A celebration of highland tradition at Ballater Highland Games 2026
Ballater Highland Games at Monaltrie Park drew crowds for piping, traditional competitions, and the popular hill race in Aberdeenshire's summer highlight.
Aug 15, 2026 - 06:13
Highland Dancers during the Ballater Highland Games Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Hundreds of visitors gathered for the annual Ballater Highland Games at Monaltrie Park on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Featuring a wide range of piping competitions, pipe bands and traditional Highland Games competitions throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the event included the popular Ballater Hill Race held every year at the games.
Press and Journal photographer Darrell Benns was there to capture the action.
Massed pipe bands lead the Arrival of the Chieftain ceremony at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Pipe bands gather in the arena during the traditional Arrival of the Chieftain ceremony at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Pipers and drummers take part in the Arrival of the Chieftain ceremony, one of the opening traditions of the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The sound of pipes fills Monaltrie Park as massed bands welcome the Chieftain during the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Pipers and drummers take part in the opening traditions of the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Spectators enjoy the pipe bands. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Arrival of the Chieftain ceremony. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Chieftain Philip Farquharson, 17th of Invercauld. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Robert Lovie. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Highland Dancers. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Competitors take to the stage in the Highland dancing events at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Highland dancers in traditional dress take part in competition at Monaltrie Park, Ballater. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
A competitor takes part in the Highland Sword Dance competition at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Highland dancers perform the traditional Sword Dance during the Ballater Highland Games at Monaltrie Park, Ballater. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
A dancer competes in the Highland Sword Dance, one of Scotland’s best-known traditional dances, at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Shaun Gunn during the hammer throw. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Kyle Randalls during the hammer throw. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Thousands of visitors attend the Ballater Highland Games in Ballater. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The Buchan Family. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Elizabeth, Fiona and Susan enjoy an ice cream. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The crowd watches the action during the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Fred and Holly from the Aberlour Pipe Band. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The long jump. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
A participant lands in the sand pit after an attempt in the long jump competition at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The running race. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Competitors race down the track in front of spectators at the annual Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Competitors race towards the finish line during one of the athletics events at the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Competitors sprint towards the finish line. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
A great turnout for the Ballater Highland Games. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
The shot putt. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Kyle Randalls during the hammer throw. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
Mark and Rowan enjoy an ice cream. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson
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