Behind the scenes

The Braemar Gathering is one of the most prominent and well-attended Highland games, drawing vast crowds from all over the world. In 2019, they introduced the Braemar Highland Games Centre, incorporating an exhibition hall, gallery, archive, café and shop to the site. The exhibition explores the pasts and traditions of the games as well as their significance to this day and royal connections. If you want to get a clear insight into the brilliant history of the Braemar Gathering, there really is no better place to see it all!

Let the games begin!

The display at the Braemar Highland Games Centre features a fascinating exploration of objects, photographs and documents that uncover the history behind the tradition. This centre's focus is centred around The Royal Highland Society, who have organised the games ever since 1887. There are three main displays on show at the centre that you can visit.

What’s there to see?

One of these includes the J. S. Milne Gallery. This is where you will learn about the history of the games as well as unveiling some of the key facts and figures in regards to this. There are many questions you might have heading in like “how is a caber is tossed?” or “what does piobaireachd mean?” but this gallery in the exhibition will answer them for sure.

Next up will be the Kaufmann Exhibition Hall, the beating heart of the centre. You’ll be drawn to this room by the beautiful, decorated ceiling and wonderful octagonal shape, but you’ll stay for the absorbing history and stories of the displays on show. With artefacts, uniforms and photographs from games of old, this exhibition unfolds the story of how a little Scottish village gave rise to a world-renowned event.

The last exhibition is the Baxter Room. Here, you can learn of the Braemar Royal Highland Society and its significance to the organisation of the games. You will be able to see photographs displaying athletes, dancers and pipers from gatherings both old and new, merging history with the present day at the centre.

All the stories and more

Visiting the Braemar Highland Games Centre will give you a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of Scotland’s most significant annual events.

So put on your best kilt and haul up your cabers when you make your way to this stunning centre in the heart of the highlands!