Event Info
Join Us as We Celebrate All Things Scottish
It’s almost time for the 51st Annual Scottish Games and Highland Gathering in Charleston! Join us at this incredible event, organized by the Scottish Society of Charleston, as we travel to Scotland for the day. Celebrate and enjoy the rich history and culture of Scotland with an incredible line up of events ranging from athletics to live music. Thrill at competitions of athletic prowess, musical skill on the legendary bagpipes, and the beauty of highland dance.
There’s something for everyone at the Games with wonderful events including:
- Athletic Competitions
- Pipe Bands
- Highland Dancing Competitions
- Border Collie Demonstrations
- Live Music by Albannach
- Scotch Tasting
- And Much More!
Come to Scotland for the day!
Scottish Games Ticket Prices
General Admission
Advance: $25 | Day Of: $35
VIP tickets SOLD OUT
All day access to the VIP tent which includes open mixed drink bar and other non alcoholic beverages, a delicious spread of snacks, premium view of the athletic field, and private access bathrooms.
Advance: $75 | Day Of: $100
51 Years of Community and Celebration
Our first event was held in 1971, making the Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering the second oldest event of its kind in the Southeast. Bringing together members of the local community as well as the regional area, this is a great time for folks to gather and celebrate or learn more about Scottish history, heritage and culture.
The Scottish people have made a large impact on South Carolina, helping it to become the state it is today. From music and food, to political and scientific contributions, Scottish heritage is something to be celebrated and promoted in modern life. The Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering is on a mission to do just that. The Games showcases Scottish traditions, culture, and history in a fun and interactive way for people all over the world.
Highlight of Events
Calling of the Clans Ceilidh (ticketed event)
Friday, November 4th, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Scotch Tasting (upgraded admission ticket, limited availability)
Live Music
Food Trucks
Calling of the Clans Ceremony
Riverfront Park
1061 Everglades Ave
North Charleston, SC 29405
The Charleston Scottish Games (ticketed event)
Saturday, November 5th, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gates Open at 8:00 am
51st Annual Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
Riverfront Park
1061 Everglades Ave
North Charleston, SC 29405
Scotch Tasting at the Games
Saturday, November 5th, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Scotch Whisky Tasting at the 51st Charleston Scottish Games (token purchase at the Scotch tent)
Sunday, November 6th, 8:45 am & 11:15 am (free event)
Kirkin o’ the Tartan
First (Scots) Presbyterian Church
53 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
On the Banks of the Cooper River
This year, The 51st Annual Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering will be held November 5th at beautiful Riverfront Park in North Charleston. Set on the banks of the Cooper River, the park is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by Naval officers who were stationed on the Charleston Naval Base. Surrounded by graceful grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. Bordered by Noisette Creek, the park boasts a magnificent contemporary Performance Pavilion and meadow, creating an amazing space for our incredible event.
Riverfront Park is also the home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Navy Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues.
Riverfront Park
061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 308-4746
Performers
Charleston Pipe Band
The Charleston Pipe Band was founded in 1995 as the Charleston Police Pipes and Drums by Police Chief Reuben Greenberg. Though the Charleston Pipe Band now operates as a fully independent 501(c)(3) organization it has not broken with its roots and maintains the Charleston Police Pipes and Drums Honor Band to serve the needs of the public safety community, locally and statewide. Sandy Jones, an internationally known pipe major, was the band’s first pipe major. His skills and experience as co-founder of the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming, a pipe major for the U.S. Air Force, and pipe band director of The Citadel led the band to many successes — laying the foundation for what would become an excellent corps of pipers and drummers. The 2004 Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) competition season marked the debut of the City of Charleston Police tartan, designed by Marjorie Warren specifically for the band. This tartan replaced the MacLean of Duart tartan and was first worn at the Virginia Scottish Games in Alexandria, VA. The police tartan is still worn by the band today, and it is widely recognized for its distinctive beauty.
The Charleston Pipe Band continues to grow and develop, providing service to the City of Charleston, the Charleston Police Department, the Public Safety Community of South Carolina, and the public at large through parades, performances, and instruction in the art of Highland piping and drumming. Its membership is composed primarily of civilian volunteers along with active-duty police, fire and safety officers. In pursuit of its mission to raise the level of Celtic music in the Lowcountry, the band offers lessons and private performing engagements – reach out online or in person to find out how you can hire the band or become its newest member!
Palmetto Pipes & Drums
Palmetto Pipes and Drums was founded in 1996 with the mission to continue the tradition of Highland Piping and Drumming. The band has won awards in both Grade 4 and 5, including the Grade 4 EUSPBA Champions. We continue to perform for Kirkin’s, parades and massed bands. The band is based in Columbia, South Carolina, and are the Midlands only community pipe band. We continue to provide lessons in piping and drumming. If interested, please contact us at http://www.palmettopipesanddrums.com/.
City of Greenville Pipes and Drums
Founded in 1974 by Malcolm Williams, The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums represents their community and the state of South Carolina through frequent performances in parades, festivals, concerts, highland games and other prestigious events throughout the Southeast.
Formerly known as the Piedmont Highlanders and The Piedmont Pipes and Drums, the band adopted its current name, The City of Greenville Pipes and Drums, in 2005 as they seek to promote and advance the cultural history and diversity of the City of Greenville and Upstate South Carolina. As a member of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association, the band competes regularly and has a highly successful history in competitions.
The band currently fields competition bands at the Grade level IV and V.
COGPAD is honored to participate as a performance band for this year’s Charleston Scottish Games!
Savannah Pipes & Drums
Savannah, Georgia’s only Bagpipe Band. Established in 2007, the Savannah Pipes & Drums looks to expand Scottish Heritage throughout the Low Country. The band was formed with intent to compete and serve the community of Savannah. We have returned this year to competition after a short hiatus. With the generous support of the St. Andrew’s Society, we are continuing to grow and look forward to a bright future along with our good friends the Charleston Pipe Band.
FAQ
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: No. Only designated service animals may be admitted.
Q: How much is parking?
A: Parking is free!
Q: Can we bring our own tent?
A: No.
Q: Are coolers allowed?
A: No, unless it’s for medical items.
Q: Can we bring folding chairs?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to be Scottish to attend?
A: No. You will be considered Scottish for the day.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: This is a Rain or Shine event.
Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Please note that there will be No Refunds on orders. Should the 2022 Games not happen, your purchase may be rolled over or donated.
Q: Will there be any ATMs?
A: Yes; ATMs will be located at the 3 Beer ticket sales locations and Will Call.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us if you have any questions about the event, area, or accommodations!