Summer in the Highlands is arguably the best time of the year! With summer comes sunshine, wafting breezes, and all the Highlands Summer events! To keep you in the know, we’ve listed 10 of our favourite events happening around Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. Read through and begin planning your holiday now!
The Gathering Festival 27th May
The Gathering Festival is back for one day in Inverness, celebrating the best of the Highlands & Scotland. Set to return to the historic Northern Meeting Park in the centre of Inverness with performances from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Hannah Rarity, TALISK, Tide Lines with more artists to be announced.
Don’t miss out on this fabulous addition to Highland entertainment!
For more information, please see here.
Inverness Highland Games 15th July
Now if you’re in the mood for some traditional Scottish culture, look no further than Inverness’s own Highland Games on the 15th July! A day full of Highlander traditions and dress, enjoy the games and the stalls and shows with live music to accompany. If you want a true Scottish experience, this day should not be missed!
For more information, please see here.
Proud Ness 22nd July - Highland Pride 2023
After a three year break the Highland's pride event is back! One of the most beloved summer features of Loch Ness is Proud Ness, which includes a march through the streets of Inverness followed by speeches, food, stalls, dancing and more - a celebration of our LGBT+ community and allies across the Highlands and Islands.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 27th July
One of the most beloved summer features of Loch Ness is the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Held on Belladrum estate nearby Beauly, this 3-day festival is a firm favourite for the experience and the musical line-up. This festival will be none like any other, featuring acts such as Travis, Bastille, Sigrid, Peat & Diesel, Sam Ryder and KT Tunstall as well as many more. Settle down for 3 days of great music, a roaring atmosphere and a fantastic time no matter the weather.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
To find tickets or more information, please see here.
Groove Loch Ness (date to be announced)
If folk music and X music aren’t for you, Loch Ness will be hosting one more music extravaganza: Groove Loch Ness. The dates are yet to be announced, but be prepared for this one stage festival showcasing the best of electronic, house and techno music.
Check out their website for more details, and to check when tickets are released.
Glenurqhart Highland Gathering and Games 26th August
If you’re not in town for Inverness’s Highland Games, you’re in luck! Glenurquhart have their very own Highland Gathering on the 26th August. Just like in Inverness, it will be chock-a-block with games, competitions, music, food and of course kilts.
For more information, check out the details Here
Fort Augustus Ceilidhs (dates to be announced)
A little less well known than the Highland Games, Ceilidhs are town dances set to live music. Usually involving learnt routines by dance groups, Fort Augustus’ ceilidh is a chance for you to get involved and break out your own dance moves! Taking place in the town hall, this event is minutes away from your front door at The Highland Club. You’ll find live music and leave with tired feet and a happy heart.
For more information, please click here.
Theatre in the Highlands
Out damn spot! We all know the story of Shakespeare’s favourite Scot, Macbeth. But did you know that after the Thane of Cawdor came Castle Cawdor? Though unfortunately not linked in anything but name, Cawdor Castle will be holding 3 fantastic theatre performances over the summer: Macbeth, The Wind in the Willows and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. If you’re a theatre junkie and you want a Shakespeare experience quite unlike any other, hop on down to Cawdor to watch Birnam Wood march in…
Macbeth – 19th July, 7pm to 9pm
The Wind in the Willows – 20th July, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 1st August, 7pm to 9pm
For more information or to buy your tickets, check out Cawdor Castle’s website.
Jacobite Steam Train
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you’ll have obviously heard of the Hogwarts Express. Though it flies through the Highlands in the books and movies, unfortunately we muggles can’t see it. Instead, we have the Jacobite Steam Train. One of the most beautiful railway trips you can take in the world, it travels from Fort William to Mallaig on a return. Passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it is the closest you will come to travelling to Hogwarts! Beware, tickets sell out fast so book ahead of time to enjoy this spectacular journey.
To book your tickets, visit the Jacobite’s website.
Tours
There are so many activities in and around The Highland Club and Fort Augustus that you will be pressed for time. One of the best ways to see yourself around is to go on a tour! Whether you’re zipping across Loch Ness or a speedboat, being guided up Ben Nevis or sampling different whisky distilleries, allowing a local to show you the best of the Highlands with all the insider knowledge!
To see all the different tours available to you, check out TripAdvisor to find one that suits you, your family and your time.
This post was first published 21st June 2019