Cheers to 50 Years of NHSCOT and the NH Highland Games & Festival
Celebrate with us September 19, 20 & 21 at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH.
What began in 1975 as a Murray Clan Picnic, gathering 800 clan members alongside a pipe band, has blossomed into one of the largest and most diverse Highland Games held in North America. The NH Highland Games & Festival, now celebrating its 50th birthday in 2025, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scottish culture in New Hampshire and beyond.
Over the past five decades, the NH Highland Games & Festival has achieved remarkable milestones and continues to be a place where year after year, families, friends, performers and competitors return to proudly celebrate their Scottish culture and pride.
Please join us Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21 at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire as we cheer to 50 years of this incredible Scottish celebration. Tickets and details are available at nhscot.org.
A Glimpse at the Games Milestones
Through the years, NHSCOT has expanded its offerings, becoming sanctioned for pipe & drum competitions in 1977, introducing the first adjudicated heavy athletic competition in 1980, welcoming sheep dog demonstrations in 1985, followed by an inaugural harp competition in 1985.
The creation of the NH Tartan, designed by Ralf Hartwell in 1993, further solidified the Games’ cultural impact, with Governor Stephen Merrill recognizing it as the official tartan of New Hampshire in 1995.
In 2004, 2011, and 2019 NHSCOT hosted the Heavy Athletic World Championship at the Games, welcoming dozens of athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level.
Building a Legacy for the Next 50 Years
Under the leadership of Executive Director Terri Wiltse, NHSCOT expanded its horizons in 2016, envisioning a year-round organization. Programs including the Pipes & Drums of NHSCOT and Highland Dance of NHSCOT were formed, guided tours of Scotland were introduced, and year-round events such as the Great Kilt Skate, Beltane and Hogmanay were added to their growing calendar of Scottish-centered festivities.
NHSCOT continues to expand their events and offerings each year, incorporating golf outings, bowling gatherings, curling competitions and more.
In 2023, NHSCOT began planning for the future, embarking on an ambitious journey to acquire a 58-acre camp on the Contoocook River in Concord, NH. This sale will be finalized in Summer 2025, with construction expected to be completed by Spring 2026. This new property, potentially to be called Camp Caledonia, will be NHSCOT’s headquarters and homebase for year-round Scottish events and activities except the NH Highland Games & Festival. This will further bolster community engagement and Scottish connection.
A Birthday Celebration Not to Miss
As NHSCOT prepares for its official birthday celebration at this year’s Games, many special surprises are being planned – in addition to all the favorites: live music, heavy athletics, music competitions, and Massed Bands. Attendees will have the opportunity to record their Games memories in an audio guestbook and a time capsule will be put together, which will later be buried at Camp Caledonia and preserve the spirit of the last 50 years for future generations to enjoy. https://nhscot.org/things-to-do/
We hope you will join us as we reflect on the past 50 years and pave the way for the next 50! To learn more and purchase tickets for the 50th Annual NH Highland Games & Festival, visit nhscot.org.
