Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 2025 by Mountain Times Publications

A hearty welcome to the 69th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Iwish you the heartiest of welcomes to the 69th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Steve

who graciously donated to our campaign. Those donations literally made our recovery possible, and we are extremely grateful.

Quillin President, GMHG, Inc.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation of the North Carolina High Country, and especially Avery County, we all owe a great deal to our staff and volunteers for achieving the state of readiness for MacRae Meadows. They have all worked very hard to get things to the condition we have before us.

In addition to the work required to recover from Helene, there was also a great need for funds to cover the damage. The Board of Trustees owes many, many thanks to the organizations, clan societies, and individuals

We have 109 clan societies on the field this year. Once again, we lay claim to being the largest gathering in terms of the number of family societies in the world. The size of our gathering is a feature of Grandfather, and we are very proud of our status. The Board continues our focus on the clans each year, and we are deeply appreciative for the involvement of each of our participating societies. Twentynine of our clan societies are hosting Annual General Meetings at Grandfather this year, as we continue to be a hotspot for those clan gatherings. All attendees are advised to visit Clan Row — you’ll be glad you did!

Our Chieftain of the Games for 2025 is Clan MacLaren Tanist Florian MacLaren of MacLaren. Florian is the son of Donald MacLaren, 25th Chief of the Clan who passed away unexpectedly in 2023. Florian is accompanied by his mother, The Dowager

2025 GMHG at a

Glance & By the Numbers

Number of Scottish Clans and Societies: 109

Number of clan tents: 117

Honored Clan: Clan MacLaren

Distinguished Clans: Clan MacAlister

Chieftain of the 2025

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games: Florian MacLaren

Expected Attendees in 2025: 50,000

Corporate Sponsors:

• Grandfather Scottish

• Scottish Heritage USA

• Coca-Cola

• Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Madame Maida MacLaren. This will mark Maida’s third visit to Grandfather, having been twice before in the company of Donald. Welcome to Florian, and welcome back to Maida!

Additionally, this year we have as Honored Guests William McAlester of Loup, Chief of Clan MacAlister, Sebastian Leslie, Chieftain of Clan Leslie, and Richard Holman-Baird, Commander of Clan Baird. All are visiting from Scotland.

We have many community groups to thank this year. Linville Resorts, The Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club, and the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation have all helped a great deal in various and sundry ways with hurricane recovery.

Our Corporate Sponsors and Trophy Sponsors are once again highly deserving of our thanks and gratitude. The Games would not be possible without their strong annual support.

Our crew, including staff, volunteers, civic and school groups, continue to be an important part of our success, and they are very much valued, especially this year.

We have a strong roster of participants and competitors on hand. The Games at Grandfather features world class competitions in piping, dancing, and athletics. We also have an excellent lineup of entertainers in the Groves. We have continued to expand and improve our vendors. And please note that we mark our ten-year anniversary with the Scottish Cultural Village this year. Please visit them during your time at the Games.

I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new folks during our time on the Mountain. Please stop and say hello when you can.

Yours aye,

Steve Quillin PRESIDENT, GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

• Idloom

• Glenmorangie

• St. Andrews Society of MacRae Meadows

Food Vendors:

• Big Mike’s Coffee

• Cameron’s Bakery & Desserts

• Celtic Monkey

• Crossnore Vol. Fire Dept.

• Fork in the Road Concessions

• Mookie’s Popcorn

• Steele’s Concessions

• Brick Oven Pizza

• Frostie’s Ice Cream Express

• Sips and Sodas

• Cameron’s British Foods

• Mr. Coffee Concierge

• The Scottish Cottage

• Gus’s Greek Foods

Featured Musical Performers:

• Abbie Palmer

• Ed Miller Trio

• Jil Chambless

• Voices of Valverda

• Sean Healy Band

• Strathspan

• Voices of Valverda

• Tune Shepherds

• Colin Shoemaker

• Will MacMorran

• Ed Miller Braw Band

• Emigre

• Nick Hudson

• Seven Nations

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER Voice of Valverda are one of several groups that will present their dulcet tones in the Groves at this year’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Children’s activities offer fun for all ages

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games aren’t just for the strong of arm or fleet of foot, they’re also a celebration of culture, creativity, and childhood wonder. At the heart of that celebration is the Children’s Tent, now officially renamed the Bobby Groves Children’s Tent in honor of longtime GMHG supporter and board member, the late Bobby Groves. A passionate advocate for the Games and especially the children who attend, Bobby’s legacy lives on through the joy and learning that happens under this special tent.

Located just inside the lower entrance to MacRae Meadows, the Children’s Tent will be open Friday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer a wide range of hands-on activities designed to engage young minds in Scottish heritage.

Children can dive into face painting, crafts, scavenger hunts and a coloring contest, or take part in the fan-favorite Passport Booklet adventure. This unique activity allows kids to collect stamps from clan tents around the grounds, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir while learning about their Scottish roots along the way.

Live demonstrations and special cultural experiences are also featured throughout the weekend. Families can enjoy Scottish folk music and storytelling, Sheep herding exhibitions, Safe swordplay instruction with the Triangle Sword Guild, Bagpipe lessons and performances and even Drumming competitions and dancing showcases.

A highlight for many young athletes is the opportunity to train and compete in Children’s Athletics and CumberlandStyle Wrestling. Clinics for wrestling and caber toss are offered Thursday through Saturday, leading up to the Children’s

Games and Wrestling Competition, with winners recognized across multiple age divisions.

Whether you’re a returning camper or first-time guest, the Children’s Tent offers a lively, educational space for young ones to connect with tradition while creating memories that last a lifetime. For full schedules and details, visit www. gmhg.org.

Field events such as children’s wrestling are always a popular attraction and spirited competition at each year’s Highland Games.

