GAMES DAY
saturday 20th 2026
Lesmahagow Highland Games has taken place every year since 1960 and is now the last remaining Highland Games in Lanarkshire. Each June the village comes together for a full day of traditional competition, ceremony, music and family entertainment.
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games day at a glance
chieftains procession
11:30 am
The day begins with the Chieftain’s Procession through Main Street. The parade, with pipe bands, locals in fancy dress and decorated floats, lead the Chieftain, Tartan Queen and Court through the village towards Glebe Park. This long-standing tradition brings the community and visitors together before the formal opening of the Games
crowning ceremony
12 noon
On arrival at Glebe Park, the Chieftain, the Tartan Queen and her Court take centre stage for the crowning ceremony. This marks the official opening of the Games and continues a tradition that has been part of Lesmahagow Highland Games since the 1960s.
Glebe Park
12:30 pm
As the ceremony takes place, the park comes alive with a full afternoon of traditional Highland Games competition, performances and family entertainment. Spectators will find many of the classic events on the field alongside displays, attractions and activities throughout the park.
see more info below
what to expect
on the park
HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
Traditional strength events including caber toss, hammer throw and stone lift competitions.
HIGHLAND DANCING
Competitive and display performances celebrating Scottish culture, rhythm and tradition.
PIPE BANDS & PIPERS
Massed and solo pipers filling the day with unmistakable Highland Games Day sound.
scottish wrestling
Back-hold wrestling bouts showcasing skill, technique and Highland sporting heritage.
JUNIOR ATHLETICS
Track and field races for younger competitors throughout the afternoon programme.
Gymnastics & Dance
Local groups presenting gymnastics, cheer and street dance performances.
Funfair & Market
Family attractions, inflatables, food wagons, local business and craft stalls across the park.
Beer Tent & Live Music
Fully stocked bar tent serving drinks alongside live entertainment throughout the day.
free entry
Entry to Lesmahagow Highland Games is completely free and no ticket is required. This is made possible thanks to the support of local community volunteers, donations, sponsorship, and fundraising events held throughout the year.
find out more about
YEAR-ROUND Fundraising events here
Games day
for the weans
Games Day is a brilliant family day out, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the afternoon.
- Parade Floats
- Inflatables
- Funfair rides and attractions
- Junior athletics races
- Street and dance performances
- Food stalls and treats
Travel & parking
LESMAHAGOW MAIN STREET (ABBEYGREEN RD)
GLEBE PARK (NEXT TO THE FOUNTAIN)
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BUS ROUTES:
Stagecoach X74 – Glasgow / Hamilton / Dumfries
Whitelaw’s 253 – Hamilton / Larkhall / Coalburn
Whitelaw’s 258 – Lanark
Hobson Travel 8 – Lanark / Glespin
PARKING:
Lesmahagow High School car park is hired for free public use on Games Day. (3 min walk to Glebe)
On-street parking available around the Event Areas.
Glebe parking will be busy, please allow priority for visitors with accessibility needs.