57th Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games
Heralding all things Scottish, this is the oldest Scottish festival in Texas; sponsored by the Salado Museum since 1961. Bagpipe bands, Scottish athletics, Highland dancing, Celtic music, Clans ‘n Bands Parade, and Celtic marketplace. Clan Village is largest gathering of Scottish Clans in Texas.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Calling of the Clans at 6:00 pm on the banks of Salado Creek off Royal Street just north of the museum building. This is a solemn torchlight ceremony that recreates the coming together of the ancient Scottish clans to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom in 1314 at Bannockburn. The ceremony is followed by a Welcome Social at the Museum.
The Civic Center grounds are open Saturday at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official opening ceremonies begin at noon with the Bands and Clans Parade on Main Street followed by presentations and massed bagpipe bands on the Civic Center grounds. The parade will start at North Pace Park Road and move north on Main Street to the Civic Center grounds. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for viewing along the route.
Saturday activities include Scottish athletics competition (including Tossing the Caber), Highland Dancing competition, bagpiping and drumming competitions, Bonniest Knees Contest, Scottish shortbread baking contest, live Celtic music, a Celtic marketplace, local and Scottish food vendors and more. The day closes with the Texas Tattoo at 4:30 p.m. at the entertainment tent on the grounds.
The Tattoo includes performances by bagpipe bands and Celtic musicians. Entertainers for this year’s Gathering are well-known Scottish singer Ed Miller, Celtic band Murder the Stout featuring Scottish button accordionist Hugh Morrison, and popular Scottish singer Carl Peterson.
Sunday events (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) begin with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, a traditional devotional service in which family groups carry banners of their family tartans and ask blessings on the families. Sunday activities include bagpipe band competitions, Scottish athletics, Clan tents, pet parade and contest, children’s games, live Celtic music, food, and shopping.
For information on special ticketed events as well as weekend admission to the grounds, visitors should visit our website for complete details.
