Glenisla is situated in the southern Grampians between Glenshee and Glen Prosen. It is the most westerly of the Angus Glens and holds the River Isla, the largest tributary of the River Tay - internationally renowned for its Atlantic salmon.

 

The Isla runs for 46 miles, issuing from the Caenlochan and Cannes burns at 1064 meters (3491 feet). Sweeping past the Games Haugh, it is home to wild brown trout amidst a glen rich in flora and fauna including golden eagles and Red & Roe deer.

 

The parish of Glenisla is 64.8 square miles and marches with the following parishes; Airlie, Alyth, Cortachy & Clova, Crathie & Braemar, Kirkmichael and Lintrathen.

 

The upper reaches of the glen are home to hunting estates and sheep grazing, slowly giving way to forestry, livestock and arable farming. Its history reflects this, with its strong association with the Cateran Trail, the path taken by the Catanachs when raiding cattle from the glen.

 

The glen has a peppering of enormous boulders left by the retreating glaciers. Some of the bigger ones have names and stories attached to them – many are the poorly aimed missiles of mountain giants venting their anger.

 

The history of the 17th century troubles between the McCombies and Farquharsons was played out in the glen and left many stories of strength, wit and courage, particularly around "McCombie Mor", head of the family.

 

Glenisla is home to stories of hidden treasures, secret caves and headless caterans as well as giants and ghaists. Amid spectacular scenery in every season, it's a gem to all outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Glenisla is renowned as one of the most traditional Highland Games with competitors, visitors, locals, bandsmen and dignitaries sharing the beauty of the natural amphitheatre of the games haugh. Towering above is Mount Blair, providing a spectacular route for the hill race.

 

The Glenisla Highland Games are held in The Haugh, Forter, Angus. It is on the River Isla, 4 miles North-West of the Kirkton of Glenisla.

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Glenisla Games Location map

To get there, take the A93, which runs between Blairgowrie and Braemar. Turn off onto the B951 to the East, which leads to Forter (and on towards Kirkton of Glenisla).

Alternatively, join the B951 at Kirriemuir and head North through the Kirkton of Glenisla and continue a further 4 miles on the same road.

Alternatively again, from the Dundee direction, pick up the B954, which passes through Meigle and near to Alyth, then follow signs for Glenisla, picking up the B951 at Dykends and then continue North through Glenisla again.

Signs will be placed on the roadside guiding you to the event.