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          Events

Events - those important questions answered ...

We offer this area of the website as an answer to the when, where, what type of questions.
There is a map, showing you roughly where everything takes place, and a programme of events detailing deadline for entry and approximate timings that each event will take place. We have also included event descriptions, with wee snippets of information, photographs and history of the different events.
For anyone with an interest in prior years, we have been undertaking a wee project to draw together some previous results which you can see on the results page.
We will show (with thanks) the local businesses that are sponsoring each event (with live links, where provided). There is also a listing (for any other businesses keen to help out, financially) of events and infrastructure still in need of support, how to get in touch with any further questions, and the sponsorship form which we are always delighted to receive.

Events Programme

Junior & Senior Piping Competitions take place on the West Links, by Nairn Putting Green.
All other events take place at the main arena on Nairn Links, with Nairn Half Marathon running through rural Nairnshire, but, nonetheless, beginning and ending at the arena.
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This map, and our logo were designed & created by Zee Allison, for love of the Games. Thanks Zee!

Nairn Highland Games Events and Sponsors 2024


Bagpipe Playing Competitions are held outside the Arena, west of Royal Marine Apartments, near the Putting Green – see map.
 
Nairn Open Junior Piping Competition – 10.30am onwards
William MacDonald Challenge Cup (Under 15 – March)
Sponsored by The Play House (in 2024)
2024 winner – Mirren Silver, Inverness
 
Nairn Games Piping Quaich (Under 15 – Strathspey)
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Mirren Silver, Inverness
 
Nairn Games Piping Quaich (Under 15 – Reel)
Sponsored by Nairn Insurance Services (in 2024)
2024 winner – Larry Presslie, Aberdeen

Asher Silver Challenge Cup (Under 18 – March, Strathspey and Reel)
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Myles MacRae, Gollanfield
 
Nairn Games Piping Quaich (Under 18 – Piobaireachd)
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Larry Presslie, Aberdeen
 
Nairn Open Senior Piping Competition - 12 noon onwards
 
Hugh McCallum Memorial Trophy (Piobaireachd – Open)
Sponsored by The Seaforth Club (in 2024)
2024 winner – Anna Kummerlow, Germany
 
Edwin Moar Memorial Quaich (March – Open)
Sponsored by The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant (in 2024)
2024 winner – Anna Kummerlow, Germany
 
Havelock House Trophy (Strathspey and Reel – Open)
Sponsored by The Havelock Hotel (in 2024)
2024 winner – Anna Kummerlow, Germany
 
Jack Brownlee Memorial Quaich (Jig – Open)
Gifted by his friends at Nairn Gaelic Choir
Sponsored by The Seaforth Club (in 2024)
2024 winner – Ross Mackenzie, Insch
 
The Kane Cup
Awarded to the overall piping champion.
Sponsored by The Seaforth Club (in 2024)
2024 winner – Anna Kummerlow, Germany
 

Highland Dancing – Premier
(Held under SOBHD rules)
 
1.00pm onwards – Dances in each class:
Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Sean Truibhas, Reel of Tulloch, Irish Jig, Sailor’s Hornpipe.
 
Provost MacDonald Quaich (7 years and under 12 years)
Sponsored by Ashers Bakery (in 2024)
2024 winner – Grace MacPhee, Inverness and Emily Duthie, Fraserburgh
 
Jocelyn Cameron Girl’s Dance Trophy (Under 13 years)
Sponsored by Famillie Ronsch  (in 2024)
2024 winner – Zara Theobold, Australia
 
Nairn Ceilidh Group Trophy (12 years and under 16 years)
Sponsored by Fergus Ewing (in 2024)
2024 winner – Amy MacRae, Munlochy

Nairn Highland Games Trophy (14 years)
2024 winner - Alice Newlands, Dundee
 
Adult Dancing
 
The Steph Smith Cup
Sponsored by Hidden Glen (in 2024)
2024 winner – Michelle Gordon, Huntly
 
Meg Senior Memorial Trophy (Local dancer with the most points)
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Not presented
 
Elma Dawson Memorial Trophy (Dancer with the most points overall)
Gifted by Nairn Ceilidh Group
Sponsored by Westerlea Hotel (in 2024)
2024 winner – Alice Newlands, Dundee
 

Junior Athletics - 11.45am Onwards
 
Competitors in Nairn Games Junior Athletics Championships must undertake three events: either two field and one track; or one field and two track.
 