PHOTO BY JAMES SHAFFER

Children participating in activities tailored for them at the Games, such as the Tug o’ War.

Experience Scotland’s Story

at the GMHG Scottish Cultural Village

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

The Scottish Cultural Village returns for the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, bringing with it an immersive lineup of presentations and performances celebrating Scotland’s rich heritage and global influence.

Set in the heart of the Meadows, the Scottish Cultural Village will host a rotating schedule of talks and demonstrations every 30 minutes beginning Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m, and Sunday at 1 p.m. Topics range from clan history and Gaelic language to the origins of American whiskey and the enduring impact of Scottish traditions on modern culture.

This year’s featured programs include:

• “Gaelic in the Carolinas” – exploring the legacy of the Gaelic language in Southern communities.

• “MacBeth vs. The Bard” – a deep dive into how Shakespeare’s portrayal of Macbeth differs from historic accounts.

• “Whiskey, Taxes, and War” – tracing how whiskey and government policy stirred conflict in both Scotland and the U.S.

• “From Nine to Nine Million” – a look at the evolution

of the Burns Supper and its global resonance today.

• “Blue Ridge Brass, Pipes, and Drums” – stirring live performances of traditional Scottish music under the direction of James Laughridge.

• And much more.

A highlight of this year’s village is the “Get Five, Get a Pin” challenge, where attendees can collect stamps at each session. After attending five presentations, guests earn a special 2025 Scottish Cultural Village enamel pin, a perfect keepsake from the Games.

The 2025 presenter lineup includes esteemed scholars and entertainers such as: Valerie Nieman, novelist and historian presenting on Macbeth, Chris Waddell, Scottish Language and Museum expert, Peter McClelland Wilson

IV, cultural merchant and clan ambassador, and Melissa Witcher and Dan Crowell, who return with their popular whisky education sessions, representing Glenmorangie and the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

Whether eager to learn about kilts, clans, or casks, the Scottish Cultural Village offers something for everyone from lifelong scholars to first-time visitors.

For a full schedule and additional information, visit www. gmhg.org.

AJT FILE PHOTO

Demonstrations of swordplay and traditional methods of battle are shown within the Scottish Cultural Village. The village celebrates its 10th year at the Games in 2025.

AJT FILE PHOTO

Tiber Falzett gives a presentation on Gaelic inside the Scottish Cultural Village at a previous Highland Games weekend.

AJT FILE PHOTO

Numerous aspects of traditional Scottish life are portrayed in the Scottish Cultural Village, including forging and ironworks.

Tartans, Taters and Traditions

New Additions to This Year’s Highland Games

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns for its 69th rendition with several new additions to the legendary gathering of Scottish clans and culture at MacRae Meadows.

Stories and tales of the joys and adventures of camping at the Games have long been a treasured part of the Highland Games experience, as well as the organization of the event. This year, as with each year, a clan and chieftain are recognized with distinction. Clan MacLaren is the featured clan of the year, recognizing one of Scotland’s oldest and most storied lineages. Leading the charge is Florian MacLaren, the newly recognized Chieftain of Clan MacLaren, whose roots and reverence for his heritage run deep in the hills of Balquhidder.

Guests will have some new food fare to

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look forward to as well, as several new food vendors make their way to the hallowed grounds. Fork in the Road “Tater Truck” will be offered for the first time in the event’s history, offering a wide variety of food to pick from including new items such as “The Scottish Tater,” “Unicorn Lemonade” and the “Bacon Cheeseburger Tater.” Kids that stop by can also get their photo taken with the “Tater Man.” Whether a guest wants burgers or hot dogs or wants to enjoy some taste of traditional Scottish cuisine, they’re sure to find it at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Education abounds for adults and children alike at the Highland Games grounds. The Scottish Cultural Village offers talks and demonstrations from various backgrounds, while kids will also find some new things to enjoy, as several additions to the Children’s Tent have been added, such as new educational entertainment. Be sure to visit these locations to see what’s new.

no strangers to the Highland Games, the festival welcomes the return of Seven Nations, as well as the likes

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AJT FILE PHOTO

The 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games welcomes new speakers, food offerings and educational opportunities to the event.

2025 GMHG Clan Listings & Societies

Tickets to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

offer flexible options for all ages

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

The 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are right around the corner, and while advance online ticket sales have now closed, attendees can still purchase general admission tickets on-site at the entrance gate during the Games, held July 10 through 13 at MacRae Meadows.

For those who purchased advance tickets online, patrons should have already received them by mail. Be sure to bring them for entry. Parking on the mountain is limited to those with appropriate passes, but the Games offer free public parking at off-site shuttle locations throughout the surrounding area. Patrons parking at these locations will need to purchase a shuttle bus pass each day upon arrival:

• $10 cash round trip for adults (13+)

• $10 cash for children ages 5–12

• Free for children 4 and under Tickets provide access to all events and

entertainment taking place during the specified day(s), including heavy athletics, dancing, music performances, clan activities, and vendor areas.

Ticket options for the 2025 Highland Games include:

• Four-Day Gate Pass: $75 for adults (13+), $30 for children under 12

• Thursday Only (4 to 11 p.m.): $20 adults, $10 children

• Friday All-Day (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.): $30 adults, $10 children

• Saturday All-Day (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.): $35 adults, $10 children

• Sunday Only (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): $20 adults, $10 children

Children under age 5 are admitted free all weekend.

Please note that all ticket purchases at the gate are cash only, and tickets are nonrefundable once purchased. To find shuttle locations, view the full schedule, or learn more about what’s new this year, visit www. gmhg.org.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

Patrons peruse the various clan tents that surround MacRae Meadows during a busy Highland Games afternoon.

