results Archive
Abernethy Highland Games
Full results for last years and previous Abernethy Highland Games can be found on our games archive page
Abernethy Highland Games Association
Abernethy Highland Games and Clan Grant Gathering are held on the playing field in the centre of Nethy Bridge on the second Saturday of August. These are one of the oldest traditional games in Scotland. Known as the “Friendly Games” they are renowned for the stirring sound and spectacle of the Massed Pipe Bands, of around 150 musicians.
A Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered charity number: SC 042969
Registered Office
Post Office
Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire
PH25 3DA
Scotland