Age group - Under 11 years (must be aged 9 years on day) – 100m, 600m, Long Jump, Shot Putt
Under 11 girls Shot Putt sponsored by Limelife Bell Tent Hire (in 2024)
Under 11 boys 800m sponsored by Alexander Joinery (in 2024)
All other Under 11’s sponsored by Nairn Road Runners (in 2024)
2024 Winners – Girls - Litia Vukicea (Inverness Harriers) 100m, Long Jump & Shot Putt
Ciorstaidh MacKinnon (Inverness Harriers) 600m
2024 Winners – Boys - Riley Davidson (Inverness Harriers) 100m & 600m & Long Jump
Callum Offor (Unattached) – Shot Putt
 
Age group - Under 13 years – 100m, 200m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt
All sponsored by The Rotary Club of Nairn (in 2024)
2024 Winners – Girls - Ava MacGowan (Ross County AC), 100m

Lilli Sharman (Aberdeen AAC), 200m & Shot Putt
Amy Simpson (Inverness Harriers), 800m
Iona Thompson (Inverness Harriers), Long Jump
Emma MacMillan (Inverness Harriers), High Jump
2024 Winners – Boys – The Dallas Cup -
Niall MacBean – Inverness Harriers
Logan Neale (Inverness Harriers), 100m
Logan Neale (Inverness Harriers), 200m
Niall MacBean (Inverness Harriers), 800m
Niall MacBean (Inverness Harriers), Long Jump
Ollie Hayden (Nairn AAAC), High Jump
Finn Carruthers (Moray Road Runners), Shot Putt
 
Age group - Under 15 years – 100m, 200m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt
All sponsored by The Rotary Club of Nairn (in 2024)
2024 Winners - Girls – Alexander M Heard Memorial Cup -
 Freya Lonnan – Inverness Harriers
Freya Lonnen (Inverness Harriers), 100m

Freya Lonnen (Inverness Harriers), 200m
Lucy Beastall (Inverness Harriers), 800m
Freya Lonnen (Inverness Harriers), Long Jump
Olivia Cooper (Inverness Harriers), Shot Putt
Anna Hirst (Gateshead Harriers), High Jump
2024 Winners – Boys – The Grant Cup -
Ewan Thompson (Inverness Harriers) & William MacGowan (Ross County AC)
                                           The Jean Laurenson Trophy, High Jump -Angus Millar (Ripon Runners)

Harry MacLeod (Inverness Harriers), 100m
William MacGowan (Ross County AC), 200m

Angus Millar (Ripon Runners), 800m
Ewan Thompson (Inverness Harriers), Long Jump
Harry MacLeod (Inverness Harriers), Shot Putt
 
Nairn Games Junior Athletics Trophy
Rotary Club of Nairn Cup – Local Under 15 years athlete – Ewan Thompson (Inverness Harriers)
 
Kiddies Races - 12 noon
The Games Committee are thankful to the Nairn Road Runners for sponsoring the Kiddies Races in 2024.
 

Nairn Half Marathon - 12.30pm
Sponsored by Nairn Road Runners (in 2024)
2024 Winners – Men –
Will Mackay, 1 hr.10 mins.57 secs – Metro Aberdeen
2024 Winners – Ladies – Molly Rasch – 1 hr.23 mins.35 secs - Poole Runners
Local:-
2024 Winners – Men – Kevin Reid, 1 hr.27 mins.06 secs – Nairn Road Runners
2024 Winners – Ladies – Zdenka Fraser – 1 hr.35 mins.49 secs - Nairn Road Runners


 
Massed Pipe Band Parade and Performances
The Massed Pipes and Drums will leave Viewfield at 12.30pm and march to Nairn Links, by way of the A96 and Marine Road.
 
2.15pm – Massed Pipes and Drums will play in the Arena
 
2.50pm – Drum Major Competition (Shield gifted by John Matheson)
2024 Winner – Bill Barclay, Towie
Smartest Drum Major of the Day (Frances Christie Trophy) – Fraser Dyer, Aberlour & District Pipe Band
 
3.30pm – March of the Pipes and Drums and British Legion Colour Parties.
 
4.30pm – Massed Pipes and Drums will dismiss.
 

