The Cabrach Picnic and Games Highlights 2025

Rain, Shine, and Everything in Between!

Another year of The Cabrach Picnic & Games 2025! What a day it was – full of music, dancing, laughter, and just a touch of classic Scottish summer weather.

The Games opened under the most perfect Cabrach skies, with an hour and a half of sunshine that set the tone for the celebrations. The Huntly & District Pipe Band led the way with their rousing tunes, officially kicking off proceedings in grand style. Then came the young stars of The Alison Gordon School of Dance, who wowed the crowd with their energy, grace, and infectious enthusiasm.

At the heart of the arena, the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association got everyone moving with their mini-Highland Games for children. Cabrach youngsters (and a few not-so-young ones!) tried their hands at traditional challenges – tossing, racing, and laughing their way through. Then it was time for the adults to step up and have a go at Highland sport themselves. The atmosphere was buzzing, the garden filled with cheers and encouragement, and spirits were high.

Watch our short clips of this years highlights below:

And then – the heavens opened.

True to form, the Cabrach was determined to remind us who’s boss when it comes to the weather. But if there’s one thing our community is good at, it’s improvising! Music and dancing were quickly moved into The Acorn, umbrellas blossomed like wildflowers around the walled garden, and no one let a little rain dampen the fun.

In between showers, the day’s highlight took place – the legendary Cabrach Heavy Stone contest. With determination (and perhaps a little mud for good measure), competitors gave their all for the honour of being crowned Rose Bowl champion. And once again, Jacqueline Coull proved unstoppable, defending her title and even beating her own record set in 2024. A brilliant achievement – congratulations Jacqueline! 🏆

Despite the rain, the Cabrach Picnic & Games was, as always, a true celebration of community spirit. Friends and neighbours gathered, visitors came to soak up the atmosphere, and laughter echoed through the hills. There’s something special about this event – it’s as much about catching up with familiar faces and sharing food and stories as it is about games and music.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible. To the Huntly & District Pipe Band for their stirring tunes, The Alison Gordon School of Dance for their wonderful performances, and the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association for leading the fun. Huge thanks also go to our partners at Vattenfall, Clashindarroch and Dorenell Windfarm Community Micro Grants and of course the many volunteers and the Trust Team who put in countless hours behind the scenes. Without you all, none of this would happen.

So while the sun may have been a little shy this year, the warmth of the community shone through brighter than ever. A day of laughter, resilience, and good old-fashioned Cabrach spirit – that’s what makes the Picnic & Games so special.

Here’s to next year – when we’ll do it all again, come rain or shine! 🌦️