The most traditional Scottish Summer Occassion each town holds a Highland Games with their own unique events, but all include Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing and the Heavy events such as Tossing The Caber.
If you want to see swinging kilts, hear bag pipes playing and drummers drumming this is the event you should not miss.
First Saturday in September.
This popular and colourful event always has a memeber of the Royal Family as the Chieftan.
Second Thursday in August in Monaltrie Park.
Many famous athletes and champions compete at Ballater and the events form part of the Glenfiddich Heavy Events Championship.
The Pipe Bands Beat Retreat around 7pm on the Ballater Church Green.
Last Saturday in August.
A very friendly local gathering with the extra colour of a farm show.
Third Friday in August.
A small gathering held on the banks of the River Isla.
First Sunday in September.
A large event that includes cycling and track events and fairgroud rides and stalls.
Stayed there in the Gate House in December 2010, fantastic holiday, if a little cold -25 at times, beautiful place to be in the snow!
Gareth Barnes