Heavy Events – 1.00pm Onwards
Lovat Cup - Putting the shot
Sponsored by Wetherby B & B (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Putting the shot
Sponsored by West End Garage (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Hamish Davidson Trophy - Putting the shot – Junior Heavies –
In memory of Fiona Johnston
2024 winner – Robert Flipsen, Grantown on Spey

Putting the Shot - Junior Heavies
2024 winner - Gabriel Rowland
 
Putting the shot – Ladies
Sponsored by The Dolphin Chip Shop (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
Throwing 16lb hammer
Sponsored by The Wilkie Family (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Throwing the hammer – Junior Heavies
Sponsored by Westerlea Hotel (in 2024)
2024 winner – Robert Flipsen
 
Throwing the 22lb weight for distance
Sponsored by Nairn Healthcare Group (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Throwing the 22lb weight for distance – Junior Heavies
Sponsored by Ritson Young (in 2024)
2024 winner – Gregor King
 
Throwing the 56lb weight for height
Sponsored by James’ cafe (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Throwing the 22lb weight for height – Junior Heavies
Sponsored by Avon Archaeology (in 2024)
2024 winner – Robert Flipsen
 
Tug o’ War (Open)
Sponsored by Royal Brackla and Land Rover UK (in 2024)
2024 winner - Cawdor Still Game
 
Tossing the Caber
Sponsored by John Gordon & Son, Timber Merchants (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
Montieth Solicitors Trophy - Tossing the Caber – Junior Heavies
Sponsored by Montieth Solicitors Ltd (in 2024)
2024 winner – Robert Flipsen, Grantown on Spey
 
The Bob Gordon Memorial Trophy – Putting the Nairn Stone
Sponsored by Bob Gordon’s Family (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
MacDonald Fraser Quaich
This Quaich is presented annually to the overall winner of the Junior heavyweight events at Nairn Highland Games. This is determined by an allocation of points for each individual win.
Sponsored by D Fraser and A MacDonald (in 2024)
2024 winner - Robert Flipsen, Grantown on Spey  
 
Cuach nan Curaidh - translated from the Gaelic as “Cup of the Strong Men”
This cup is presented annually to the overall winner of the heavyweight events at Nairn Highland Games. This is determined by an allocation of points for each individual win.
Sponsored by Bruce Clark, Butchers (in 2024)
2024 winner – Sinclair Patience
 
The Chieftain’s Prize - £100 to the overall winner
Sponsored by Lord Cawdor (in 2024)
 

Afternoon Programme of Track and Field
 
100m race – Senior Men – Hugh MacKintosh Memorial Trophy
Sponsored by Seafield Park Partners (in 2024)
2024 winner – Timothee Sesmat
 
100m – Senior Women
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
High Jump – Senior Men – Tom MacDonald Trophy
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Louis-Gabriel Walker
 
High Jump – Senior Women
Sponsored by Royal British Legion, Nairn (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)

1,500m race – Senior Men
Sponsored by Macaulay Wealth Management Ltd (in 2024)
2024 winner – Alex Jackson (Highgate Harriers)
 
800m race – Senior Women
Sponsored by West End Garage (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
800m race – Senior Men
Sponsored by Nairn Road Runners (in 2024)
2024 No Competitors
 
2.15pm Pipes & Drums
 
200m race – Senior Men (Open)
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Edouard Sesmat
 
200m race – Senior Women
Sponsored by Sandown House B & B (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
2.50pm Drum Major Competition
 
Long Jump – Senior Men
Sponsored by Sunnybrae B & B (in 2024)
2024 winner – Timothee Sesmat
 
Long Jump – Senior Women
Sponsored by Pat Fraser, Nairn (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
3.30pm Pipes & Drums
 
The Nairn CAB Trophy - 400m race – Senior Men
Sponsored by R & R Urquhart (in 2024)
2024 winner – Callum Thompson (Inverness Harriers)
 
400m race – Senior Women
Sponsored by Friends of Nairn Games (in 2024)
2024 winner – Iona Esslemont (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers)
 
4.30pm – last Pipes and Drums

Nairn Highland Games Committee

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Nairn Highland Games .....Free for spectators (outside the arena)
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  • Home
  • Visitor Info
  • Events
    • Event Descriptions
    • Results
    • Donations and Sponsorship
  • Entry Forms
  • Get Involved
    • On the day - Volunteers
    • Games Committee
  • FAQs
  • Gallery
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