Burntisland Highland Games 2024 in Edinburgh

Burntisland Highland Games are the second oldest games in Scotland and are a perfect opportunity to have some quality time.

Dates: July 15, 2024

Don't be too scared if you see hordes of tartans in kilts approaching you; they are not going to war. When the Burntisland Highland Games take place yearly on the third Monday of July, people have the sudden urge to play the Invaders. You'll immediately feel the festive atmosphere and understand why the event is so popular. Every key moment, from start to finish, is amazing.

Events & Activities

A wonderful performance by the Burntisland Pipe Band on High Street marks the beginning of the Burntisland Highland Games. After the ceremony, a myriad of events are staged to entertain guests. You can spend your day listening to pipe bands, dancing, riding the roller coasters on the fairground, or capturing moments at one of the races and track events.

Participants can pre-register for various sporting races, including running and bike races. The games also include heavy-weight events such as the hammer throw, shot put, and caber toss, with registration available on the day of the event. After a short break at the market stalls, head to the Binn Hill race. This popular event is a sight to see as runners endure a two-mile course over an extinct volcano.

Highland Dancing

The event kicks off with Session 1 at 9:30 am, focusing on the Primary category. Session 2 begins at 10:30 am and includes Pas-de-Basques, Pas-de-Basques and High Cuts, Fling, and Swords for Beginners and Novice dancers. Session 3 starts at 1:30 pm and features Fling, Swords, Seann Triubhas, Hullachan, Flora, and Lilt for Intermediate dancers and Fling, Seann Triubhas, Hullachan, Jig, and Hornpipe for Premier dancers. Fife-based dancers will perform the Fife Fling. Medals will be awarded in every category and prize money for Premier dancers—entries for the Highland Dancing competition close on Tuesday, July 9th, at 10 pm.

Ticket Prices, Location & Parking

The event is free of charge and open to the public. The games take place at Burntisland Links Park. Burntisland is located 22 miles away from Edinburgh (36 km). Parking is available on Haugh Road, where visitors can follow the signs or speak to the stewards for directions. The cost is £3, with all proceeds going to the local resident's association to support their work in the town. Blue badge holders can park for free at Links Place car park.