Famous for its hospitality, The Royal Highland Braemar Gathering is held annually on the first Saturday in September. It is a spectacle of fun and games, featuring Scottish pipers and Highland dancers on heather clad hills. Your transfer from Edinburgh will be in comfortable coaches. You will cross the River Forth as the drive takes in the stunning Forth Bridge, before heading through Perthshire. Known as the “Heart of Scotland,” watch in wonder as magnificent scenery unfolds as you pass the skiing capital of Scotland at Glenshee. Keep an eye out for pheasant and wild deer as you drive, and before the dip down into Royal Deeside for the Gathering. Here you are free to explore on your own throughout the day. While there have been Gatherings of one sort or another since the days of King Malcolm Canmore, 900 years ago, the official festivities that are held today date back to its inauguration by the Braemar Royal Highland Society in 1832. Large crowds gather every year to proclaim their Monarch as “Chief of the Braemar Gathering.” Join them on this memorable occasion, where international athletes take part in the "heavy" and "track" events. Pipers and dancers will be of the highest standard expected of Scotland, as teams from H.M. Forces compete the Inter-Services Unit Tug of War Championship and Services Medley Relay Race. Watch a thrilling Hill Race up Morrone, as Scottish Pipe Bands come forward for the customary Massed Pipe Bands appearance. Meals, snacks and light refreshments will be available throughout the day, as you stroll at your leisure. You might even get to see the Queen, as her loyal subjects pronounce “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the First of Scotland.”