‘It was exactly what we hoped for’: 69th Festival of the Tartans a huge success

Kyle Stackhouse, of Alma, competed in the Scottish Heavy Weight Competitions at the Festival of the Tartans on Aug. 15. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /New Glasgow NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Scottish culture was on full display in New Glasgow Aug. 13-16.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFestival of the Tartans, a four-day event hosted at the Scott W. Weeks Sport Complex, celebrated traditional Scottish culture and heritage with Highland Dance competitions, Scottish Heavy Weight contests, massed pipe bands, and Celtic music.Article contentArticle content“This is a great opportunity to learn a little Gaelic and strengthen our genealogical roots,” said Greg Dickson, chairman of the festival committee.Article contentArticle content“I’m really proud of the team and everybody who volunteered to help make this all possible. We have solved problems that we didn’t even know we had, and I’m very happy to be their leader. I only just became involved last year, and we have people here who have experienced much more of the nearly 70 years of history this festival has.”Article contentArticle contentHistoryArticle contentThe festival began in the late 1950s and developed into a beloved event in New Glasgow as a celebration of Scottish traditions.Article contentAfter being cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival made its grand return in 2025 as a part of the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations. This year was the 69th festival.Article content“It is wonderful to have the festival back and growing,” said Mayor Nancy Dicks, who thanked all involved for making the festival possible.Article content“From the tartan tea, to the opening ceremonies and crowning, to the games day to the closing church service and more, it was truly an amazing celebration of our Scottish heritage. There were so many special moments to remember. The festival created a sense of pride and much joy through music, performances, competition, and recognition of our history.”Article contentArticle content Dancer Arabella Robinson, centre, performed at the Festival of the Tartans, competing in the sold-out Highland dancing competition on Aug. 15. Pictured here is her sister, Annalise Robinson, left, and their first cousin, Bree Jackson. Photo by Michelle RobinsonArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentMusicArticle contentThis year’s festival also included Gaelic workshops for all ages, a kitchen party, vendors from across Pictou County, and many musical performances.Article contentThe Clan Thompson Pipe Band and singer Robyn Carrigan performed traditional Scottish songs at the opening ceremony.Article content“This was an emotional and wonderful experience,” Carrigan said.Article content“I grew up in Westville, so I got my music education here in Pictou County. We used to go to the Festival of the Tartans every year, and it was a big event for us and really important. We come from Gaelic people who arrived in the early 1800s, and we lived on the homesteads before eventually making our way into the industrial places while carrying our culture, which we still have in the 21st century.”Article content Robyn Carrigan sang Solus m’aigh by Blair Douglas during the opening ceremony for the Festival of the Tartans at Glasgow Square Theatre on Aug 14. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /New Glasgow NewsArticle contentShe sang Solus m’aigh, a 20th-century song by Scotland’s Blair Douglas.Article content“It is about travelling the waters of your life, the ship your dreams are travelling on, and the star over the ocean is guiding you to the light of hope,” Carrigan said. “Being here on stage was very emotional and important to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”