Fact Sheets & Video - Scotland

'Don your kilts and pull out the Bagpipes...'

The Scottish Highlands, where the picture-postcard images of bonnie Scotland can be seen in every direction: From towering bens (mountains) to gorgeous glens (valleys), to hairy 'coos' and superb lochs (lakes)!

It is also in the Highlands where the tradition of Highland Games has been kept alive for thousands of years.

Highland Games are held all over Scotland between May and mid-September. In fact, there are more than 100 Highland Games held throughout Scotland every year. The Games are a unique mix of sporting, cultural and social events. There's usually the track and field activities, as well as the 'heavy events' such as the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. Athletes from around the world compete for the heavily contested Highland Games titles.

Then there's the piping and Highland dancing competitions, where you'll find bagpipes and all the drumming, dancing and colour of the Scottish culture.

The competitive element is a major attraction in its own right but when combined with the spectacle of Highland dancers and pipers and the colour and grandeur of the Scottish scenery which forms their backdrop, it becomes pretty obvious that a trip to Scotland in the summer just wouldn't be complete without experiencing a Highland Games.

Further Information

Callander, SCOTLAND

Thai Airway International fly return to London from

$2093 ex Perth

$2195 ex Melbourne

$2214 ex Sydney

www.thaiairways.com.au

Prices correct at 15/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

British Airways fly return to Edinburgh from

$170 ex London

www.britishairways.com

Prices correct at 28/4/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Abbotsford Lodge

Rooms from

$69 a person a night

Includes breakfast

www.abbotsfordlodge.co.uk

Prices correct at 28/4/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

VisitScotland

www.visitscotland.com

Highland Games

www.albagames.co.uk