Sixty-one years ago, on November 12, 1961, people from around the country who shared Scottish ancestry came together in Salado for the First Gathering of All Scottish Clans. Tartan banners waved bearing the name of each clan and more than a thousand people attended. Every November since, the Scots have gathered in Salado to celebrate their heritage making this the oldest Scottish festival in Texas.

This year the 61st Scottish Gathering and Highland Games will be held November 11-13 at a new location…on the grounds at Thomas Arnold Elementary School on Thomas Arnold Road in Salado. Proceeds benefit Salado Museum and College Park, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has hosted the event since its inception.

This is the place to experience all things Scottish — the skirl of bagpipes, wearing of the tartan, tossing the caber, Highland dancers, Celtic music, men in kilts, Scots shops, good eats and more. 

One of the event’s main features is the Clan Village, the largest gathering of Scottish Clans in Texas where members of up to 40 Scottish clans and societies will share information with visitors about Scottish history and genealogy. 

The weekend begins on Friday evening when a torchlight ceremony is held on the banks of Salado Creek. The solemn ceremony recreates the coming together of the ancient Scottish clans to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom in 1314 at Bannockburn. The Calling of the Clans is free and open to the public and starts at 6:00 pm creek side off Royal Street just north of the museum. A ticketed “Welcome Social” follows at the Museum.

  “If you want a preview of things to come on Saturday, make your way to Barrow Brewing Company Friday night after the Calling,” says Liz Patranella, co-chairman of the Scottish Gathering. “Murder the Stout, a rousing Celtic music band, will be playing at the brewery Friday and Saturday nights, as well as at the Gathering on Saturday and Sunday.”

On Saturday, the grounds at Thomas Arnold Elementary open at 9:00 a.m. where activities include the Clan Village, bagpiping and drumming competitions, Scottish athletics competitions (including the Caber Toss and the return this year of the popular Hammer Throw), Highland Dancing competitions, live Celtic music, a Bonniest Knees contest, a Scottish shortbread contest, food, shopping and more. 

One of the most anticipated events of the day is the Bands and Clans Parade that forms at Main St. and North Pace Park Road at Noon and moves west along Thomas Arnold Road to the festival grounds. Official opening ceremonies follow with presentations and a massed bagpipe bands performance. Spectators are invited to stand along the route or bring lawn chairs to enjoy the parade. (Parade route available on the festival website.)

Sunday events begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, a traditional Scottish devotional service and continues with athletics competitions, Pipe and Drum and Highland Dance performances, Pet Costume Contest and Parade, Clan tents, live music, shopping and food booths.

For ticket information and complete schedule, go to saladoscottishfestival.com or contact the museum at 254-947-5232.