The 10th annual Scotland County Highland Games received a publicity boost this month when North Carolina Field and Family magazine featured the event in its Fall edition.
The story by Karsen Price and photos by Michael Cline cover four pages about two-thirds of the way into the magazine.
“The Highland Games, held Oct. 6 on the grounds of the North Carolina Rural Heritage Center in Laurinburg, is an event entrenched in everything Scottish,” the story states.
“Savor exceptional bagpipe-playing, traditional and local food, and even Scottish whiskey-tasting,” it added.
Beacham McDougald, the well-known historian of Scotland County, spoke about the Highland Games and the county’s future.
“We believe that our strong multicultural heritage will provide a springboard for a more exciting and friendly community as we move toward our future,” he told the story’s writer.
Also contributing to the story is Liza Purcell, a Laurinburg native who worked in the Washington, D.C., area before returning to Scotland County. She said the Highland Games are a “can’t-miss” event.
“Whether you are a Highland Games regular and travel to different parts of the state and country for these events, or a first-timer curious about the athletic competitions … you’re sure to have a fantastic time,” she said in the story.
While Cline’s photographs show a sliver of the activities during the Highland Games weekend, Price’s story takes the reader along the journey of Scotland County’s long history and ties to the past — including those with the Native Americans and Scottish settlers.
The magazine feature can be found on page 24-27. The Fall edition of the magazine can also be found online at www.ncfieldfamily.org/north-carolina-farm-bureau-magazine/.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-5-06-3023 or [email protected].