Did you know that more visitors flocked to the Scottish Highlands last summer than ever before?
Contributing to an overall 17% increase in Scottish tourism, as many as 1.9 million European visitors joined those from across the UK and beyond in experiencing the magnificent scenery and wonderfully warm hospitality that makes the Highlands famous the world over.
Yet while it may be the sweeping vistas, glistening lochs and glorious mountains may make Scotland a natural choice for summer getaways, and while our love for making all of our guests may ensure that getaway is one you’ll cherish forever, there’s much more to the Highlands than incredible views and friendly greetings.
Each and every summer, the region plays host to a wealth of world-class events, each with something truly unique to offer,
Here at the five-star Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Highland Perthshire have rounded up our pick of the most unmissable events heading to the Scottish Highlands in summer 2019.
1. Pitlochry Highland Nights
When: Every Monday from May 28th to September 3rd
Where: Pitlochry Recreation Ground
Cost: Adults £7 | Children £1
A weekly event steeped in tradition, Pitlochry Highland Nights offer a wealth of fun for the whole family and are guaranteed to serve as a true highlight of your summer getaway in Scotland.
Hosted by the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, Highland Nights is your chance to enjoy authentic Scottish music, singing and country dancing, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery surrounding Pitlochry itself.
2. Kenmore Highland Games
When: Wednesday, July 3rd
Time: 5.30pm onwards
Where: Kenmore Pavilion & Sports Field
Cost: Adults £5 | Children free
From Pitlochry to Blair Atholl, guests at our five-star hotel in Highland Perthshire never have too far to go to enjoy an authentic Highland Games experience during the summer months.
Yet if we had to pick just one event as our favorite, it would have to be the annual Kenmore Games.
The very epitome of Scotland’s famously friendly nature, the games’ organisers invite visitors from far and wide to join them for a day of traditional Highland games including caber tossing, hammer throwing and more.
3. Blair Castle International Horse Trials
When: August 22nd – 25th
Time: 8.30AM onwards
Where: Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
Cost: General admission tickets start from £12
One of Scotland’s most prestigious sporting events and a highlight of the annual equestrian calendar, the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials attract as many as 45,000 visitors each summer and reach a television audience of 29 million viewers.
Based a short drive from the Dunalastair Hotel Suites in the grounds of the historic Blair Atholl Estates, this world-famous event sees championship-winning horse riders and Olympic medalists join forces with scores of amateur hopefuls for four days of top competition in the fields of dressage, showjumping and cross country.
4. Tartan Heart festival
When: August 1st – 3rd | Time: TBC
Where: Belladrum Estate near Inverness
Cost: Adult three-day weekend tickets start from £159.10 | Advanced booking required
We’ve done the traditional, we’ve done the prestigious, now it’s time for an event with a decidedly modern feel.
Based in the heart of the Highlands near Inverness, the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a three-day boutique music festival featuring some of the biggest names in music.
Indie stars Elbow, former Smiths and guitarist Johnny Marr, and a host of other major stars such as Jess Glynne,and Scotland’s own Lewis Capaldi are all scheduled to appear.
5. LYC Annual Sailing Regatta
When: June 21st – June 22nd
Time: 9AM to 6PM
Where: Loch Linnhe, Fort William
Cost: £25
Last but by no means least, we head out onto to the waters of Loch Linnhe for two days of sailing and boating.
As well as all the fun of taking keelboats and dinghies onto the loch, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbeque and plenty of fun-filled family activities on the shore.
Whatever you decide to do on your summer break in Scotland, make it the holiday of a lifetime with the award-winning Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Highland Perthshire. Book online for our best available rates on all of our five-star luxury suites, or to discuss your stay, call us now on +44 (0)1882 580444.