Musicians and music lovers alike agree that one of the most enjoyable aspects of a Scottish Highland Games event is the music. Depending on the games, one might hear traditional Scottish fiddling, folk songs sung in English or Gaelic, contemporary music with modern instruments in the "Celtic rock" genre, and of course, bagpipes.

The Oct. 3rd Scotland County Highland Games will offer all of this and more, featuring such diverse talents as fiddler and vocalist Rona Wilkie from Laurinburg's sister city of Oban, Scotland, the Scottish-American Celtic rock band Gael Warning from Charlotte, guitarist Danny Infantino and his wife June on flute, and a total of six pipe bands whose members will take part in individual pipe and drum competition.

The following provides a little bit more background on some of the entertainers:

RONA WILKIE -- Direct from our sister city of Oban, Rona is an enchanting Scottish fiddler and Gaelic singer. She has guested with the Scottish supergroup "Capercailllie" and currently performs with several groups in her native Argyll as well as around Edinburgh where she is a student at the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University.

GAEL WARNING -- The "new" lineup of this Charlotte-based Celtic group will debut here at the SCHG. Frontmen Dave McKenzie and Jeff Chester promise to have a Celtic groove goin' on for our visitors!

DANNY AND JUNE INFANTINO -- This local jazz guitar and flute duo aren't as well known as they should be for their enchanting Celtic repertoire. They will be sure to delight the listener.

These groups will be performing on the grounds on Saturday. On Saturday night at 7:30 at the the CEILIDH at CYPRESS BEND VINEYARD you'll also hear more from RONA WILKIE, DANNY AND JUNE INFANTINO as well as THE MERROWS (featuring the former fiddler for Celtic Soul). Cypress Bend Vineyards is located at 21904 Riverton Road, Wagram, NC. There will be a $10 admission charge at door.

In addition, the ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE PIPE BAND and the SCOTLAND HIGH SCHOOL BAND will also perform during the day. 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."

Tickets are available at the gate. Adults $5.00, Children $1.00