The Queen Mary is pleased to welcome back the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXIII February 13-14 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.
Eighty-five years ago, in the quaint seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction began on the Queen Mary. Exemplifying the finest craftsmanship of the country, the Queen Mary’s legacy is undeniable and today the ship’s heritage is celebrated through the two-day ScotsFestival honoring Scottish culture.
Official ScotsFestival Opening Ceremonies begin with the traditional Grand Parade of Clans & Bands with an Address to the Haggis. Daily festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations, performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Celtic Harp & Wren Iniquity Ensemble and historic re-enactments.
ScotsFestival honors nearly fifty Scottish clans & vendors throughout the weekend with professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing, and Highland athletics. The Scottish Highland Games, a pre-cursor to today’s Olympic Games, were designed to test the strength, skill and technique of ancient warriors by face offs.
The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival hosts World Champion Scottish Highland Dancer, Kaylee Finnegan and many internationally acclaimed athletes competing for titles in stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss.
Whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts and craft beer samplings are available for adult festivalgoers while the wee laddies & lassies can bear witness to Queen Mary’s coronation, knighting ceremonies and even take part in the Wee Highland games.
Tickets to ScotsFestival are on sale now. Tickets start at $10 online for ages 4-11 and $19 online for guests 12 and over. VIP tickets and hotel packages are also available. Visit http://queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/ for more details and to purchase tickets online.
Credit: The Queen Mary.
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