Lonach Highland Gathering and Games

The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society was set up in 1823 by Sir Charles Forbes, first Baronet of Newe and Edinglassie. Members are still drawn from the folk of Strathdon, and on the fourth Saturday of August they walk out from Bellabeg at 07.50 with pikes and broadswords on their shoulders. Worth getting up for. They are back at Lonach Hall by half eleven for a private lunch, and the games themselves start at noon, though the piping begins at 10.30. Heavy events are at 12 and the dancing at half twelve. The Beating of the Retreat closes the day around 5.30. Parking is free. Strathdon sits 42 miles out of Aberdeen on the A944 and there is no bus route, so you will need to drive.