Event Chairman Bill Caudill, who also serves as the director of the Scottish Heritage Center at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and instructor of the college pipe band, is happy to see the culmination of hard work, planning and perseverance combine with the region's unique heritage to bring a fitting celebration of culture and history to the aptly named Scotland County.
"This is truly a dream come true in a lot of ways," Caudill said from his office at St. Andrews. "I've been involved in Scottish activities and culture for 36 years, and never expected to be in the position of an organizer, to be chairing something like this. I am extremely excited to think what this event will bring to the community."
The idea for a Highland Games celebration in Scotland County was developed following last year's announcement that the popular Flora MacDonald Highland Games, an event held annually in nearby Red Springs since 1976, would be permanently discontinued. In response, a steering committee was put into place in January of this year.
The decision to have the games in Scotland County was a natural, according to Caudill.
"If someone hadn't picked up the ball where Red Springs left off, it would have been a shame," Caudill said. "This region holds the most significant number of settlements of Highland Scots in North America; it is only fitting that Scotland County be able to host such an event.”
"Visitors can expect to see a variety of traditional Highland athletic exhibitions including the caber toss and hammer throw,” Caudill said. “They can enjoy bagpipe and drum solo competitions and Highland dance exhibitions, and they can experience live music from the Celtic groups that will be performing. There will be something for everyone."
Saturday's events will not end after the games themselves are completed. That evening a "ceilidh" (pronounced cay-lee), a traditional gathering that features festive music and dancing, will be held at the Cypress Bend Vineyards in Wagram beginning at 7 p.m. Several of the musical groups that performed at the daytime games will be featured. Tickets for this event will be available at the door.
The historic John Blue House, located at 13040 Xway Road in Laurinburg, was chosen as the site of the inaugural games due to its connection to local Scottish culture.
“The site was selected in part due to its charm and historical connections with Scotland, as well as its suitability for these events,” Caudill said. “Many of the other Highland games held throughout North America have sites which exemplify the character of their regions. We have the added benefit of authenticity and a true connection to Scotland.”
For more information about the Scotland County Highland Games, visit www.schgnc.org.
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