Information
Accommodation
As you can imagine, accommodation is highly sought after on games weekend. That doesn't mean it's impossible, just that you should book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. There are a number of accommodation options, please check the following: Visit Scotland, Braemar Scotland, Braemar Caravan Park
Gathering Officials and Attendants
Officials and Attendants will be on duty through out the grounds and village, they will display a lapel badge identifying their role and will also have access to a florescent arm band or jackets. If you have the opportunity, please thank them individually for their efforts. They are all volunteers and we would like to record our thanks for their important part in making the day run smoothly.
Medical Support
An Event Doctor, Paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service and First Aiders from the St Andrews Ambulance Association will be available at the First Aid Post near to the main entrance. First Aiders are also on patrol throughout the grounds, and are contactable via the First Aid tent or Secretary’s Tent.
Toilets
Toilets are available within the grounds, these include disabled and baby changing facilities. Temporary toilets are also located within the car-parks and Aberdeenshire Council operate a Public Toilet on Balnellan Road in the centre of the village.
Lost Property
Enquiries regarding lost property will be handled from the Secretary’s Tent.
Information
Queries and information about the events will be dealt with at the Secretary’s Tent or at the Light Events / Hill Race Registration Tent, which is situated at the Competitors entry gate.
Extremes of Weather
Please ensure you are properly hydrated and come prepared for the extremes of weather. It may be very warm and sunny, requiring sun cream or conversely very cold and wet requiring warm and dry clothing.
Where is Braemar
Braemar is approximately 60 miles West of Aberdeen, on the A93 in scenic Royal Deeside. It can be reached from the South on the A93 (Deeside Tourist Route) via Perth and Glenshee (49 miles). From the North and Inverness (78 miles) it can be reached via the A939 over the Lecht and by travelling over the old military Bridge and road through Gairnsheil before meeting the A93 at Crathie (9 miles east of Braemar).
A Public Bus Service (numbered 201) runs from Aberdeen to Braemar - Bus Timetable. There is no Public Bus service from Perth or the South.
Designated Car Parking
There is no on street parking allowed in the village of Braemar, the organisers of the Gathering provide parking for visitors and competitors alike. The parking for visitors is free, doesn't need to be booked, has no time restrictions and you can be confident that there is enough room for everyone.
As you arrive in the area, please follow the directional signage, instructions and advice given to you by police and stewards on the day. Parking is on grass. Please only park in the designated event car parks and do not park on grass verges.
Once you have parked, signs will direct you towards the Gathering (10 minute walk approx).
Disabled/assisted parking is provided in the main Aberdeen Car-park, On arrival Blue Badge holders or those who are in need of assistance should identify themselves to the car-parking Stewards who will direct them towards the designated assisted parking area. If required you can take one of the courtesy shuttle buses which will be operating a circular route from the entrance of the main car-park to Auchendryne Square throughout the day.
Participants and spectators are free to come and go from the event whenever they wish (please retain your entry ticket).
Delays may be experienced when exiting from the car parks, and the organisers would ask that visitors remain patient and courteous with the car parking attendants who will be working to clear the car-parks as quickly as they can.
Allow plenty of journey time, there is only one main road (A93) leading to Braemar and from Braemar and delays are inevitable. Please be patient.
Parking Label Holders
Those allocated Arena, Competitors, Press or Coach Parking Labels should follow the instructions for arrival/departure on the Parking Label and follow the directions provided on the rear. Please display your Label clearly as you approach the outskirts of the village. If you have a parking label but plan to arrive after the designated parking time, you will require to park in one of the main car-parks. This will involve a walk to the Gathering grounds.
Dogs
No dogs (except Guide Dogs or Disability Dogs) are allowed within the Games Park, this includes keeping dogs in vehicles which are making use of the Arena Parking.
Baggage
Please ensure you keep your property with you. The organisers accept no responsibility for any losses, visitors entering the grounds may be subject to a security search.
Braemar Village
Please don’t forget to spend some time visiting the village and watching the Pipe Bands which parade singly through the village during the day. The Massed Bands parade at 11.30 am from the Invercauld Arms Hotel and at 3 pm from Auchendryne Square. The Tourist Information Office, service station, shops and restaurants will be open all day.