PRESS INFO
December 20, 2022
For more information, contact Sullivan Creative, [email protected]
Welcome 2023 at NHSCOT’s Hogmanay Celebration
January 1, 2023 – LaBelle Winery in Derry, NH
Ring in the New Year Scottish Style with live music, indoor & outdoor games, a cash bar & more
DERRY, N.H. – Join revelers of all ages at NHSCOT’s Hogmanay Celebration, Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 3:00 – 7:00pm at Labelle Winery in Derry, New Hampshire. This New Year’s Day celebration includes lively activities and spirited competitions both indoors and out!
With a wide range of Scottish pastimes as well as a selection of classic family-friendly activities, the evening will conclude with a torch-lit parade led by the event’s chosen Hogmanay Royalty to celebrate and welcome the New Year Scottish style.
Outdoors, Rebel Collective and the Pipes & Drums of NHSCOT will be entertaining the crowd. Grab a beverage from the bar or toast a s’more by the warming fires while listening to the tunes. Enjoy Try It classes in Street Curling or play in a friendly “haggis toss” competition.
Indoors, you can test your skills at Stramash, a popular Scottish strategy board game or show off your footwork with some Highland Dancing. Band members from the Pipes & Drums of NHSCOT will also be giving Try It lessons for bagpipes and drums.
“We can’t wait for our Hogmanay Celebration! Music and dancing, games and fun all wrapped in tartan. We have many surprises and activities planned,” explained Terri Wiltse, Executive Director of NHSCOT. “All are welcome to join in this New Year’s celebration – whether you’re Scottish or not!”
Tickets to Hogmanay are $32 per adult; $15 per child (6-14); and free for kids ages 5 and under. For tickets and further event details, visit https://nhscot.org/events/hogmanay/.
Hogmanay is presented by NHSCOT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish culture for future generations. Their signature event, the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, is one of the largest and most diverse Highland Games held in North America. NHSCOT advances its mission through NHSCOT Fund grants and scholarships. Find more information at www.nhscot.org.
July 6, 2022
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NH Highland Games & Festival, The Spirit of Scotland Distilled into a Single Weekend
Savor the Flavor, Sounds and Tastes of Scottish Highlands at Loon Mountain Resort, Sept. 16 – 18
LINCOLN, NH – Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Scotland at the 47th NH Highland Games & Festival, Friday, September 16, through Sunday, September 18, at the Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH. Presented by NHSCOT, this annual three-day celebration is one of the largest Scottish cultural events in the Northeast and showcases the traditions and history of Scotland through heavy athletics, cultural activities, music and entertainment, food and drink, and more.
“After two years of modified games, we are very excited to be back to our regular format and welcome visitors, competitors and vendors as well as many of our international friends,” said Terri Wiltse, Executive Director of NHSCOT.
Competitive events are a key part of the Highland Games, providing a venue for athletes, dancers, and musicians to compare skills while creating spectacular entertainment all weekend. Favorites include the Sheep Dog Trials and Heavy Athletics.
On Friday, sheep dogs and sheep take center stage on the athletic field. The dogs, guided by their handlers using personalized whistle commands, are judged on their performance and efficiency to guide a pack of sheep through obstacles in the fastest time.
On Saturday and Sunday, the athletes take over the field. Athletes from the United States, Canada, Iceland, Czech Republic and Scotland will take part in heavy athletic competitions such as the Caber Toss, Hammer Throw, Weight Over Bar, and Stone Carry while fans cheer on these feats of strength.
Music and dance are also a big part of the Games. Attendees can enjoy a variety of performances throughout the weekend, from Celtic-style rock bands like Albannach, Seven Nations, Syr, and Rebel Collective to the more traditional sounds of the harp and fiddle. This year will also see a return of massed bands, when more than two dozen pipe-and-drum bands gather to perform together.
After watching the Highland Dance competitions attendees can head over to one of the dance Try-It classes and learn some dance basics. Try-It classes include Ceilidh, Scottish Country and Highland dancing as well as other fan favorites like street curling, stone lifting, Gaelic, Mas-wrestling (also known as Swingle Tree), and drumming.
Immerse Yourself in Scottish Culture, Food, and Drink
Whether strolling and casually absorbing the culture and fare, taking part in the demonstrations or digging into the educational opportunities, there is truly something for all ages and energy levels.
Free seminars provide a closer look at Scotland’s culture and history. Seminars cover a wide range of topics from genealogy to cooking with renowned Scottish chef Gary Maclean. The Highland Cows from Miles Smith Farm will be at the Games on Friday and Sunday – seminars throughout both days will talk about this beautiful Scottish breed. Attendees won’t want to miss a walk through the Clan Village, home to 60+ Scottish clans and the vibrant vendor village where tartan apparel, traditional sweets, bagpiping supplies, and various other Celtic items are available for purchase.
