About Us

Who We Are

The Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games is an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus, Ontario.

Whether you’re coming by yourself or with the entire clan there’s something for everyone, Scottish or nae! Celtic Music, crafts for the kids, heavy events championships, bagpipes, drums, Highland dancing, storytelling, singing, genealogy and heritage, the Highland pub and vendors galore!

Enjoy the best of Scotland… without the airfare.

This year’s festival features: Heavy Events Competitions, Pipe Band Competitions, Highland Dancers, over 40 Clans, Heritage Tent, research tools and lectures in the Genealogy Centre, Whisky Tasting, McKiddie’s Centre, Celtic musicians and international vendors featuring Scottish wares and fares. Check out our Special Guests page for exciting guest announcements as well.

2026 Board of Directors

Our Mission

To deliver a Festival dedicated to the preservation of the visual, musical, athletic and written heritage of Scotland and those Scottish people who made Upper Canada their home through a celebration of culture, history, competition and education.

Pictured left to right: Sue Baker, Vice President Steve Clark, Kylie Burchat, Director at Large Ray Davies, President Christine de Nottbeck, Tayler Black, and Scott Russell

Presidents Circle

Christine de Nottbeck
Matthew Bennett-Monty
David Radley
Steve Cole
Warren Trask
Deb Dalziel
Lynn Boland Richardson
Bill Rowe
Craig MacGregor
Dave MacMillan
Caroline Laing
Bill Beattie
Bruce Youngblood
Bob Kerr
John K. Campbell
Jack Campbell
Rudi Chiarandini
Bill Thoms
Jack Tweddle

Our History

The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games has enjoyed tremendous success since its inception by Alex Robertson in 1946. The Festival began as a one-day event in Victoria Park. It quickly grew in popularity and attendance, leading to the addition of a second day, and in 1991 evolved into an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus, Ontario. The Festival has had two locations over its history, Victoria Park and more recently, the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. The Festival exemplifies all things Scottish with a focus on the pillars of any Highland Games including Heavy Events, Highland Dancing, Pipes & Drums, and Clans & Heritage.

The Highland Games originated with the Ancient Celts, thriving and evolving in the competitive environment of the clan structure of Scotland. It is commonly believed that in the 11th century, the Scottish King Malcome Canmore perpetuated the entire Games event with a race up a mountain.

Like the ancient Greeks and Romans, it is not unreasonable to think that competition for strength, endurance and honour were ongoing adventures in all cultures. The concept of the celebrations of Highland Games evolved into a positive celebration of culture and history focusing on the most accomplished in each of the competitive fields, as well as the onlooker who enjoys the ambiance of cultural heritage.

The Fergus Scottish Festival is pleased to participate in the promotion, presentation, and preservation of Scottish culture through good-natured competition and heritage education.