GHMG SCHOLARSHIPS help seed new generation of Scottish heritage keepers

BY IAN ASHTON news@averyjournal.com

LLINVILLE — Long after the last bagpipe note fades across MacRae Meadows and the final caber has flown through the summer air, the legacy of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games continues to echo—in classrooms, workshops, and practice halls across the country.

For nearly 70 years, the Games have been known for their celebration of Scottish culture, sport and community. But quietly working in tandem with the thunder of drums and the swirl of kilts is a mission that speaks to the future: education.

Each year, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG) funds scholarships for students pursuing higher learning—not only in colleges and universities, but in trade schools and cultural programs that preserve and promote Scottish heritage.

“For the past several years we have awarded 9 to 12 scholarships,” said Steve Quillin, president of GMHG. “With renewals, the annual funding for the scholarships is $20,000 to $25,000. At present, the plans are for the scholarship program to stay on the same basis.”

The scholarship initiative is a reflection of the same grassroots spirit that brought the Games to life in 1956. Just as the founders worked tirelessly to create a space for Scottish Americans to gather and celebrate their roots, today’s organizers are committed to helping young people—of all backgrounds—connect with that same cultural richness through education.

Unlike many scholarship programs, GMHG awards are not limited to traditional four-year college paths. Trade schools and vocational programs are also eligible, offering support to students who are building careers in essential fields.

“We want to make sure opportunities are open to a wide range of learners,” Quillin emphasized.

But the reach of the program goes beyond tuition assistance. The Games support initiatives like Scotland In The

Class, a standards-based educational program that brings Scottish cultural education into schools across North Carolina and beyond.

Supported in partnership with Highland Echoes, the Saint Andrews Society of North Carolina, Scottish Heritage USA, and The Dunvegan Foundation, the program is designed to offer consistent and meaningful content to students.

One of the more specialized recipients of scholarship funds is the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming. Known for producing some of the finest pipers and drummers in the continent, the academy plays a key role in keeping traditional Scottish music alive.

By investing in institutions like these, GMHG is not only supporting individual students but also sustaining the cultural practices that make the Highland Games so unique.

As the Games return to Linville this July 10 to 13, thousands of visitors will gather in celebration of tradition. But in the quieter moments, the impact of the scholarship program continues—helping a young tradesperson earn a certification, encouraging a child to learn the bagpipes, or inspiring a student to trace their roots back to the glens of Scotland.

It’s more than just financial aid—it’s an investment in the legacy of Scottish culture.

For more information or to apply, visit www.gmhg.org.

PHOTO COURTESY NORTH AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PIPING AND DRUMMING Participants gather in a circle at the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming, a program supported by scholarships funded through the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

MacRae Meadows Food Concessions

Merchandise Vendors

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Map

Getting to the Games

What you need to know about parking and shuttles

BY IAN ASHTON news@averyjournal.com

LINVILLE — As the sound of bagpipes begins to echo through the Blue Ridge once again, excitement is building for one of North Carolina’s most iconic summer traditions—the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, taking place this year from July 10 through 13.

But before the first caber is tossed or a single drum beat rolls through MacRae Meadows, organizers are reminding attendees that getting to the mountain is half the adventure. With thousands expected to attend, parking and transportation plans have been carefully crafted to make the journey smooth, safe, and accessible for all.

Unlike years past when many festival goers hoped to park right at the Games, this year only those with official GMHG Hangtag Parking will be allowed to enter the festival site by car—and only after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The rest of the time, spectators are encouraged to take advantage of four designated parking areas throughout Linville, Sugar Mountain, and Newland, where free parking and secure shuttle service will be available.

From these lots, guests can catch a shuttle bus straight to the festivities at MacRae Meadows for just $10 per round-trip seat, cash only. While the mountain views from the bus windows are beautiful enough on their own, it’s what awaits at the top that truly draws people in year after year: tartan parades, traditional athletics, live music, and the heart of Scottish-American culture nestled among the peaks.

The shuttle system will begin operating on Thursday, July 10, with transportation leaving from Avery County High School starting at 3:30 p.m. and running until 10:30 p.m. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, shuttle buses will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing regularly from four key locations: Sugar Mountain Resort, the Linville Parking Lot on Highway 105, Avery County High School, and

the Millers Gap Lot in Newland.

All shuttle passes can be purchased onsite at each parking area, and all lots will have security on duty throughout the day.

For those needing accessible transportation, special wheelchair-accessible shuttles will be available from Newland Elementary School on Friday through Sunday, and from Avery County High School on Thursday. One additional guest may accompany each individual needing assistance, helping ensure everyone has a chance to be part of the Games.

Each day brings its own parking guidelines. On Thursday evening, it’s all about Avery County High School, where shuttle buses will ferry guests up the mountain for opening events. By Friday morning, the MacRae Meadows parking area is off-limits to the general public, reserved instead for Sponsors, Chieftain Patrons, Highlander Patrons, Clansman Patrons, and event participants.

That rule remains in effect for Saturday and Sunday daytime hours as well. However, the rules loosen after hours. On Friday and Saturday evenings after 5 p.m., the Meadows will open for general public parking—first-come, first-served—with some additional perks still reserved for Chieftain Patrons.

Visitors traveling in by tour bus should also note: drop-off at MacRae Meadows is allowed before 9 a.m. at Gate 1, but after that time, all drop-offs and pickups must be rerouted to the Linville shuttle lot, with

standard shuttle fees applying.

Shuttle revenue helps support the local community as well. Proceeds from the Linville and Newland lots go directly to the Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department, so every ride helps protect and serve the region that hosts this incredible cultural event.

So whether you’re a first-timer hoping to witness your first tug-of-war or a longtime

attendee who never misses the kilted mile, getting to the Highland Games has never been more organized. Follow the shuttle signs, grab your bus pass, and let the rhythm of the drums carry you up the mountain for one of the most unforgettable weekends of the summer.

