Immerse yourself in Scottish culture, craftmanship and pageantry
Quick Links:
See schedule for event details and click on "EVENT LOCATION" to filter by Clans & Heritage.
Clans
The Fergus Scottish Festival is proud to host many Clan Societies who will help you understand the clan system and your clan in particular. If you are wearing Highland dress you are welcome to participate with your clan. Why not join the Clan Society?
Clan Mackay, Clan Macpherson Association, Clan Barclay, Clan Maclaren, Clan Lennox, Clan Johnston/e, Clan MacBeth, Clan MacLellan, Clan Irving, Clan Sutherland Canada, Clan Hunter, Clan Fergusson, Clan MacNeil, Clan Logan, House of Watson International, Clan MacKinnon, Clan Munro, Clan MacKenzie, Clan Buchanan, Clan MacDougall, Clan Gregor Society Canada, Clan MacTavish, Clan Campbell, House of Gordon, Clan Gunn, Clan MacEwen, Clan MacLennnan Canada, Clan Leslie, Clan Matheson, Clan Farquharson, Clan MacMillan, Clan Sinclair, Clan Hay, Clan MacFie, Clan MacFarlane Worldwide Inc., Clan Donald Southern Ontario, Clan MacNicol, Clan MacLeod, Clan Young, Clan Baird, House of MacAlpine, Clan Cameron, Clan Murray
Clan Tent Applications Closed
We've changed ticketing providers and with that comes changes to the way our applications look. To complete an application, click the 'Apply Now' button above this or visit this link.
- Click 'Learn More'
- Add an application to your 'Cart'
- Follow the buttons to get to 'Checkout'
- Complete the required questions (including your Clan name, contact info, etc.)
- Click 'Complete Transaction' to submit the application
- Note: you will not have to pay to apply, this is just standard language.
Once you've submitted, our Clans & Heritage team will review your application. If approved, you will be sent a payment link to complete registration.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate a new system!
Clan registration ensures:
- A tent, tables, and chairs on the Avenue of the Clans
- Two weekend adult passes
- Best Clan award
- Clan recognition on the Festival website
- Recognition of any Clan dignitaries during the Festival
Clan events during the weekend include:
- Clan representation in the Thursday night downtown parade
- The traditional Hearth Lightin’ ceremony on Friday night
- The Parade of the Clans during the Welcoming Ceremony on Saturday
- Participation in the Festival Passport program. Bring a Clan stamp for the kids!
Should you consider hosting a tent, we strongly urge you to stay over for Sunday when a more relaxed atmosphere allows time for discussion with visitors and meeting with other clan groups.
Once you complete your application:
- Your application will be reviewed by our Clans & Heritage Committee
- You will be sent an email including your confirmation/approval and a link to pay for your Clan registration.
- Follow the link to pay and you're all set!
We are putting our Clan registration on our ticketing site like our other registrations and applications.
If you would like to walk with your clan during programming, we recommend getting in touch with the clan tent organizer.
If there is no clan tent and you still wish to represent your clan, get in touch with our Clans & Heritage committee, clans@fergusscottishfestival.com
Sir John McEwan
2026 Honoured Chieftain
Sir John Roderick Hugh MacEwen, is the 5th Baronet of Marchmont and Bardrochat (to which position he ascended at the age of 17) and the 10th Chief of Clan MacEwen, after the absence of a clan chief for 575 years. He was officially recognized by the Crown as the ‘Chief of the Name and Arms of Clan MacEwen” in 2025. John is married to Rachel and they have four children. He is an actor, playwright and director, and the founder of DunsPlayFest, an annual festival of new drama. The McEwens live in rural Berwickshire, South East Scotland.
Chief Rupert Christopher Irving of Bonshaw
Chief Rupert Irving, the 20th Chief of Clan Irving of Bonshaw, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, educated in England and spent a lot of his earlier life in Europe and the Middle East. In his professional life, he had over 20 years in management consulting and prior to that, spent 15 years with two companies, working in client facing roles internationally and market broking appointments in the Lloyd’s of London and London International Insurance Markets.
In March 2021, the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland confirmed his succession to his father as Chief of the Name & Arms of Irving of Bonshaw and Clan Chief, as direct descendant of William Irving of Bonshaw upon whom the honour was first conferred in the 1670s.
Best Clan Trophy Winners
2025
Fraser
2024
MacBeth
2023
Donald
2022
Donnachaidh
2019
Gray
2007 - MacNichol, 2008 - Gunn, 2009 - Wallace, 2010 - Cameron , 2011 - Kincaid, 2012 - Sinclair, 2013 - Graham, 2015 - MacNeil, 2017 - Logan, 2018 - Fraser
Heritage Theatre
The Heritage Theatre hosts a variety of activities and some musical artists throughout Saturday and Sunday.
From Gaelic lessons to pipers and kilt making, Jacobite readings and more! This is the place to see, hear and learn all about Scottish culture, heritage and pageantry. Don't forget to join in with our Scottish country dancers.
See schedule for event details and click on "EVENT LOCATION" to filter by Clans & Heritage.
Outdoor Displays
Visit our outdoor displays area for a variety of wonderful demonstrations and displays.
Watch and learn about horseshoeing, sheep shearing and blacksmithing, visit with the Jacobites in our authentic Jacobite encampment, and don't forget to visit the sheep, heilan coo and Clydesdale horses!
See schedule for event details and click on "EVENT LOCATION" to filter by Clans & Heritage.
Genealogy Tent
How Scottish Are You?
Discover your Scottish roots at the Genealogy Tent! There will be a variety of resources available for you to begin your research into your ancestral ties to Scotland.
With the Wellington County Branch - Ontario Ancestors, British Home Child Special Interest Group - Ontario Ancestors, FamilySearch, Guelph Public Library, Wellington County Museum and Archives, and the Wellington Historical Society
Societies at the Festival
Pioneer Crafts
Hundreds of thousands of Scots have emigrated to Canada since the late 18th century, seeking opportunities across the Atlantic. Settling throughout Canada, they brought with them many of the time honoured skills and crafts from the old country.
In our craft tent you can observe a number of the skills practiced by the women who had to experience the harsh environment of pioneers, but maintained skills learned from their ancestors. Try your hand at rope making. Follow the wool from fleece to fabric – from the sheep shearing to the spinners and weavers. See quilting and bobbin lace making first hand.
FAQ & General Info
General questions about Festival weekend?
Visit our General Information and FAQ’s page!
