Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion

Information For Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion

We are open to the public as an exhibition and gallery telling the history of the Braemar Gathering and our Royal connection since 1848. Opened by the late Queen in 2018.

We are the home of the world famous Braemar Gathering, where on the first Saturday of September every year, thousands of people descend on our tiny village for the greatest Highland Gathering in the world. The hills are filled with the sound of Bag pipes and cheering as the Heavies toss the caber. After the Jacobite rebellions in the 1700's, Highland Gatherings were banned and made illegal. Braemar had been the sight of one of one of these rebellions, at the nearby Braemar Castle. Under the guise of a Highland Gathering of the Clans, the standard was raised. But by 1815, the gatherings were not allowed once more, and the Braemar Highland Society was formed. This was a community based society, and is one of the oldest still operating in the country now. Helping the poor and vulnerable within the village and surrounding areas with food, support, fire wood etc. In 1846 Queen Victoria and Albert rented the nearby Balmoral Castle and attended the Braemar Gathering and fell in love with it, By 1846, Royal patronage was given, and has been unbroken since then. We are honoured and privileged to have such a long linage of Royal patronage and support through to His Majesty King Charles III. Because of this patronage, the society became The Braemar Royal Highland Society, and the gathering became The Braemar Royal Highland Gathering. Each year, the Royal family visit Royal Deeside, and stay at Balmoral, and they attend the Gathering. In 2017, a project was undertaken to build the worlds first highland games exhibition. Projects were picked to celebrate, the then, Prince Charles +' 70th birthday, and our building was one of them. Due to his love of the area and the games. Michael Harris, who was an architect for The Princes Trust, designed the Pavilion. It was done to an extremely high standard, with large oak beams and beautiful wooden floors, and with a large granite open fireplace at one end. The Pavilion was opened by the late Queen on games day 2018, and was named after The Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles Scottish title. Inside we have chairs in The Duke of Rothesay tartan. You can get married inside the Pavilion, in either of two rooms, the gallery or the fireplace room. Or you can get married outside in the games arena, in front of the Royal Box, where the Royal family sit on games day. Or, if you would like to do something very special, we have a limited amount of spaces each year, to allow weddings inside the Royal Box, This is a listed building, with great provenance. The Royal Family has used this box since the 30's. Many monarchs and Royal family members have sat here, and some of the happiest images of the Royal Family have been taken while sitting in the box enjoying the gathering. We would love to welcome you to the Highlands, where we are surrounded by the Cairngorm National Park, Mountains, rivers, trees, and Wildlife. There are endless options for photograph locations, and amazing local vendors to help you make your day perfect. Come have your very own Outlander wedding in the Highlands, while a piper plays for you, and kilts are swinging.

Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion at a Glance