For more details about the event or parking logistics, visit www.gmhg.org.

PHOTO BY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

A map displays designated parking areas for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, including the Linville Parking Lot at 350 NC Hwy 105, Avery County High School at 401 Avery County High School Rd., and the Millers Gap Lot at 3000 Millers Gap Highway.

PHOTO BY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

A map highlights the Sugar Mountain Lot as a designated parking area for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, located at Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604.

Clan MacLaren Honored at 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

The 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will proudly honor Clan MacLaren as the featured clan of the year, recognizing one of Scotland’s oldest and most storied lineages. Leading the charge is Florian MacLaren, the newly recognized Chieftain of Clan MacLaren, whose roots and reverence for his heritage run deep in the hills of Balquhidder.

Florian’s journey to chiefship was grounded in tradition. A childhood spent walking past the old kirk at Balquhidder with his brother, days at school beneath the shadow of Creag an Tuirc (the Boar’s Rock), and the guidance of his late father, Donald MacLaren, former Convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, all shaped his understanding of the responsibilities of leadership. Donald’s passing was sudden, but Florian had long been prepared. As designated tanist in his father’s will, Florian’s arms are now being matriculated at the Court of the Lord Lyon, a formal step in assuming the chiefship.

Now based in Hertfordshire, Florian runs a tree company in London and continues his studies in arboriculture, but it is the pull of clan legacy that brings him to Grandfather Mountain this summer standing in honor not just of his forebears, but of centuries of MacLaren resilience.

The story of Clan MacLaren is steeped in myth and battle. Legend traces the clan’s origin to a mermaid in a

Highland loch, whose union with a mortal man gave rise to the MacLarens. Historically, the clan takes its name from Abbot Labhran of the 13th century, though its genealogical roots stretch even further to King Lorn Mor of the royal house of Dalriada.

The MacLarens were Highlanders through and through, holding fiercely to their land in Balquhidder and Strathearn. From their rallying point at Creag an Tuirc, they resisted feudal pressures and defended their home against rival clans, including the Buchanans in the 1400s and famously, the MacGregors in 1734. Oral tradition even disputes Rob Roy MacGregor’s supposed resting place in Balquhidder, claiming instead a tale of defeat at MacLaren hands.

Throughout Scotland’s turbulent history, the MacLarens stood loyally for the national cause. They marched with William Wallace at Stirling Bridge and fought under Bruce at Bannockburn. In later centuries, they fought for the Royal Stuarts at Killiecrankie, in the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745, and alongside their blood allies, the Stewarts of Appin.

As economic forces scattered the clan across the globe in the 18th and 19th centuries, new MacLaren communities took root abroad especially in North America, where the Clan MacLaren Society thrives today.

Now, as Highland Games visitors gather at MacRae Meadows, they’ll hear the cry of “Creag an Tuirc!” ring out once again, a reminder of the proud history and enduring spirit of the honored Clan MacLaren.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Pictured at the 2024 Lochearnhead Highland Games, Florian (left), along with Angus Cameron and Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor lead the clans onto the field.

PHOTO BY:JACOBITE MACLAREN

Creag an Tuirc, the gathering place of the Clan MacLaren.

A Taste of the Highlands

FOOD VENDORS RETURN TO GMHG

BY IAN ASHTON news@averyjournal.com

LINVILLE — Come hungry and leave happy, because the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games — running July 10 to 13 — aren’t just a feast for the eyes and ears. They’re also a feast for the taste buds. From sizzling barbeque and towering turkey legs to haggis and Highland shortbread, this year’s festival menu offers something for every appetite.

Held each summer on the stunning slopes of MacRae Meadows, the Highland Games are known for their celebration of Scottish culture, athletic feats, and Celtic music. But for many attendees, the culinary offerings are as anticipated as the caber toss. Dozens of vendors will be serving up both familiar American favorites and traditional Scottish fare, ensuring that every visitor has a chance to eat like a local or a Highlander.

“We have a variety of vendors,” said Steve Quillin, president of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. “Burgers. Hot dogs. Barbeque. Turkey legs. American Scottish haggis. You name it. But you’re also welcome to pack a picnic if that’s more your style.”

Whether you’re craving slow-cooked brisket or curious about trying authentic haggis for the first time, options abound. Festival favorites like Celtic Monkey, Scottish Cottage, and Cameron’s British Foods will return once again to serve traditional fare and international treats. Many of these vendors have built lasting relationships with the Games and its community.

That loyalty, Quillin explained, is no accident.

“When we couldn’t have a Games in 2020 and we had to cancel, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games took $50,000 out of the bank and gifted it to vendors who couldn’t sell and entertainers who couldn’t sing,” Quillin recalled. “And what I’ve got now are a whole bunch of people that would run through a wall for us.”

That kind of support and gratitude continues to define the spirit of the Highland Games—a place where cultural tradition, community, and generosity blend seamlessly. For many vendors, returning to Grandfather Mountain isn’t just good business—it’s coming home.

While enjoying food and drink is a major part of the festivities, guests are reminded

Festival goers wait in line at the Scottish Cottage food truck, eager to enjoy traditional Scottish fare during a previous Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

to be courteous and respectful of the event’s family-friendly atmosphere. “Alcoholic beverages must be consumed discreetly,” organizers note. Attendees are encouraged to stay hydrated, plan ahead for hot weather, and bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards.

