The countdown is on for Gordon Castle’s big event

Scotland’s only highland games and country fair is now just over a fortnight away.

From caber tossing to parkour athletes, highland dancing to Indian runner ducks; the Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair will be held on Sunday, 20 May, in Fochabers. Entering its eighth year, the annual family event looks to welcome 10,000 national and international visitors to the one day spectacle in the north east of Scotland.

Held in the historic grounds of Gordon Castle, the event brings together the traditionally Scottish and the quintessentially country to offer visitors a plethora of entertainment. The heavy events arena will play host to a world-record attempt with the 28lb Weight for Distance Championships, as well as the ever-popular caber toss, massed pipe band parade and tug o’ war.

Headlining the country sports arena, Pedal Power Vs Parkour combines the incredible skill, balance and power of a trials rider, the intricate tricks of a BMX rider and the finesse of a gymnast to create the only show of its kind in the UK. In addition the arena will feature Indian Runner Duck performers Drakes of Hazard, Mordor Gundogs, Ore Country Terriers and Speyside Falconry.

Heavy eventer Scott Rider competes in Weight Over The Bar at the 2017 Gordon Castle Highland Games

The dedicated Music Marquee has had a revamp for 2018 and to bring about the ‘festival vibe’ the attraction has been brought under one roof. Headlining the stage is award-winning folk band Elephant Sessions, winners of the Scots Trad Music Awards Album of the Year 2017. The band will be supported by talented local musicians.

Showcasing the finest food in Speyside, delicious, local food concessions will also be available throughout the castle grounds. For gin lovers, the Gordon Castle Gin bar will continue to be a popular feature in the Castle’s orangery as it showcases the estate’s award-winning botanical gin.

In addition, shoppers can discover new delights as the event plays host to more local food and drink artisans than ever before, as well as a dedicated craft and gift marquee.

Together the family event – brought back to life in 2011 by the current owners – offers a diverse programme showcasing some of Scotland’s greatest talents.

The event will be held in the picturesque grounds of Gordon Castle Estate in Fochabers from 10am-5pm. The event is dog friendly provided they are well behaved and kept on leads. For further information click HERE.