Lonach Highland Gathering

View on map
Sports & AdventureStrathdon
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe March of the Lonach Highlanders, in
LanguageEnglishCurrency: GBP
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Lonach Highland Gathering in Strathdon

A rural Highland gathering held at Bellabeg Park in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, each fourth Saturday of August, run by the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society founded in 1823. Its signature feature is the March of the Lonach Highlanders, local men in full Highland dress carrying spears through the district before the games begin.

The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society was founded in 1823 by Sir Charles Forbes, first Baronet of Newe and Edinglassie, established with the stated aims of preserving Highland dress and encouraging loyal, peaceful and neighbourly conduct among the people of Strathdon in rural Aberdeenshire.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The March of the Lonach Highlanders, in which local men from farms across Strathdon walk the district roads in full Highland dress carrying traditional spears from early morning until midday, has no direct equivalent at any other Scottish Highland gathering, most of which centre solely on competitive athletics and dancing without any preceding community procession

02

The mystery stays covered

The gathering remains organised by the same charitable society founded in 1823 specifically to preserve Highland dress and promote community conduct, giving it an institutional continuity spanning two centuries

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The March of the Lonach Highlanders in full Highland dress carrying spears has remained the gathering's defining tradition since the society's founding in 1823

Water and renewal

Living ritual

alongside standard Highland games athletics and piping competitions in the afternoon

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Strathdon; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Weatherproof outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes for a full day at a rural showground, with layers for changeable Aberdeenshire weather even in late August.

Safety

At Lonach Highland Gathering, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Strathdon.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

GBP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map57.20 N, 3.07 WOpen in Google Maps

Strathdon, Scotland, United Kingdom

Nearest airportABZ — Aberdeen
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Strathdon; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Strathdon.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Strathdon via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Strathdon, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearWeatherproof outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes for a full day at a rural showground, with layers for changeable Aberdeenshire weather even in late August.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Kingdom and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Lonach Highland Gathering?

Lonach Highland Gathering is listed for August · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Lonach Highland Gathering take place?

The festival is listed in Strathdon, United Kingdom. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Strathdon, Scotland, United Kingdom

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLrshga.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusOfficial source linked
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