With bagpipes in the air and the smell of smoked meats drifting across the mountainside, the Grandfather Mountain

Highland Games are set to deliver an unforgettable sensory experience. Whether you’re there to sample haggis, watch the stone put, or simply enjoy a picnic under the pines, there’s no better place to eat, explore and celebrate Highland heritage. For tickets, schedules, and vendor maps, visit www.gmhg.org.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Cameron’s Bakery and Desserts always boasts long lines of patrons at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A full Scottish breakfast is on offer with a visit to the Scottish Cottage food vendor on Grandfather Mountain during the Highland Games.

PHOTO COURTESY SCOTTISH COTTAGE

Pipes, drums and more

The music of the Highland Games

BY JERRY SNOW jerry.snow@mountaintimes.com

The Grandfather Mountain Highlanders (GMH) celebrates 47 years as the host band for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Founded in 1974 by Harvey Ritch and Agnes MacRae Morton, GMH wears the MacRae tartan in honor of its co-founder and continues a close association with Clan MacRae.

The band has won numerous championships at contests across the South and along the East Coast. Read more about GMH at gmhg.org/pipebands/. Learn information about the musicians by visiting gmhg.org/musicperformances/

SCOTTISH FIDDLING COMPETITION

Come to Donald’s Ceilidh Tent and learn songs of ineffable beauty from the Scottish Highlands and Islands sung in Gaelic. After each song session there will be a brief period when you can learn easy-to-say expressions in the Gaelic language. The tent is situated on the East Meadow near the Cairn of the Clans.

Song sheets will be provided in Gaelic. English translations of all songs will be provided along with easy-toread phonetics. You will be amazed at the number of tunes you already know—all of which were originally Gaelic: “Morning has Broken,” “Westering Home,” “The Campbells are Comin’, ” etc.

More details can be found at gmhg.org/fiddlecompetition/.

GAELIC MOD

The Gaelic word took on its present meaning in 1891 when enthusiasts at the Oban Highland Games began competitions in Gaelic singing and verse recitation. Loosely modeled on the annual Eisteddfod in Wales, the Oban event grew into a week-long national celebration.

The NC Mòd was started in 1997 by Dr. Jamie MacDonald and Donald F. MacDonald. Dr. MacDonald served as the judge at the first two mòds until he was joined by an additional judge from Scotland in 1999. Adjudicators in the following years have included some of Scotland and North America’s finest Gaelic singers and teachers. Past winners of the NC Regional Mòd include Rhiannon Giddens, lead singer of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

To learn about the rules, visit gmhg.org/gaelicmod/.

PIPING AND DRUMMING

Just as the invading Roman legions brought bagpipes to Scotland, the sound of the pipes will invade MacRae Meadows here at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!

There are many opportunities to see piping and

drumming throughout the weekend. We are proud to hold piping and drumming events sanctioned by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. Players come from all over the world to compete in different levels ranging from beginners to professionals. These events take place all day Saturday on the east field, the Alex Beaton Stage, and on the hill behind the Alex Beaton stage. Be sure to bring your blanket and settle in on the mountainside to be entertained.

On Sunday afternoon, a quartet competition is held where four pipers play up to two different sets of music. One is a traditional March, Strathspey, and Reel and the other is a medley arranged by each group and contains different styles of marches and dance music.

If you enjoy the whole band sound, you can watch the Drum Major lead the Massed Bands in a parade around the track on Saturday morning for opening ceremonies and again on Sunday for the Parade of Tartans. Individual bands will be playing periodically around the clan tents throughout the weekend. For more details go to gmhg.org/ pipinganddrumming/.

DONALD’S GAELIC CEILIDH TENT

CELTIC HARP COMPETITION

The Clarsach is the ancient word for the small (non-pedal) harp, the oldest of Scotland’s traditional instruments. This gentle instrument was once so prized by royalty that harpers were kept on staff to play for social occasions such as poetry readings, as well as affairs of state, such as a coronation. Regrettably, as the ranks of the nobility declined, harpers became itinerant musicians, going from town to town paying whenever they could find an audience. Later, British rulers would try to ban the harp, leading it to the edge of extinction. But then, at the turn

of the 20th century, beginning in Scotland, Ireland, and North America, there was renewed interest in the Clarsach. By the 1970s, interest in the history, music, musicians and technique of the Clarsach brought multiple aspects of the ancient instrument to the forefront, where we celebrate it today. Now the Clarsach is not limited to royalty. It is enjoyed in concerts, afternoon teas, weddings and it has proven to provide healing therapy.

The harp competition at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is sanctioned by the Scottish Harp Society of America (SHSA). The Society is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the Scottish harp, the clarsach, and its music both ancient and modern. Sanctioning ensures the competition will have trained, experienced judges using an exclusive approach focused on building community around the Scottish harp tradition.

Rules and guidelines for the competition may be obtained through the SHSA website. Specifically, competitors should be prepared to play only Scottish selections according to the level at which they are competing. In addition, competitors should prepare a repertoire list of tunes they play, and this becomes part of the registration.

If there are questions or a need for further clarification, contact Dr. Martha Geouge Hill at meghill04@gmail.com.

Seven Nations returns to the Groves to perform at the 2024 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

Sean Heely Band is one of this year’s performers at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Strength and tradition

unite as competitors test their mettle at Highland Games

BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com

Scottish highland games throughout history were a time to gather and compete to determine who was fastest and strongest. Today, both male and female champions can still claim those titles and revel in victory as they compete in events that demand extraordinary physical prowess.

People come to celebrate Celtic culture, to be entertained by myriad musical guests, and participate in the gathering of the clans, but ultimately many are drawn to the games themselves.

The caber toss and hammer throw are iconic to the Games. Appropriate to the Scots, these sports demand more than the average measure of strength, stamina and sheer determination. As highland games where world records have been set, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games attract professional athletes and amateurs alike who are up to the challenge.

Male and female athletes can participate in heavy events, or events more associated with the Games, and light events, such as foot races.

