Moray Schools Get Ready to Compete in Highland Games Events
Saturday 25 April 2025
Moray schools gather at Gordonstoun for the Highland Games. Led by Emma Henderson MBE, the long‑running event raises funds for local charities Wild Things and the Ladybird Group.
Traditional Highland Games at Gordonstoun
Primary schools from across Moray will come together today (Saturday 25 April) to take part in the annual Gordonstoun Highland Games. Eight schools will be taking part in the popular community event, competing in a range of traditional activities such as ‘Tossing the Caber’, ‘Hurling the Haggis’ and ‘Tug o’ War’. The public are invited to attend the free event, hosted by Gordonstoun, which will also see children taking part in a Hill Race, an obstacle course and Highland Dancing.
One of the highlights of the Games will be the appearance of the Gordonstoun Pipe Band, who will open the event with a special performance. They are very much in demand, having supported the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore. The band recently came second in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship 2026 and regularly play at the annual Braemar Gatherings attended by HM King Charles.
This year’s Chieftain of the Games is Emma Henderson, a former airline Captain, author and founder of Project Wingman – a national charity that mobilised 6,500 grounded aircrew to support NHS frontline staff during the pandemic, earning her an MBE in 2021.
Cath Lyall, Gordonstoun Head of Prep School, said:
“The Gordonstoun Highland Games is a wonderful annual tradition bringing together primary schools from across Moray to compete in traditional games like Tossing the Caber and Hurling the Haggis.
“We value our strong links with the community, and this free event is a fantastic opportunity to bring families together and provide schoolchildren with an exciting and competitive sporting experience.
“This year, the funds raised will support two incredible local charities, Wild Things and the Ladybird Group.”
The Games have been taking place for more than 30 years, providing a sporting challenge for school children in the spirit and tradition of a highland games format.
There will also be a chance to do a bit of shopping, with craft stalls showcasing local talents. To entertain the younger members of the family, there will be a funfair, games, face painting, toys and a bookshop. A Grand Raffle will provide everyone with a chance to win many fantastic prizes. The café will be offering amazing home bakes, with hot food available from the BBQ.
Chieftain of the Games Emma Henderson MBE, who is now an award-winning global keynote and TedX speaker, added:
“As a former pilot I know firsthand just how valuable teamwork and remaining calm under pressure are when tackling tough challenges.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing all the students competing with each other in what is always a fun and family-friendly event. Let the games begin!
All proceeds raised will go to two deserving local charities, with £107,300 raised in the past 10 years:
- Wild Things: An award-winning environmental education charity working in Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, which has enabled over 36,000 children, young people and adults to learn from, protect and find inspiration in their local natural environment. ~
- The Ladybird Group: Established in 1985 by the late Dr Iain White and his wife, Ann. They recognised the need for a local provision to care for pre-school children who required additional support in their development from Lossiemouth and the surrounding area.
Everyone is welcome, with Free Entry and Free Parking. The doors open to the public from 11.00 with the official opening ceremony taking place at Noon. The presentation ceremony will be at 15.30, with the Games closing at 16.00.
Curious about Gordonstoun? To find out more about our sporting community and the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our students, join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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