Salado Scottish Games Marks 65th Year in Texas

The 65th Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games will commence from November 13-15 in Salado, Texas, at 108 Royal Street. This annual event, the oldest Scottish festival in Texas, has received continuous sponsorship from the Salado Museum since 1961.

Decades-Long Tradition Continues

Lynette Jones, the museum's executive director, stated the Scottish Gathering serves as the primary fundraising initiative for both the Salado Museum and College Park. The event consistently attracts thousands of visitors to Salado each year. Volunteer committees from Salado and surrounding towns organize the gathering, with participants traveling from across the country.

Community Support Fuels Event

Jones highlighted the ongoing commitment from volunteers, patrons, local business sponsors, and the Salado community as crucial for sustaining the decades-long tradition. This support directly contributes to the maintenance and operational costs of the museum and College Hill.

Weekend Activities Highlight Scottish Culture

The three-day event features a range of activities, including performances by bagpipe bands, Highland dancers, and Scottish musicians. Traditional athletic competitions, such as Tossing the Caber, are also scheduled. Attendees can explore a Celtic marketplace, enjoy food trucks, and participate in the popular Bonniest Knees Contest.

Clans Village and Torchlight Ceremony

A central attraction is the Clans Village, which represents the largest assembly of Scottish Clans in Texas. Here, clan members share Scottish history and genealogical information with visitors. The festivities begin Friday with a presentation by Scottish fiddler and historian Colin MacLeod at 2:00 PM at the Salado Museum, followed by a suggested donation for entry. The historical Calling of the Clans torchlight ceremony, free to the public, takes place at 6:00 PM on the banks of Salado Creek, north of the museum. A ticketed social event and buffet will follow at the museum, with a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, featuring live music and group dancing, scheduled for 7:00 PM at The Venue.

Saturday and Sunday Events

Festival grounds open Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Opening ceremonies at noon include a Bands and Clans Parade, starting at Main Street and North Pace Park Road, proceeding south to Royal Street and the festival grounds, culminating in a massed bands presentation. Saturday's schedule also features live Scottish music from folksinger Mark Clavey, Colin MacLeod, and the Celtic band Murder the Stout, which includes Scottish button accordionist Hugh Morrison. Scots singer Frances Brown will host a Gaelic Song clinic and Scottish Gaelic Language workshops on both Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday Devotional and Dog Parade

On Sunday, the grounds are open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, commencing with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan devotional service at 9:00 AM. The day's activities include performances by Scottish musicians, the Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums, and Country Highland Dancers of Austin. Other events feature a Dog Costume Contest and Parade, children’s games, dog agility demonstrations, and Scottish Country Dancing participation. The Celtic marketplace and food trucks will also remain open.

Museum Benefits from Event Proceeds

The Wee Scots Gift Shop operates throughout all three days at the Salado Museum on South Main Street. All proceeds generated from the event and the gift shop directly support the museum, which operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Further information regarding ticket prices and event details is available on the official festival website or by calling 254-947-5232.