The Highland Games, a proud symbol of Scottish heritage, have been celebrated for over 1000 years. According to ancient Celtic tradition, similar gatherings took place to find the clan’s strongest warriors. The first official Highland Games are recorded in the 11th century during the reign of King Malcolm III, who organized a royal contest to identify the fastest and strongest men to serve as his messengers.
In 1314, following the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce granted a charter for the first free Highland Games, held in Ceres, Fife. These games are still celebrated in Ceres today. However, after the Act of Proscription was enforced in 1746, Scottish traditions like the Highland Games, wearing kilts, and playing bagpipes were banned under penalty of death. Fortunately, this act was repealed, and by 1781, the first modern Highland Games took place in Falkirk, sparking a revival that spread across Scotland and beyond. Scottish immigrants even brought the games to America, with the first Highland Games in New York in the mid-19th century.
At Saltire Estate, a Scottish family-owned winery established in 2006, we proudly celebrate the Highland Games tradition here in Australia. The Hunter Valley Highland Games, which we host, is growing rapidly, bringing Scottish culture to the heart of the Hunter Valley. Along with this vibrant event, we offer our boutique range of wines, capturing the essence of our Scottish heritage and sharing it with the local community.
