Red Deer Highland Games bring pride, culture to city for 79th year

There were the heavy games, whisky sampling, and you could even look through a book to see if you may have family ties to old Scottish clans.

That’s not to mention the sword fighting, the blacksmithing, the abundance of kilts, and the bagpiping which rang through the eastern blocks of downtown near Central Middle School.

The event attracted 102 dancers, eight competing pipe bands, and 32 athletes.

Arthur quipped that while no Scotland — at that big soccer tournament — means no party, the attention on Scotland’s loyal support as of late was timely.

“Our Tartan Army for the national team are a national treasure, and seeing them tour through the U.S. and up into Canada, doing what they do, celebrating our culture in front of the world, has only brought good publicity,” he said.

“The response in Boston was huge, and we continue that all here today. This is Scottish culture, it’s exactly what we’re all about; we’re professional, we’re courteous, we are loud, and you will see us coming.”

And Arthur added that you will absolutely see the 80th edition in 2027 coming from far away.

Plans are to make it bigger and better than ever when it returns to Central Middle for a fourth year.

Arthur said planning started as soon as this year’s event ended.

“We’re looking for more entertainment, more arts, more participants, more vendors, and to increase tenfold,” he shared, adding they may even look to make it a two-day event and include a Ceilidh, which is a traditional Scottish social gathering.

Anyone who wants to get involved for next year can contact Ben through the event’s website, reddeerhighlandgames.com.

by Josh Hall

Red Deer Highland Games bring pride, culture to city for 79th year

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