Heavy events include the Clachneart, or stone throw. The athlete must throw a 16-pound stone without using

overhand, underhand or two-handed techniques. In order to throw the stone a greater distance, athletes will spin to gain centrifugal force before flinging the stone as far as possible.

Not only do caber toss participants pick up a 20-foot pole that weighs a daunting 175 pounds, they throw it. Caber toss athletes lift the caber, balance it upright and “turn” it, or flip it to make it fall end over end.

In a bygone time when farming was a way of life, sheaf tossing was an everyday chore. A holdover from that time, sheaf tossing is now a competition. A pitchfork is used to throw a burlap sack stuffed with straw over a high bar, without touching the bar. As the bar is raised, the athlete who clears the bar at the highest level wins the competition.

Similar to the stone throw, the hammer throw requires the athlete to throw a hammer from a standing position. In spite of the hammer weighing 22 pounds, stones have been known to be tossed more than 18 feet.

Light events include the 100-yard dash, long jump, high jump and pole vault. Adults and kids alike can participate in the Kilted Mile run.

For the spectator, the games of the Games offer their fair share of challenge and entertainment. For the serious

athlete, however, the Games are an opportunity to test one’s mettle and take home several pieces of winning medals and awards.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games hosts various professional athletics, such as the hammer throw and throw for distance, which always impress.

FILE PHOTO

Professional athletes threw several objects, including large, heavy cabers, during competitions at the Highland Games.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games celebrates nearly 70 years of Scottish tradition

BY IAN ASHTON news@averyjournal.com

Before the bagpipes echoed across MacRae Meadows, before the cabers flew and clans gathered in tartan pride, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games began as a shared vision between two passionate individuals. Now, nearly 70 years later, that vision has grown into one of the largest and most iconic Highland gatherings in the world.

The Games, set to return this year from July 10 to 13, were founded on August 19, 1956, by Agnes MacRae Morton and Donald MacDonald. What started as a one-day gathering in the highlands of Linville has become a four-day celebration of Scottish culture, heritage, music, sport, and community.

According to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President Steve Quillin, the seeds of the event were planted in 1954, when MacDonald—then working as a newspaper feature writer in Charlotte— decided to take a vacation to Scotland. While there, he attended the Braemar Highland Games, an event steeped in tradition and royal attendance. What struck him most was the strong clan presence.

“There might be 20 clans at Braemar,” said Quillin. “We’ve got 109.”

Inspired by what he saw, MacDonald returned home with the program from Braemar and wrote about the event in a series of articles. One of those articles caught the eye of Agnes MacRae Morton, a Linville resident who had long dreamed of hosting a clan gathering on her family’s land.

“She had this big field—not as flat as it is now—but it was a nice big field,” Quillin explained. “She got in touch with Donald, and together they began planning what would become the first Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.”

But it wasn’t just vision that made the Games happen—it was hustle. In 1955, MacDonald saw a notice that the Black Watch Pipe Band was touring the U.S. and scheduled to perform in New York. He contacted them and successfully booked

them for a performance at the old Charlotte Coliseum, which seated 10,000. The total cost? $4,400. At the time, MacDonald had about 44 cents to his name.

Undeterred, he hit the streets of Charlotte—wearing a kilt—and sold tickets himself. He sold out the show, and the profit from that concert became the seed money for the inaugural Games in 1956.

The founders selected August 19 for the first Games intentionally. The date marked the anniversary of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raising his standard at Glenfinnan in 1745, launching the Jacobite Rising. They also chose a Sunday so as not to interfere with local farm work.

“They thought maybe 300 or 400 people would show up,” Quillin said. “They got 1,500.”

The original program even included this charming reminder: “If you need to go to the bathroom, go to the Shell station at the bottom of the mountain.”

Today, things look a little different. In 2025, the Games will feature 159 portajohns, and attract tens of thousands of attendees over four days. But the heart of the event remains rooted in community, culture, and a shared love of Scottish heritage.

By the second year, the Games were held again on the same Sunday. In the third year, they expanded to a two-day event in July, settling into what would become the Games permanent place in the summer calendar— the second full weekend in July.

From its humble beginnings to its modern-day grandeur, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games stand as a testament to what vision, culture, and grassroots determination can build.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as part of a family tradition, you’ll be stepping into a living piece of history—one that started with a newspaper article, a dream, and a man in a kilt selling tickets on the streets of Charlotte.

full event details, visit www.gmhg.org.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES Scottish dancing at the first Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1956.

FILE PHOTO

A competitor tosses a caber during an early edition of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in MacRae Meadows.

O’Kane’s Border Collies set to

dazzle again at Highland Games

BY IAN ASHTON news@averyjournal.com

LINVILLE — Get ready to see instinct, intelligence, and centuries of tradition in action as the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games return from July 10 to 13. Among the kilts, bagpipes, and athletic feats, one of the most beloved and entertaining attractions promises to once again draw crowds of all ages—the sheepdog herding demonstrations led by Shona O’Kane. Held annually in the scenic highlands of MacRae Meadows, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games celebrate Scottish heritage with athletic competitions, Celtic music, clan gatherings, and cultural exhibits. But for many attendees, the sheepdog demonstrations are the highlight of the weekend.

Returning for another year, Shona O’Kane brings her team of highly trained Border Collies — Bobbi, Lass, Preacher, and Jake — to herd both sheep and ducks with precision, grace, and plenty of personality. The performances offer festival-goers a chance to witness firsthand the ancient bond between shepherd and dog, with each performance showcasing instinctual teamwork and communication.

“I have been fortunate to travel all over North America with my wonderful Border Collies, competing and working in film and television productions,” said O’Kane. “But our favorite opportunity remains entertaining people and making new friends at herding demonstrations where we offer spectators a glimpse into the working life of these amazing dogs.”

