2024 Details coming soon.
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Clans
Calling all Clans!
In addition to being the home of the North American Pipe Band Championships™, elite dancing and heavyweight competitions, and world-class music, the Glengarry Highland Games is host to a large Gathering of the Clans.
Scottish clans are kinship organizations. Historically, clans were sophisticated institutions which defined the political landscape of medieval Scotland. Clans were headed by chiefs and linked by a common territory, and were as diverse as the varied geography of Scotland. They were integral to the feudal society of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and were also a presence in the Lowlands, particularly the Borders region. The word "clan" derives from the Gaelic clann, literally meaning children, which shows how kinship (both real and fictional) was key to the understanding of Gaelic society. Rather than being limited to strict blood relation as we might view it today, however, clan kinship extended to the whole community who were viewed as an extended family. The members of historical clans were closely bonded by shared territory, resources, and customs.
Today, clans are modern social institutions with an interest in preserving history and traditions, exploring genealogy, and promoting global kinship ties. Clans have a mission of promoting a sense of shared history and identity among the Scottish diaspora. Like highland games, they provide the opportunity to engage with heritage and to forge connections in a modern world. Clans are also structured by the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland.
Clans at the Glengarry Highland Games
During the Glengarry Highland Games, clan societies and local heritage organizations put on exhibits and provide information to visitors on history and their activities. We invite you to visit the Clan Buildings in the northwest part of the fairgrounds to experience the exhibits and chat with our knowledgeable representatives. Musical entertainment and presentations by local speakers are featured throughout the day on Saturday.
At noon on Saturday, just before the opening ceremonies, the clans will take part in the Clan Parade on the main infield in front of the gathered crowds, putting on an impressive display of tartan, kilts, banners, and flags. All are welcome to join the gathered clans and take part in the Clan Parade by presenting themselves to the Clan Buildings at 11:30 AM.
Other Local Heritage Organizations
Ontario Genealogical Society (Ontario Ancestors) – Scottish Special Interest Group (Glengarry)
Anthony Partington, author of Hodden Grey: From Scottish Homespun to Modern Battledress
Weekend Schedule – Clan Buildings
Friday, August 4, 2023
| Time | Event | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Clan MacFie Presents: DNA Research & the Lochaber McPhees | Genealogy researchers from around the world will present on their work in using DNA research to understand the migrations of McPhees from Lochaber, Scotland to Canada and the rest of the world. These talks are of interest to any with an interest in genealogy, and particularly those with MacPhee/Macfie, Cameron, MacMillan and MacKinnon ancestry. The following topics will be discussed: 1. New DNA Revelations about the Lochaber McPhees - Cecil McPhee of Montreal 2. Using DNA to Connect the Dots - Sally MacPhee Mellick of Australia 3. More questions on determining connections with DNA - Robin McPhee of New Zealand |
Clan Tent |
| 5:30 PM | Glengarry County Tug of War! | A battle of the clans, not to be missed! Teams representing all the corners of Glengarry County will pull for the title of the strongest in an old-fashioned tug of war, just before the evening tattoo. | Infield |
Saturday, August 5, 2023
| Time | Event | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Songs of Robert Burns | Singer John Young and pianist James Wright treat us to a selection of songs from Scotland’s national poet. | Clan Building 1 |
| 11:30 AM | Sabrina Beauchesne | Traditional Celtic songs from a local vocalist. | Clan Tent |
| 12:00 PM | Clan Parade | An impressive display of tartan and family pride in front of the gathered crowds, just before the Opening Ceremonies. Come join the parade! To take part in the march, line-up at 11:30 AM in Clan Building 1. |
Infield |
| 1:30 PM | Songs of Robert Burns | Singer John Young and pianist James Wright treat us to a selection of songs from Scotland’s national poet. | Clan Tent |
| 2:00 PM | Hodden Grey: From Scottish Homespun to Modern Battledress | Author Anthony Partington gives a short talk on the fascinating history of hodden grey, the cloth worn by the Scottish peasants, and its evolution from ancient times to its current use in uniforms. | Clan Building 2 |
| 2:30 PM | Rachel Campbell | A multitalented local vocalist delights with a stirring selection of songs performed on the harp | Building 1 |
| 3:00 PM | Learn to Dance the Cèilidh Two-Step! | A social dance lesson brought to you by the Clan Squad and Rachel Campbell on fiddle. Ever wanted to dance like they do in Glengarry? Now’s your chance to learn how! | Building 1 |
| 3:30 PM | MacLeod Fiddlers | Glengarry’s own youth fiddling group, led by instructor Ian R. MacLeod. | Clan Tent |
| 3:30 PM | Scotch Whisky Tasting | Local Scotch tutor Pat McLeod samples two fine Scotch whiskies. | Building 2 |
| 4:30 PM | Scottish Society of Ottawa Cèilidh | Join featured artists from the Scottish Society of Ottawa for a lively set of Celtic and country favourites. | Clan Tent |
Take Part as a Society
Representatives of clan societies across North America are welcome to attend the Glengarry Highland Games and set up a booth in our dedicated Clan Buildings. We also welcome organizations with a mission relevant to our interests in community, heritage, Glengarry County and the Scottish diaspora.
Registration for 2023 is closed, however we encourage you to look into joining us next year.
All questions about clans and heritage at the Glengarry Highland Games can be addressed to clans@glengarryhighlandgames.com.