Can I pay for entry to the Games on Saturday on the day? 

Yes, you can pay for entrance on the day. Tickets can be bought at the gate, and card and cash payments are accepted. However, there may be a longer queue to enter if you purchase your ticket at the gate rather than online.​

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Is there parking available or nearby?
There is strictly no parking at the games, and the streets around the rugby club are for access only. We recommend parking at the car park on the pier and using the free bus service. There are a few disabled bays at Lomond School Sports Hall (opposite the games), but these would be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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How long does it take to walk to the Games from Railway Station?

It takes about 20 minutes. Between 10 am and 4:45 pm, a free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes from the pier car park (2 minutes from the train station) to the Games grounds.

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If I leave the Games field, can I return without paying again?

Yes – as long as you keep your wristband on to show that you have already paid your entry fee.

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Can I bring my chair or rug to sit on?

Yes, there are no seats provided. You can bring your folding chair or rug if you want.

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Can I bring my dog?

Yes, our Games are dog-friendly, as long as the dog is well-controlled and always on the lead. Owners are solely responsible for their dogs' behaviour and for cleaning up after them.   Any owners letting their dogs off the lead and/or their dog cause any problems will be asked to leave the field.

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Can we bring a barbeque?

No, we are afraid not – BBQs are not permitted.

 

Is the Highland Games Wheelchair accessible?

It depends. The games are held in a relatively flat field with no pathways.  There are limited disabled parking spots in the Lomond School Sports Hall car park opposite the games.  These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  If the weather has been warm and sunny for a few days before the Games, the ground will be hard enough for a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. 

From experience of using a mobility scooter, it is okay, even if it is a little bumpy.

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Is there any discount for a carer accompanying a disabled adult?

There is a discount for the carer (a concession ticket). The disabled person (if over 16 and under 60) is charged a full adult entrance fee.

If it's easier, you can buy at the door; please say that one is a concession.

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Do I need to bring food & drink?

There are a wide variety of food stalls that will cover all tastes for food and drink requirements.

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Will there be any beer tents?

The Games are held on the rugby club’s field, and the rugby clubhouse (in the same field) runs a bar during the day.

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​​​​How do I book a trade stand at the Highland Games?

Please use our trade enquiry form to contact us to book a trade stand.   Please provide your business name and requirements for the day. For more information, please see our Trader page.

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How do I find out about event times?

Before the event, the times will be on our Visitor Information page, and a programme with more detailed times will be available to download for the day. 

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How do I enter an event?

Please use our registration forms to apply to enter as a contestant in our highland dancing, athletics and heavy competitions.  The relevant forms are alongside the competition information on the Competitor Information Pages.

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Can women enter the heavy events?​

The heavyweight events are open to both men and women.   Those entering will be registered with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association and have been training hard all year long for these challenging events.

 

Can I enter any of the events?

The main events require pre-entry; however, visitors are welcome to participate on the day in a 200-metre race or in the children's sprint and relay races.    All our competitors train very hard all year round to be fit and ready to participate in the Games. This means that they work hard to perfect their technique to compete safely.  Heavy events, in particular, can be hazardous if not carried out in a safe manner, so we can't let just anyone take part without our officials being happy with a competitor's competency for everyone's safety.   

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​​​Is there any accommodation locally?​

There are many places to stay in and around Helensburgh. Airbnb or TripAdvisor could provide you with the necessary information. Destination Helensburgh has some suggestions on where to stay and eat.  https://destinationhelensburgh.org/stay-and-eat/stay/

​If you have special requirements, please feel free to message us on the contact page.

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​Can I bring my tent to camp at the site?

No, sorry. The Helensburgh & Lomond Games is a non-camping event, and there are no general camping provisions at the Highland Games.  Our only exception is for Highland dancers who are competing and are permitted to bring a small 2m x 2m changing tent, which must be situated within the designated area.   The space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.  Any highland dancing tents pitched outside of this area will be asked to remove their tents.

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What happens if the weather is bad?

While we always hope for a sunny day in June, we must be practical and accept that nothing can be taken for granted in Scotland, where the weather is concerned.  It may be warm sunshine or showers, chilly winds or more prolonged rain (sometimes all on the same day), so it’s best to come prepared – sturdy footwear is recommended, as is adaptable clothing. 

If the weather is very bad, the ground may become waterlogged, and the Games may have to be cancelled for safety reasons. The Committee will not take that decision lightly. Still, if it does become necessary, they will try to make decisions as early as possible to help everyone—competitors, traders, and visitors alike. Any such decision would be publicised and announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so check regularly for up-to-date news.