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
RSPB Abernethy Forest 10 mile Road Race
Uniquely, for almost all of its 10 miles, the RSPB Road Race passes through the ancient Abernethy Forest now a nature reserve owned by the RSPB who kindly sponsor the race. The return of the race leaders onto the Games Field is always a moment of high excitement.
Brief route description:
The route starts with 3 laps of the athletics track and then moves out of the village into Abernethy forest. Forest roads are followed until the road is re-joined at 5 miles. A short off-road section is followed at 7 to 8 miles and then the road back to Nethy Bridge. On the approach to the village the route leaves the road and follows the new Speyside Way paths back to the finish on the games field. The route is well sign posted and there are 3 water stations at 3,6 & 8 miles. Entries from 12:00 on the day.
For plan of route click here.
Entry is free, once you have paid to get into the games themselves. Registration only on the day, from noon, in the Secretary’s tent. Race start 14.30.
For entry form click here
Changing facilities for athletes are available at the back of registration.
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