About Crieff Highland Gathering
An annual celebration of Scottish Heritage
History & Heritage
The definitive origin of the Highland Games is lost in the mists of time, but there have been Highland gatherings and competitions in villages and towns throughout Scotland for hundreds of years.
What we do know is the ‘modern’ Highland Games began after the Act of Proscription (banning Scottish dress, customs and gatherings) was repealed in 1781 and Highland gatherings began anew in Scotland and throughout the world as ex-pats celebrated traditional Scottish culture in their new homeland.
In Crieff our games began in 1870 and were originally held in Academy Park, before moving to our current location, Market Park in 1880.
Crieff is steeped in history. It was the administrative capital of 12th Century Scottish earls, and it later grew to become one of the most famous market towns of Scotland where Highlanders drove their cattle from as far as Caithness and the Outer Hebrides to feed the growing population of the lowlands. Our history merges with generous geographical fortune as the Games play out against a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, with 63 mountains in and around Crieff.
Our Chieftains
Each year, the Gathering selects an individual to serve as the Chieftain, a tradition rooted in early Scottish history. Historically, every clan had a ‘chieftain’ the leader of the family, who used events like the Highland Games to identify the strongest and fastest members of the group for future battles. Today, the role of Chieftain is an honorary title awarded by the Gathering to someone they deem deserving of the position.
In 2024 we were proud to convey this honour on Ronald Clark MBE, an award-winning piper who taught at Crieff High School for 22 years, latterly as deputy head, before retiring in 2004. Ron has been involved with Crieff Highland Gathering since 1991.
This year we are thrilled to announce that Katrina Cowie, a local Crieff Nurse, will be our Chieftain. Read more here.
Past Chieftains
In recent years, Crieff has been fortunate to have respected celebrities or well-known athletes accept the role of Chieftain. These individuals typically have a strong connection to Crieff and have served the town or the country with distinction. Former chieftains include the actor Ewan McGregor, born, bred and schooled in Crieff, Scottish curling Olympic champion Eve Muirhead, who also attended school in Crieff, current Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire Stephen Leckie and Scottish rugby internationals Kenny Logan and John Beattie.
As the most important figure of the Gathering, the Chieftain is honoured with a salute and march-past by the pipe bands and competitors and is responsible for awarding prizes to the winners.
Our Honorary Chieftain
The Crieff Highland Gathering is honoured to have His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as our Royal Chieftain.
HRH Prince William, or to give him his correct title when in Scotland - His Royal Highness the Earl of Strathearn – agreed to be the Crieff Highland Gathering’s Royal Chieftain during the Royal Visit to Crieff and Strathearn in May 2013. This is the highest honour that the Gathering can provide to any individual.
He received a unique solid gold Crieff Highland Gathering Badge and a balmoral bonnet with two eagles’ feathers which he will wear when attending the Gathering. Highland clan tradition dictates that the Chieftain wears the feathers to highlight their importance.
Preserving and promoting Scottish culture
The Highland Gathering plays a key role in preserving and promoting Scottish culture through traditional sports, music, and dance. Events like caber tossing and hammer throwing, rooted in Scotland’s history, showcase strength and skill, while piping, drumming, and Highland dancing keep centuries-old musical and dance traditions alive. The Games also celebrates clan heritage, with participants proudly wearing clan tartans and symbols, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Cultural exhibitions and storytelling educate visitors about Scottish history and folklore, ensuring that the country’s legends and traditions are passed on to future generations. The Games also promotes traditional Scottish attire, symbols, and values like hospitality and camaraderie, offering a platform for both local and international communities to connect with Scottish heritage. Overall, the Highland Games ensures the continuation of Scottish cultural traditions and maintains a global link to the country's rich history.
Meet Our Team
We are the organising committee behind the Crieff Highland Gathering, dedicated to bringing to delivering a memorable Gathering every August.
Our Directors
Alan Butler, Jimmy Comrie, Stuart Corbett, Gregor Elliott, David Gillies, Dave Graham, Hannah Graham, Stuart Graham, Colin Grassick, Kenneth MacGregor, Anna McLean, John McWilliam, Stevie Ryder, Ian Shepherd, Ian Stewart, Robert Paterson, Tony Sweeney, Davie Taylor, David Taylor and Mo Thompson
