The Durness Highland Gathering is one of the most spectacular events held in this North West corner of Scotland. The next games will be on 29th July 2022 with Chieftain Donald Campbell.

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Event

Spud the Piper

Over £4000 in Prize Money

Track, Field, Heavy Events & Tug O'War

Piping & Dancing

Children's Events

Various Food and Drink Stalls

Alpaca Petting Zoo

Vintage Tractor Display

Evening Dance (Blue Ridge Band), at Durness Village Hall at 10 PM - Admission £10 on Entry (Not Included in Ground Ticket) - Bring Your Own Drink, NO GLASS

The event begins at noon with the chosen Chieftain meeting members of the pipe band 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.

Admission to Ground:
 

Adults: £8 * Online Price, May be Higher at Gate

Senior Citizens: £4

Under 16: £4

Under 5: Free
 

Car Park: £2.00 * Pay at Gate, Subject to Availability

Our Chieftain

The committee meets in January when a president is appointed and a chieftain is selected. Sometimes a celebrity, someone with Durness connections or a local person and this appointment is a local honour.

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On the day of the gathering, the parade of officials, chieftain and competitors leaves the Village Square at twelve noon following the pipe band to the game's field.

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The event begins at 12 noon with the chosen Chieftain for the day meeting the members of the pipe band before marching on to the Games Field to declare the games open.

Our 2022 Chieftain, Donald Campbell

Son of Johnnie and Etta Campbell, Don was born at Eden view in Durness in June 1945. The family home sits alongside the steep bend of the narrow road near Sango Bay in Durness which is known by locals as “the Caa”, hence Don’s nickname. Don attended Primary School in Durness and then secondary school in Dornoch.

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He joined the Corps of Royal Engineers (RE) in 1963 and served for 22 years, qualifying as a Combat Engineer and a Building and Civil Engineering Draughtsman Class 1 and, later, as a Construction Clerk of Works. He served in the UK, Germany and Cyprus, with active service in Aden, Oman and Northern Ireland.

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Leaving the army in 1985 with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1, he came home to Sutherland and joined the council’s Water and Sewerage Department as a Clerk of Works. He supervised civil engineering work all over the Highland Council area until 2000 when he returned to Durness and the life of a full-time crofter, and part-time work including Guard on the MoD’s Cape Wrath range where he still works to this day.

In the 1980s, Don was a founder member of Durness Golf Club, assisting with fundraising and taking on the Treasurer’s role. Currently, he is Chair of the Durness Community Council, a Trustee of the Durness Community Group and a Director of North West Highlands Geopark.

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To all these roles, and numerous other interests, he brings invaluable local knowledge and demonstrates energy, enthusiasm and commitment to Durness, its residents and its many visitors. The Durness Highland Gathering Association is delighted to appoint Don as Chieftain for the 50th Anniversary games in recognition of all that he has done, and continues to do, for the community.

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Don will be honoured as Chieftain on 29 July, in the week of his Golden Wedding anniversary. Don met Jean in Folkestone when he was posted to Dover, and they were married on 25 July 1972 in the Church of Scotland in Durness. Their children, Kirsty and John (both highland pipers), will be joining Don and Jean as they celebrate.

How to Reach Us

The Games will be held on the field behind R. Mackay & Sons Shop.

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Enter the Postcode IV27 4PN into your navigation system, or use CORK.TRINKETS.LUCKIER with what3words to find us.

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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. Join us in the summer of 2022 as we celebrate our 50th gathering!

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Our Sponsors

Local businesses and others from farther afield have helped to support The Durness Highland Gathering for many years. It's with sincere appreciation that we give thanks to all that continue to help as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Reay Forest Estate

Glenaladale B&B

Wildland Ltd

Mr Donald Cottagie Mackay

Sangobeg Properties Ltd

Sangobeg Investments Ltd

Shaun Stephenson Joinery

The Durness Bus

Mr and Mrs Mackay, Glengolly

Golden Eagle Zipline

Mr Iain Anderson

Mr and Mrs MacRae and Sons

Keoldale Sheepstock Club

The Hourston Family

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Elliot Houses Durness

Bells Seafood

Mr Mark Manning

Mathers Shop and Stores

Mr and Mrs Tucker

Mr Richard Norman

Norsehaven - Ceannabeinne Cottage

Smoo Cave Hotel

Wild Orchid Bed and Breakfast

Mr W Morrison

West of Orkney Windfarm

Crofting Supplies Durness

Richard Mackay and Son Durness Stores

Cairn House Arts and Crafts