Cabers, Kilts & Cabernet | It’s the Hunter Valley Highland Games!
- Liane Morris
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
The Hunter Valley is known for wine, food and events, but once a year, a corner of Lovedale transforms into something altogether different. The unmistakable sound of bagpipes fills the air; athletes test their strength in centuries-old competitions, and visitors gather to celebrate a cultural tradition that stretches back almost a thousand years. On Saturday, 22 August, the Hunter Valley Highland Games will return to Saltire Estate, bringing together Scottish heritage, family entertainment and community spirit for one of the region's most unique annual events. The Games are a gathering of the clans Down Under, an action-packed and family-oriented community event with a difference, and everyone is invited!
From the spectacle of caber tossing and Highland dancing to pipe band competitions, Scottish food and family activities, the Games offer a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Set among the vineyards of Saltire Estate, it's a celebration that blends Scottish tradition with a distinctly Hunter Valley flavour.
For Scottish-born Saltire Estate owner Russell Leslie, the event is also a way of honouring the heritage that helped shape both his own story and the history of the Hunter Valley itself.
Born and raised in Dunfermline, north of Edinburgh, he brought that connection with him when he settled in Australia and later established Saltire Estate in the Hunter Valley. Even the winery's name is a tribute to his homeland, taking its inspiration from the Saltire, the iconic blue and white flag of Scotland.
Over the years, Russell has found countless reminders of Scotland's influence throughout the Hunter Valley. From the pioneering work of James Busby to the Scottish origins of many local families and place names, the connection runs far deeper than many visitors realise.
The Hunter Valley itself was named after Scotsman Captain John Hunter, the second Governor of New South Wales, while James Busby, often referred to as the father of Australian wine, was born in Edinburgh before bringing vine cuttings to Australia and establishing the foundations of the Australian wine industry. Even the city of Cessnock takes its name from Cessnock Castle in Ayrshire.
It's a history that Russell believes still resonates strongly today. "I think the Hunter Valley community still has strong roots to Scotland and understands the history of how the Hunter Valley developed to what it is today," he said.
"People feel that and want to be a part of it."
The Highland Games grew from a desire to celebrate that shared heritage while creating an event that welcomes everyone, regardless of whether they have Scottish ancestry or not.
The result is a gathering that combines sport, culture, food, music and community in a way that continues to attract growing numbers of visitors each year.
The Games themselves trace their origins back almost a thousand years. Traditionally, Highland chiefs used athletic competitions to identify the strongest and fastest members of their clans. Over time, the gatherings evolved into celebrations of music, dance and culture that continue throughout Scotland and around the world today.
Perhaps the most famous of all is the Braemar Gathering, held annually near Balmoral and regularly attended by members of the Royal Family.
While the Hunter Valley version may not attract kings and queens, it has experienced remarkable growth since Russell first launched the event.
"When we first started, we only had two pipe bands and a few athletes," he said.
"Now we have 12 pipe bands and over 30 athletes. So, a big increase in activity for spectators to see."
That growth reflects not only the popularity of the Games themselves but also a growing interest in Scottish traditions among younger generations.
"The local community has embraced the Games, and it is very popular with the kids who are often seeing pipe bands and Highland dancing for the first time," Russell said.
"The popularity amongst the younger generation wanting to join a pipe band or take up Highland dancing has been a welcome surprise."
At the heart of the action are the National Highlander Championships, where some of Australia's strongest men and women compete in a series of traditional Highland events.
Visitors can expect remarkable displays of power, endurance and skill as competitors battle it out across a range of disciplines, including the Caber Toss, Stones of Strength and other classic Highland events.
The Caber Toss remains one of Russell's personal highlights.
"I never miss the Tossing of the Caber," he said.
"An event with its origins in being the best in a clan at dropping logs over streams to be able to get across, it requires both strength and accuracy to win."
For spectators unfamiliar with the event, the objective isn't simply to throw the giant timber pole as far as possible. Instead, competitors attempt to flip the caber end over end so that it lands in a perfectly straight line, demanding both strength and precision.
