The three-day event includes the skirl of the bagpipes, the wearing of the tartan, tossing the caber, Highland dancing, Celtic entertainers, shopping, food and fun. One of the event’s main features is the Clan Village, the largest gathering of Scottish Clan tents in Texas where Clan members share information about Scottish history and genealogy.
The 63rd Scottish Gathering and Highland Games will be held November 8-10 at the Thomas Arnold Elementary School Grounds. Heralding all things Scottish, this landmark event is the oldest Scottish festival in Texas and has been sponsored continuously by the Central Texas Area Museum, now Salado Museum and College Park, since 1961.
Bagpipes and Drums! | Highland Dancers! | Scottish Athletics! | Men in Kilts! | Colorful Clan Tents! | Shopping, food and fun!
Tickets to events and the Gathering can be purchased in advance online. You may also purchase tickets at the gate. Remember, children 5 and under are free.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Calling of the Clans at 6:00 pm on the Salado Creekside just north of the Museum building. This is a solemn torchlight ceremony that recreates the coming together of the ancient Scottish clans to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom in 1314 at Bannockburn.
Following the Calling, a Welcome Social and Buffet Supper ($20) will be held in the Lucile A. Robertson Center at the Museum.
On Saturday (9am – 6pm) and Sunday (9am – 3pm), join us at the Thomas Arnold Elementary School Grounds to enjoy all things Scottish (Weekend Pass: $20 adult/$8 child).
New for 2024: Public Service Pipe Band Competition!
We are proud to recognize the many public service organizations that honor fallen service members by featuring their bands at the 63rd Salado Scottish Gathering!
- Clan Village … the largest gathering of Scottish Clan tents in Texas where Clan members share information about Scottish history and genealogy.
- Scottish Heavy Athletics; Highland Dancing; and Bagpipe and Drumming competitions.
- Scottish singers and musicians on the Entertainment Stage.
- Bonniest Knees, Scottish Shortbread, and Bonniest Beard contests
- Variety of Celtic goods, food and beverages.
OPENING CEREMONIES begin at 12 noon with a Band and Clan Parade from South Main and Thomas Arnold into the grounds followed by presentations and piping on the field.
Additional Sunday events include:
- The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan – a traditional devotional service in which family groups carry banners of their family tartans and ask blessings on the families.
- Scottish Dog Parade and Contest
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN SALADO
FOR THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS
AND A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS SCOTTISH