Heartland Publications

LAURINBURG — The sound of bagpipes will fill the air of Scotland County in less than three weeks as the inaugural Scotland County Highland Games event takes place Oct. 3 on the grounds of the John Blue House in Laurinburg. Athletic competition, children's activities, music, food, tartans and more are among the attractions to be experienced at the festival.

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, isaid it is 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. Caudill said he immediately began to receive phone calls asking if a similar type of festival could be held in Scotland County.

"Once the news became public, I met with David McLamb and Nick Sojka of the county Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors to explore the idea and see if it was feasible to consider bringing Highland Games to Laurinburg. Meetings with community leaders followed, and it was decided to move forward based on the great deal of interest that was exhibited. A steering committee was put into place in January of this year, and we have had a small but dedicated group working to bring these games to fruition."

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 to the games can expect to see a variety of traditional Scottish entertainment in the areas of athletics, music, and dance, along with clan booths representing some 36 Scottish clans. Kilts worn by clan members displaying various tartans will be in abundance, pipe bands will play, and reenactors representing 18th century Scotsmen will be in attendance with replica period weaponry. An area where one may search one's family names for clan affiliation will also be available.

"You don't have to have a clan, and you don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the festivities," Caudill said. "Visitors can expect to see a variety of traditional Highland athletic exhibitions including the caber toss and hammer throw, 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."

Special guests making an appearance at the games will be musician Rona Wilkie from Laurinburg's sister city Oban, Scotland, and Donald MacDonald, a Marlboro County, S.C. native and co-founder of the world famous Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville.

Children's athletic competition will be a special attraction at the games, according to the Hon. Bill McIlwain III, co-chairman of the children's events along with his wife Sherry.

"Kids will have the opportunity to compete in activities that mirror those of the adult athletes," McIlwain said. "For example, while adults have the hammer toss, the kids will be throwing a toilet plunger filled with sand and wrapped with duct tape but made to resemble the hammer. We will have a caber toss with smaller, lighter timbers, and we will have other activities that the children will enjoy."

Vendors will be on site selling a variety of Scottish related items that include food, jewelry, musical recordings and books.

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.