FAQ

There is limited parking on The Green for blue badge holders and Games Officials. Our car park at Aboyne Castle is well signposted from Ballater Road when travelling from east and west. If you do not wish to make the 10 min walk to the Green please use the free shuttle buses that run all day.

Please do not attempt to park on the streets around the Green as these have parking restrictions and failure to heed them may impede access for emergency vehicles.

These races are entered by coming to the Secretary’s tent just before the race time. Pre entry is not required. Please do not enter the arena until accompanied by an official.

We sell Aboyne Games Programmes which as well as a full programme and details of events also has a lot of interesting information about the Games. They are available at the Entry Gates and we believe they are good value for money at £5 as well as being a lovely keepsake.

Our website also has details of the Programme for the day.

Please be aware that times are approximate depending on numbers of competitors etc.

Whilst we aim to have WiFi widely available it is not always possible to ensure good connections for traders and due to the large volume of people trying to use 4G at the same time we do advise that taking some cash is a good idea. There are 2 ATMs in Aboyne but they do tend to run out of money quickly on Games weekend.

A variety of food and drink vendors will be present so there should be something for everyone. This includes coffee and cake vans, traditional foods, fish and chips and burgers, seated meals within the marquee tent. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments are also available within the designated ‘beer tent’ and usually a specified space allocated to a local distillery. You are also welcome to bring a picnic.

While we do not stop dogs from attending, it is not encouraged. We would however ask that you clean up behind you dog if you do bring one. If you bring your dog, please bear in mind that there can be a lot of people and noise which can upset even well-behaved dogs. Please ensure you clean up after your dog and whilst we will endeavour to have a water bowl on site it is a good idea to bring water for your dog especially on hot days.

It is preferred that Female dancers wear Aboyne dress for all dances except Hornpipe and Jig. Male dancers must wear the kilt outfit for all dances except Flora MacDonald’s Fancy (trews to be worn), Jig (jig outfit), Hornpipe (hornpipe outfit).

The Margaret Jean Jackson prizes are awarded for the best Aboyne Dress in each age grouping.

Aboyne Highland Games welcomes all dancers to compete, however, please be aware this may affect your standing with the SOBHD rulings. Please check with your instructors.

Competitors for local prizes must be natives or residents of one year’s standing (at the date of the current Games) in the postcode areas of Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, Alford and Strathdon (AB34, AB35, AB31, AB33, AB36)

Children should meet outside the Secretary’s tent just prior to their race times. They will then be escorted to the start line by officials. No pre-entry is required.

Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for bags left unattended. We do not have a secure area to leave bags.

Separate Ladies and Gents changing facilities are provided out-with the Main Arena. Changing is not permitted at the side of the Arena or within the Secretary’s Tent. Aboyne Highland Games have instructed their security staff that – TENTS, SHELTERS, UMBRELLA-TENTS, MODULES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT THE RINGSIDE (Inside or outside).

150. Once this number is reached, there will be no more entries accepted.

There is no entry fee, however, competitors are to pay the usual entry at the gate. No refunds will be given to competitors.