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My Day at the Nethy Bridge Highland Games
Last Saturday was one of those days where plans take a sharp turn—and it turns out better than you expected.
We’d heard about the Nethy Bridge Highland Games from our friend Suresh, who lives nearby in Grantown-on-Spey and runs Equal Adventure (the amazing team who built my DJ booth for gigs). The idea was to meet him and his family there, but life threw them a curveball and they couldn’t make it to the Games.
From the Great Glen to the Highlands
We actually ended up at the Games because of the weather. A huge storm cut short our adventure along the Great Glen, and we found ourselves in need of shelter. Suresh’s mum, Wendy, came to the rescue—she not only let us camp out in her living room that night, but hosted us for three whole nights. Honestly, she was unbelievably kind, and her hospitality meant we could make the most of our time in the area.
I arrived at the grounds around 11 a.m. with Mad Mary, my mum Julie, and my dad Peter. Parking in our big van was a breeze—no stress, no queues.
The Main Event: Massed Pipe Bands
One of the big reasons I wanted to be there was to see the Massed Pipe Bands. This wasn’t just a couple of pipers—it was nine full bands, with roughly 160 pipers and drummers combined. The moment they struck up, the sound rolled across the field like thunder.
Waiting for the Music
While we waited for the bands to take centre stage, we watched competitors hurl huge weights over their heads in the weight-over-the-bar event. The effort was incredible—you could feel the tension in the crowd with each throw. Then there was the classic caber toss, where athletes lifted massive logs and tried to flip them end over end.
We also gave axe throwing a go—me and Mum as a tag team. At first, we were absolutely hopeless, with the axes bouncing off the boards or thudding straight into the grass. But after a few attempts (and a lot of laughing), we actually started hitting the target. Not bad for a couple of beginners!
Somewhere in between all this, Dad tried to convince me that haggis are real little animals running around the Highlands, and that there was even a haggis tossing competition at the Games. Nice try, Dad… but I wasn’t falling for that one. Bad Dad joke.
Dance, Sport, and… Food
Highland dancers in bright tartan skirts moved with perfect precision to traditional music, while other events unfolded around the field—running races, tug o’ war, and more.
Of course, we had to try the food. Dad went all in with a venison burger topped with melted brie—rich, juicy, and exactly the kind of hearty bite you want on a Highland day. We all cooled off with ice creams, while Mum quietly treated herself to a wee flat white coffee when she thought no one was looking.
Classic Scottish Weather
The weather kept us guessing all day—one moment warm sunshine, the next cold wind, and then a burst of rain. As we were leaving, we even got a taste of classic Scottish drizzle—the kind that soaks you slowly without you even realising.
Pizza Night with Friends
That evening, we finally caught up with Suresh, his lovely wife Sara, and their daughter Ella. We shared pizzas, laughed over some silly games, and rounded off the day on a warm, friendly note. It was the perfect way to wind down after such a lively day at the Games.
A Great Day Out
Even without our original plan and despite the storm that changed our route, the Nethy Bridge Highland Games turned into a highlight of the trip. It had everything: music, culture, sport, and the warm welcome you only find in small Highland communities. Staying at Wendy’s for three nights—and ending the day with good friends—made it even more memorable.