O’Kane and her dogs have performed across a wide range of venues, from rodeo intermissions and pioneer festivals to parades and agricultural fairs. Their appearances at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games continue to be a crowd favorite, drawing spectators young and old to the demonstration field multiple times each day.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by between performances. “Please feel welcome to visit the dogs and myself throughout the day,” said O’Kane. “I would love to meet you, and the dogs would love a belly rub!”

According to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President Steve Quillin, O’Kane is more than just an expert trainer—she’s also a storyteller, crowd-pleaser, and quietly fierce competitor. “Last year at the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville, North Carolina, it was just a cold, nasty, rainy, muddy day,” Quillin recalled. “Some guy in the crowd started heckling her, saying it wasn’t her dogs that were trained—it was the sheep! So she invited him to come out on the field and try commanding the dogs himself. He declined. And in the most passive-aggressive, brilliant move, she had her dogs

herd seven soaking wet, muddy sheep into his clan tent.”

The story showcases the remarkable control and communication O’Kane has with her dogs.

“She’s a phenomenal and very skilled trainer,” added Quillin. “She’s become a good friend. My own dog, Andy— he’s an Australian shepherd—goes to summer camp with Shona every once in a while.”

With majestic mountain views as a backdrop, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games offer a cultural experience like no other. Whether you come for the caber toss, the bagpipe bands, or the parade of tartans, be sure to make time to see Shona O’Kane and her dogs in action. Their demonstrations promise a mix of education, laughter, and awe—and perhaps, if you’re lucky, a wet sheep or two.

For more information about the sheepherding dogs, visit www.gmhg.org.

AJT FILE PHOTO

Ducks on the field at MacRae Meadows head toward an obstacle as they are herded. AJT FILE PHOTO

A puppy Border Collie corrals a group of lambs.

PHOTO COURTESY GMHG

Shona O’Kane leads sheepdog demonstrations on the field at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Scottish Heritage USA

celebrates 60th anniversary diamond jubilee during GMHG weekend

BANNER ELK — Scottish Heritage USA is holding a special 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner on July 13 at the end of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games to celebrate the organization’s Diamond Jubilee. A festive dinner, traditional Scottish music and song by Tryon, NC Master Fiddler Jamie Laval and Scottish Heritage USA minstrel Colin Grant Adams, stories of Robert Burns from the National Trust for Scotland’s Learning Manager Chris Waddell, and recognition of Scottish Heritage USA’s decades of success will make this an evening to remember for all. The event will be held at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The reception and dinner costs $85 per person for members and $100 per person for non-members. For more

information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ScottishHeritageUSA.org.

Sixty years ago, five founding fathers of today’s Scottish Heritage USA filed in New York for incorporation of a non-profit organization to “recognize and enhance original bonds of ancestral and national character among the peoples of Scotland and of North America; to disseminate knowledge of their respective cultural heritages, and to support the preservation of historic sites and maintain of centers of artistic and literary endeavor.” The organization has been headquartered in Pinehurst, NC for the past 40 years.

From the genesis of Scottish Heritage USA’s founding in 1965, the organization has been committed to supporting a strong relationship with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). It began with Scottish Heritage underwriting student exchanges

2024 Grandfather Highland Games a smashing success

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER christian.gardner@averyjournal.com

LINVILLE—The 68th year of the Highland Games came and went with the closing events of Sunday, July 14. The clans marched, the athletes ran and tossed, the pipers played, and the lassies danced, and as the dust of the fourth and final day settled, thousands had enjoyed a fair share of athletic competition, dulcet tones, food aplenty, and an annual homecoming, which to many is a yearly rite of passage. The weekend holds a special place in the hearts of those who return to Grandfather Mountain year after year from all corners of the globe.

According to Games officials, preliminary estimates show this year’s event brought roughly 46,000 people and a total of 108 clans to MacRae Meadows during the course of the weekend — converging from all points of the globe and all walks of life, all for the

between NTS’s Threave Gardens in Scotland and Longwoods Gardens in Pennsylvania. In 1974, the board approved $12,000 for an information center at the Georgian House at No. 7 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh, and later $30,000 to NTS for Georgian House renovations. That same year, the joint sharing of a tent at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at MacRae Meadows in North Carolina. That tradition continues to this day, along with Scottish Heritage USA donating over $1.5 million to the National Trust for Scotland and its USA Foundation in the intervening years, including $300,000 for the Culloden Visitor’s Center, $250,000 for renovations of the Dwight Eisenhower suite at Culzean Castle and Gardens, and support for projects such creation of the online Robert Burns Library Collection, St. Kilda and Arran archeology, restoration of Hill House and Falkland Palace, the Glencoe Restoration project and numerous renovations to NTS properties, lands and museums for public access and use.

“Scottish Heritage USA’s work has not been limited to National Trust for Scotland projects. The organization has supported many heritage and cultural projects here in

the US such as An Crios Greine global piping contest, Blue Ridge Pipes and Brass, Mill Prong Preservation, the Tartans Museum in Franklin NC, The Pipes of Christmas in New York, New Jersey and Boston, and American Scottish Foundation’s Tartan Week concerts at Bryant Park,” according to Scottish Heritage USA President Peter Wilson. “One of our most visible projects in the US has been the sponsorship and management of the Scottish Cultural Village at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games each July. We also set aside a portion of our member funds to support summer camp scholarships for disadvantaged youth in highland dance, pipe and drum and Scottish fiddling.”

Scottish Heritage USA was founded in 1965 to recognize and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of Scotland and the United States. The nonprofit association has members across North America, supporting partnership with the National Trust for Scotland as well as a variety of cultural and heritage programs, places, educational events, and scholarships. gmhg.org.

purpose of celebrating and honoring Scottish culture and heritage.

