Ballater Highland Games

Ballater has been running its games since 1864 and sticks to the second Thursday in August, which drops it into the middle of Victoria Week. Monaltrie Park is a short walk from the village square and is signposted from every approach to the town. Gates at nine, competitions from ten, the official start at noon. The Chieftain turns up around half one with a regimental guard of honour, and the pipe bands parade the perimeter track at intervals through the day. Competitors pay the admission charge and can then enter as many events as they like. Done by five.