The Stirling Highland Games are held every August at Stirling Games Field, and the 2026 games took place on Saturday 15 August. Stirling has just been named the UK's top destination for 2026, and around 8,000 people pour into town for the day for caber tossing, hammer throwing, Highland dancing and massed pipe bands. If you are heading to the games, here is how to round the day off with a proper Scottish dram.
Make a day of it. Games in the morning, the old town after.
The games run 10am to 5pm out at Borrowmeadow. Once you have had your fill of heavy athletics, head up into Stirling's old town. Stirling Castle sits at the top of the hill and, at the foot of the castle rock in the historic Old Smiddy, you will find Stirling Distillery. We are an easy walk from the city centre and open Saturday 11am to 5pm, so you can drop in on your way round.
Tours, tastings and make your own gin
Warm up or cool down with a story led hour indoors. Our Gin Experience pours six Stirling gins and liqueurs alongside the tale of Stirling's first legal distillery, while the Whisky Experience travels Scotland's whisky regions in one sitting. Fancy something hands on? At our Gin School you distil and bottle your own gin to take home. Designated driver? Discounted Driver tickets keep you in the story without the drams, and yes, we are dog friendly.
Just passing through? Take Stirling home with you.
Even if you are only in town for the day, the shop is open with no booking needed. Pick up a bottle of our award winning Stirling gin, a Sons of Scotland single malt, or a gift set that tastes of the trip. Find us here, at 9 Lower Castlehill, right below the castle.
If you have a spare twenty minutes rather than a spare hour, our walk in mini tasting is £15 a head and needs no booking at all.
Planning your visit? See more things to do in Stirling, and we will see you on games weekend. Slàinte.