“We had a really great Games in 2024,” said GMHG President Steve Quillin. “Everyone that reported to me said they had a really great time.”

Weather was a non-factor this year, at least in the manner of rain. Higher than usual temperatures were impactful, however, as 2024 was one of the hottest Games on record, as temps soared to 86 degrees on top of the mountain on Saturday, July 13.

As patrons entered through the gates at GMHG, the event might seem somewhat overwhelming. Activities abounded throughout the weekend, from athletic events such as the caber toss to demonstrations of collies and sheep herding occurring simultaneously on the field, all while hearing the sounds of pipers playing for dancers mingling with Scottish Rock ‘n’ Roll fusion from one of the entertainment stages. In some instances, visitors seemed hard-

pressed to choose between watching a fiddle competition or taking in an educational program.

For those interested in exploring ancestry, there were many clan tent locations, as well as spots centered on Scottish ancestry that were worth the visit. Deeper research was also available through forging relationships with one of the 100-plus clans encircling the field in attendance at the Games. What began with a spark of curiosity for some bloomed into connecting with family and ancestors, perhaps fitting for a new kilt.

Visitors had an array of shopping options atop the mountain as well. From souvenir T-shirts and broadswords to utility kilts and Celtic jewelry, there was plenty to browse and purchase. That failed even to scratch the surface when it came to the copious food on hand. From haggis to Scotch eggs, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, and desserts, the assortment of culinary delights and the wafting aroma of the food was so varied that one could attend the entire weekend and not taste the same thing twice. For those who attend again and again, there are always many things that can be expected, but each year presents something new to keep the event interesting. Some local residents seek to avoid the area during the weekend due to the uptick in traffic, but for those who opted to make

the trek up the mountain, patrons and guests found themselves among friends. Diligently working behind the scenes each year, a veritable army of local employees and volunteers give of themselves to make the Games a success. Handling every logistical aspect of the event from construction, field operations, shuttle buses and parking to ticket and program sales, security and first aid, visitors to the Games from the surrounding area were almost certain to run into someone they know, especially if they come from Avery County.

From the teens and young adults working the field crew to local faces working security at the gates, many of those who joined in this year’s effort have been participating in the Games for years. Some even have parents or grandparents who have worked to make Games of yesteryear a success, making the event something of a family tradition.

As the sun sets on another iteration of “America’s Braemar,” those itching to return can mark the calendar for next year’s 69th annual event, scheduled for Thursday to Sunday, July 10 to 13, the second weekend of July each year, at MacRae Meadows. Taking part not only provides the patron or volunteer the satisfaction of knowing they are helping the community, but one may just learn something about oneself along the way.

Highland Games set to return

to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows

LINVILLE – The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 10, continuing through Sunday, July 13.

This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

“This year’s games are a great reason for folks to travel to the North Carolina High Country,” said Stephen Quillin, president of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. “Not only are we excited for the lineup this year, but we can’t wait to see the mountains full of visitors again for such a special occasion.”

Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more.

Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offer a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy regardless of their lineage.

Grandfather Mountain offers a distinct backdrop to these games that is not so different from the original Braemar Gathering that inspired the founders of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games decades ago.

Operated and organized by Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Inc., the festivities begin Thursday, July 10, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations and Celtic entertainment.

Shortly thereafter, the games officially get underway with the Torch Light Ceremony on Thursday evening, where representatives from all clans — many of whom travel from across the country and world to attend the games each year — announce their families’ participation in

the gathering. Truly a sight to behold, the “raising of the clans” proclaims that they have convened to celebrate their heritage.

This year, 109 clans will be represented on the field, as well as 18 educational and cultural societies. This includes Clan MacLaren as “Honored Clan.” Florian MacLaren, their designated Tanist (Heir to the Chiefship), will be serving as the Chieftain of the Games.

The “Distinguished Clan” is Clan MacAlister. Their chief is William McAlester of Loup and Kennox.

Friday offers a full day of activities with Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that night.

Saturday sees the start of both the “Elite” Women Heavy Athletics Qualifying and the “Professional” Class Heavy Athletics, including such feats of strength as the caber toss, the sheaf toss, the hammer throw and others. During the day, piping, harp and fiddling competitions will take place, as well as additional musical entertainment, culminating in the much-anticipated nighttime Celtic Jam Concert.

Among this year’s musical talent is Seven Nations as the lead Celtic rock band, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary album. They will be joined by former members in their performances this year. Additionally, the lead traditional Celtic band is the Seán Heely Band, who recently performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Cultural experiences will be offered in the award-winning Scottish Cultural Village Tent over the course of the weekend, which is celebrating its 10th year. The 2025 Village programming includes topics such as the Story of the Burns Supper, Scotch and American whiskies, Macbeth vs. The Bard, Gaelic speech in the Carolinas and The Darien Fiasco.

Athletic events are repeated on Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, in addition to the Parade of Tartans, kilted running events, children’s events and the Clan Tug of War. The weekend’s programming concludes Sunday afternoon with the closing ceremonies.

To learn more about admission to the

The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 10, continuing through Sunday, July 13. This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games’ Friday offers a full day of activities with Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that night.

2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, including parking and shuttle bus information, call 828-733-1333 or visit www.gmhg.org. For lodging and travel information, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800-4387500 or visit www.highcountryhost.com.

Saturday at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games sees the start of both the “Elite” Women Heavy Athletics Qualifying and the “Professional” Class Heavy Athletics, including such feats of strength as the caber toss, the sheaf toss, the hammer throw and others. During the day, piping, harp and fiddling competitions will take place, as well as additional musical entertainment, culminating in the much-anticipated nighttime Celtic Jam Concert.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION / SKIP SICKLER