Russell expects another highly competitive field in 2026. "We are expecting a strong field in both the men's and women's competition," he said. "I don't want to jinx anyone by naming names, but I expect it to be very competitive again this year."
Aside from the Caber Toss, you can also expect to see other traditional Scottish feats of strength, including:
• Stones of Strength – watch in awe as athletes lift five stones of increasing size and weight.
• Tug O’ War – which team will win as they battle it out in this classic showdown of teamwork and strength.
• Husafell Stone Carry – athletes carry a large stone as far as possible, showcasing pure determination and grit.
Beyond the sporting competition, the Hunter Valley Highland Games is a celebration of Scottish culture in all its forms.
Throughout the day, the stirring sounds of bagpipes will fill the grounds as pipe bands parade and compete, while local Highland dancers showcase a tradition that has been passed down through generations. For many visitors, the music is one of the most memorable parts of the day. Whether you're of Scottish descent or simply appreciate the spectacle, there is something undeniably stirring about the sound of a pipe band marching across the grounds.
Clan societies also play an important role in the event, helping visitors trace their family history and connect with their ancestral roots.
"There will be Clan stalls to check up on your ancestry or even join the Clan," Russell said.
For those looking to take home a souvenir, there will also be a wide range of market stalls featuring Scottish-themed gifts, crafts, tartans and merchandise.
Food lovers won't be disappointed either.
"We have traditional Scottish food prepared by a Scottish butcher," Russell said.
"There will be haggis and black pudding to experience. There will also be Scottish treats like tablet, fudge and Edinburgh Rock."
Adding another layer of history to the day will be a Jacobite reenactment display, complete with musket firing demonstrations that bring Scotland's colourful past to life.
While heritage and history are central to the event, the Games have also become one of the region's most family-friendly festivals. Children will be able to enjoy free face painting, a dedicated Kids Zone and a range of traditional novelty games.
"We are hoping to have some kids' novelty games like sack racing, egg and spoon races and three-legged races," Russell said.
One of the biggest attractions this year is expected to be a pair of very special new residents at Saltire Estate.
"Having our own Highland cows this year is special," Russell said.
"We have a black calf, Sorcha, and a brown calf, Skye, for people to
see."
With their distinctive shaggy coats and gentle nature, Highland cattle have become something of a Scottish icon and are sure to be popular with visitors of all ages.
Hosting the Games at Saltire Estate adds another uniquely Hunter Valley dimension to the experience.
Unlike traditional Highland gatherings held on village greens or castle grounds, visitors here can enjoy Scottish culture while surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
"We will be offering wine tasting at the winery during the Games, and the event is held next to our vines and olive trees, so it definitely has a distinct Hunter Valley vibe," Russell said.
That combination of Scottish tradition and Hunter Valley hospitality is part of what makes the event so distinctive.
Visitors can spend the morning watching world-class athletic competition, enjoy a wine tasting in the afternoon, sample traditional Scottish food, listen to pipe bands and browse market stalls, all without leaving the one venue.
“We have wine tasting, events happening all day and the glorious music of pipe bands filling the valley. It’s also the only place to taste Scottish haggis in the Hunter.”
For those considering attending for the first time, Russell believes the appeal is simple.
"It is a fun day out," he said.
The Hunter Valley Highland Games will be held on Saturday, 22 August at Saltire Estate, 113 Wilderness Road, Lovedale, with gates opening at 8.30am. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for concessions and children over 13, and free for children under 13. A $5 surcharge per ticket will apply to ticket purchases at the gate on the day of purchase, so book early! Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or camp chair, and friendly dogs on leads are welcome.
Whether you're tracing your Scottish ancestry, cheering on the nation's strongest athletes, introducing the kids to something new, or simply looking for a memorable day out in wine country, the Hunter Valley Highland Games offers a uniquely Hunter Valley take on one of Scotland's most enduring traditions. Visit www.saltireestate.com.au/pages/hunter-valley-highland-games for the full program.
