Festival of the Tartans & Highland Games

Pictou County is the birthplace of New Scotland — the very spot where Scottish settlers first stepped ashore in 1773. The Festival of the Tartans honours that legacy with a full weekend of Highland heritage. **Highland Games:** - Heavy events: caber toss, hammer throw, stone put, sheaf toss - Pipe band competitions throughout the day - Highland dance competition (all ages) - Tug of war and clan athletic challenges **Entertainment:** - Celtic music on multiple stages — fiddle, bagpipes, and traditional song - Scottish country dancing — lessons available for beginners - Clan tents with genealogy resources and tartan displays - Whisky tasting (19+) - Traditional Scottish fare — haggis, bridies, shortbread The event is held on the grounds near the Ship Hector National Historic Site, where you can tour a full-scale replica of the vessel that brought the original settlers from Scotland.