ScotFestBC
ScotFestBC – The British Columbia Highland Games are a continuation of a 128-year tradition that originated with the original Scottish settlers in the Vancouver area.
The Scots were not only the earliest immigrants, but also one of the most influential to the city and region as it grew. Despite wars and changing demographics, BC has continued to be a hotbed of Scottish culture through piping, drumming, pipe bands and highland and Scottish country dancing, supported by the descendants of those early settlers, the many new arrivals and `Scottish Canadians ‘who come to the Games to celebrate their heritage. BC continues to produce world class Scottish pipers, dancers and championship pipe bands.
What makes a Highland Games different than any other cultural celebration?
Scottish immigrants brought Highland dance traditions with them when they settled in British Columbia in the nineteenth century. By the late 1800s, Highland dancing was already featured in community events such as the Victoria Highland Games (established in 1863) and the early gatherings of St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Societies in Vancouver and New Westminster. These celebrations helped preserve traditional dances such as the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Seann Triubhas, which were performed alongside bagpipes and other Scottish music.
What makes a Highland Games different than any other cultural celebration?
Highland Games originated among the Scots’ ancestors in the “old country” and became a customary part of their life. Tossing the caber, putting the stone, throwing the hammer and competition in bagpiping and Highland dancing formed the core of the Games, pitting the best musicians, dancers and athletes against each other to determine the best. A full day of competition, some great music, dancing and maybe a bit of Scottish whisky made for a great day in the highlands. As economic times changed in Scotland, emigration dispersed the Highland Games idea and brought it to North America where they have flourished throughout Canada and the US.
In Canada, a Highland Society was first organized in Ontario in 1819 but lapsed after many successful gatherings. More permanent games were established in 1838 by the Caledonian Club of PEI. Similar games followed in Lancaster, Toronto, Montréal and Zorra, and by Canadian confederation in 1867, in Halifax, Antigonish, Chatham, Ottawa and Vancouver
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