About

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About the Fergus Scottish Festival

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, tug of war, bands, Highland dancing, storytelling, singing, genealogy and heritage, beer tents, 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.

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Our Board of Directors
Our 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 is our Board of Directors President Matthew Bennett-Monty, Deb Dalziel, Scott Russell, Vice President Christine de Nottbeck, Steve Clark, Heather Matthews, and Director at Large Rob Black (not pictured)

Festival History

The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games has enjoyed tremendous success since its inception by Alex Robertson in 1946. The games have had two locations over its history, Victoria Park and more recently, the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Fergus). The Games exemplify all things Scottish with a focus on heavy events, dancing, piping, clans and interactive family fun and community involvement.

The Highland Games originated with the Ancient Celts in Ireland, 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.

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FAQ & General Info

General questions about Festival weekend?
Visit our General Information and FAQ’s page!

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