The Hoosier Highland Games

Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival/ image by JL Musgrave

“Oh! ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road, And I'll be in Scotland afore ye;”

These words taken from the chorus of the old Scottish song, “Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond (You Take the High Road),” have reflections of truth even in the state of Indiana. A taste of Scotland can be had by all for the minimal price of admission to the Columbus Scottish Festival and the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival. From clans to kilts to bagpipes these Scottish descendants and enthusiasts have it covered. The following is a brief personal reflection of time spent at the Columbus Scottish Festival and the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival.

Upon entering the gates of each Scottish festival, visitors get the sense of entering another world. Strains of bagpipe and drum music float through the air as the sight of kilt and tartan clad peoples mingle with the smells of meat, shortbread, and scotch, thrilling the senses. The hardest part of one’s visit is deciding what to see first. Merchants, food vendors, and musical performances tempt the senses, while historical reenactments, clans, sheep herding and the highland games themselves stimulate and excite the mind and imagination. Merchant’s stands sell their wares consisting of a wide variety of goods from weaponry to apparel. Food vendors can provide the hungry visitor with several Scottish dishes, quench the thirst with a dandelion and burdock soft drink, then top it all off with a sweet scone or shortbread dessert. Musical performances and dancing can be seen and heard on several stages scattered around the festival grounds from the traditional folk to modern alternative musical genres. Historical re-enactments exhibiting traditional dress and mannerisms of the King and Queen’s court, as well as, the fiercest of battles can be enjoyed and learned from throughout one’s visit. A selection of recognized Scottish clans and associated families are represented by their respective clan members and leaders ready to share information to the inquisitive passerby. Sheep herding demonstrations and competitions consist of the combined talents of the trainer and his trusty canine companion. Sheep dogs bring a lot of energy and skill to their work herding sheep, goats, and even ducks. The crème de la crème of the Scottish festival, however, is the Highland Games. Reminiscent of the olden days in Scotland competitors show off their strength by tossing weights of 20, 40, and 60 plus pounds for distance and height respectively, but the most amazing feat to many visitors is the caber toss. The caber toss consists of throwing an up to 22 foot 180 pound log as far and with as much accuracy as possible, all while wearing a kilt. Visitors can then end their day with a Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay Lee") or Scottish party filled with food, fun, fellowship, music, and dancing.

Columbus Scottish Festival/ image by JL Musgrave

Whether you take the high road or the low road to get there, Scottish festivals and highland games are a fun, entertaining, and educational way to get a taste of Scotland here at home in the Hoosier state. Scottish festivals are family friendly events for all ages, ethnicities, and are handicap assessable. Scottish festivals, though not a replacement for visiting the country itself, are an experience well worth the investment of time and energy. Who knows, one may meet a true Scots man or woman, complete with accent and all, to regale one with tales of Scotland herself.