Highland games and Scottish traditions return to Fort Nottingham
In attendance will be the Durban and Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Society pipe bands.
This year’s annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering returns to the KZN Midlands – on Saturday, August 1, with a full day’s programme of athletics interspersed with Scottish-themed activities, demonstrations, music and dance.
The focus of the day is highland games showcasing brute strength and stamina: tossing the caber, tug-o’-war, walk the weight, the kilted mile, hammer throw, weight over the bar and stone put.
The competitive athleticism is complemented by the grace and precision of Celtic dancing, piped bands and of course, the rousing bagpipes.
In attendance will be the Durban and Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Society pipe bands. Each band will do a stage show and a field marching display, and they will perform as a massed band for the opening ceremony.
In the middle of the day, an interesting mix of activities will be on offer. The formalities take place at 11:15am with the procession of dignitaries onto the arena, and a motorbike drive past.
The mayor of uMngeni Local Municipality, Councillor Chris Pappas, will welcome the guests. This is followed by the singing of the national anthem by the Shea O’Çonnor Choir.
The pomp and ceremony of the address to the Haggis takes place next – involving poetry, procession – and whisky!
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The public will be invited to taste this distinctive Scotch meaty delicacy after the formalities. It is then the children’s turn to unload some energy with participative tug o’ war and sack races taking place.
There will be an agility display by the Knight Security K9 Dog Unit – in full knight regalia – with their youngest and oldest dog. There will be a display of Medieval Sword fighting, a motorbike drive past, and a Fire Fighters and Fire Truck display from Mooi River.
This year, 2026, is 170 years since the Fort at Fort Nottingham was established. There will be special guests to honour the occasion, and to create a time capsule.
There will be an abundance of food, drink and market stalls – many with a Scottish theme. There is also a programme of talks and whisky tasting too.
Tickets through Quicket.
Good to know:
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Time: 8am to 5pm
- Location: Fort Nottingham Museum, KwaZulu-Natal
- Tickets: Available on Quicket
- Parking: Payable at the entrance
- Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome
- Bring along picnic blankets, sun hats, warm clothing and fold up chairs
- For more information: Facebook: Fortnottinghamgames or Instagram: Fortnottinghamgames
