Highland Gathering
_edited.png)
The Durness Highland Gathering is one of the most spectacular events held in this North West corner of Scotland. The 2023 Gathering will be held on Friday the 28th of July.
.png)
Event 2023
_edited.jpg)
Over £4000 in Prize Money
Track, Field, Heavy Events & Tug O'War
Piping & Dancing
Children's Events
Loch Eriboll Farm Alpacas
Various Food and Drink Stalls
Vintage Tractor & Vehicle Display
Connell Outdoor Pursuits Archery
Evening Dance in the Village Hall with Blue Ridge
The event begins at noon with the chosen Chieftain meeting members of the pipe band in the village square before marching on to the Games Field to declare the games open.
Entry to all competitions are free and open to everyone. If you don't wish to compete just come and watch, and maybe meet up with old friends or make new ones.
This is a day not to be missed when touring this beautiful part of the Highlands. We have much to offer in the way of a Scottish Pipe Band, Highland Dancers, Field, Track and Heavy events.
%20(1)_edited.jpg)
2023 Admission to Ground:
Adults: £8
Senior Citizens: £4
Under 16: £4
Under 5: Free
Car Park: £2.00 * Pay at Gate, Subject to Availability
Evening Dance in the Village Hall: 10pm
Admission £10
BYOB-No Glass.
Our Chieftain
It is with great delight that we can announce that the 2023 Chieftain is Reverend Andrea Boyes, the Minister for Durness and Kinlochbervie Parish.
“Originally from Lanarkshire in Scotland, I found my home in the Highlands in my early 20’s with a move to Inverness for work. It was there that I met my husband, working together as Mental Health Nurses. We were also both part of the Craig Dunain Women's Rugby Team, Jimmy the coach and I, for a while, a prop forward.
My nursing career offered me many opportunities and has taken me to different parts of the UK, but the Highlands has always been home. I continued to work as the Community Nurse for Homelessness in Inverness, whilst also beginning my Divinity studies. I studied for a BA Hons in Theology at Highland Theological College in Dingwall. However, being a mum to our children Rebecca, Connor and Andrew and a full-time student, I left nursing for what I thought would be a short time. However, God’s plans are often not our plans, and I was accepted for ministry training with the Church of Scotland.
I have now been an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament with the Church of Scotland for 10 years and been here as the Parish Minister for Durness and Kinlochbervie for over five years. I love serving and being part of the communities here in Durness and Kinlochbervie. Sharing in the everyday joys and sorrows, is a great privilege and a real adventure with God.
In ministry, we are advised to take time off each week. For a while I enjoyed the freedom of running and even managed the Cape Wrath 10k, but in the past few years I have enjoyed spending the free time I have, learning to look after my own wee flock of sheep and training my three collies. Although some days I think the collies are training me! I am always happy to talk about sheep and dogs (some might say too much) but really my life is about learning to be more like the Good Shepherd.
I was overwhelmed to be asked by the Durness Highland Gathering Committee to be this year's Chieftain. It is a great joy and privilege to be able to be part of this wonderful day in such a role. I always look forward to games day and planning our church tent, but this year is even more special for my family and I.”
Our Sponsors
Many thanks as always to our generous sponsors:
Mr I and Mrs M Anderson. -West of Orkney Windfarm. - Mr David Morrison. - Sangobeg Investments Ltd.- Sangobeg Properties.Ltd
Mr Willie Morrison. - Mathers Stores. - Mr Mark Manning.- Reay Forest Estate.- Mr Donald Cottagie Mackay.- Wild Orchid Guesthouse
Cape Wrath Ferry. - Mr R and Mrs J Tucker. - Smoo Cave Hotel. - Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund.- Keoldale Sheepstock Club
Mr M and Mrs M Mackay.- Cairn House Arts and Crafts.-Sango Sands Oasis.- Bells Seafood.- Paul MacLellan Plumbing & Heating.
Sparkling Star UL290.- The Durness Bus. - Cape Wrath Oysters.- Fashven Bed and Breakfast
How to Reach Us
The Games are held on the field behind R. Mackay & Sons Shop.
Enter the Postcode IV27 4PN into your navigation system, or use CORK.TRINKETS.LUCKIER with what3words to find us.
Limited parking is available at the event, more is available in the village. Please respect private parking areas and be mindful of local residents.
OUR STORY
There can be little doubt that traditional Games of agility and strength have been practised in the Highlands from very early times. The Durness Highland Gathering is a small event with all the trimmings of traditional Scottish Highland Games.
