Highland Gathering
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The Durness Highland Gathering is one of the most spectacular events held in this North West corner of Scotland. The most recent games was held on the 29th of July 2022 with Chieftain Donald Campbell.
Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you next year!
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Event 2022
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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.
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2022 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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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The Games were 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.
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 supported us in our 50th anniversary celebrations.
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
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
Dares Atlantic/The Sassenach Moose
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