New This Year
As a prelude to Highland Games weekend, NHSCOT is hosting two exciting workshops, Wednesday, September 14 and Thursday, September 15: a Genealogy Workshop and the opportunity to earn a Diploma in Single Malt Whisky from Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Genealogy expert Ron Collins will provide amateur genealogists an opportunity to expand their research as they delve more deeply into their Scottish lineage with professional guidance. The Edinburgh Whisky Academy’s Diploma in Single Malt Whisky is a desirable credential for hospitality professionals and a satisfying achievement for serious enthusiasts. The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is certified by the Scottish Qualifications Authority; the course will explore the history and business of whisky and distillation. Preregistration for these workshops is required and the number of spaces in each is limited.
NH Highland Games & Festival Ticket Information
The NH Highland Games & Festival, The Spirit of Scotland Distilled into a Single Weekend, offers single day and 3-day weekend tickets. Tickets are available online at nhscot.org and advance purchase is recommended to expedite gate entrance. Ticket prices are: $30 for Friday admission; $55 for Saturday admission; $30 for Sunday admission, and $90 for 3-day weekend admission. Tickets for children ages 6-14 are $5 for daily admission and $10 for 3-day weekend admission. Children 5 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
Attendees have access to festival grounds from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily; additional ticketed evening events will be held in various locations onsite and offsite throughout the weekend. These events include the Tartan Dinner & Ball, numerous concerts, and beer and whisky tastings.
The New Hampshire Highland Games are presented by NHSCOT, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish culture for future generations. The success of the NH Highland Games & Festival, now in its 47th year, is testimony to the enduring and welcoming spirit of this organization. Additional information is available at the organization’s website: NHSCOT.org.
Former NHSCOT President, Bob Creighton, Appointed Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
In recognition of a lifetime’s devotion to supporting students, universities, entrepreneurs, innovators and non-profit organizations in Scotland and the United States, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has appointed Robert Creighton a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
As former President of NHSCOT and current president of Scots in New England, Bob’s desire to promote Scottish culture, heritage, tourism, and businesses, while also working as a staunch advocate for those of Scottish descent, has been extraordinary.
We applaud Bob for this incredible honor and thank him for all he has done for NHSCOT and Scottish organizations worldwide. To read the entire press release on his appointment, click here.
September 29, 2020
For more information, contact Sullivan Creative, [email protected]
NHSCOT Brings True Amateur Heavy Athletics to Loon Mountain, NH for Rocks, Hammers & Trees
Lincoln, NH – On Saturday, September 19, NHSCOT hosted their first true amateur heavy athletic training and competition, Rocks, Hammers & Trees at the Governor’s Lodge Field, Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH.
Twenty athletes participated and received training from expert Scottish heavy athletic coaches for the Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Heavy Weight for Distance, Light Weight for Distance, Caber Toss and Weight Over Bar.
Athletes were broken out into 4 categories based on age: Women 18 – 40, Woman 41+, Men 18 – 40 and Men 41+. Winning athletes included:
Women 18 – 40:
1st Melissa Thorpe, Bow, NH
2nd Katherine Greene, Acton, MA
3rd Cait Dunn, New Britain, CT
Men 18 – 40:
1st Chris Doncaster, Reading, MA
2nd Aiden O’Brien, Canterbury, NH
3rd Johnny Bristol, New Market, NH
Women 40+:
1st Sarah Chappelow, Northfield, NH
2nd Debra Googins, Old Orchard Beach, ME
3rd Becca Duclose, Andover, ME
Men 40+:
1st John Cox, Weymouth, MA
2nd Benjamin Hartford, Hillsboro, NH
3rd Joel Sanford, Lancaster, NH
“Rocks, Hammers & Trees was a great success,” explains Terri Wiltse, Executive Director of NHSCOT. “Athletes were very happy to be participating and grateful to be trained by a fantastic group of coaches. We hope to host another event like this again maybe in May or June of 2021.”
NHSCOT is the organization that presents the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival. Held annually on the third weekend in September at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH, 2020 marks the 45th year of the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival.
Although this year’s Games were canceled due to COVID-19, throughout the weekend of September 19 – 20, NHSCOT offered a few events to honor the Highland Games in a new way – including Rocks, Hammers & Trees. Other activities included a Virtual Piping & Drumming Competition, a virtual Vendor Village, an online concert with Albannach and a video which highlighted the sights, sounds and smiles of the Games.
Other Upcoming Virtual Events
Since April, NHSCOT has been hosting a series of Virtual Events. These events highlight a variety of topics and activities – cooking demonstrations, whisky tastings, genealogy, and heavy athletics to name a few. For more information about these Virtual Events, visit NHSCOT’s Upcoming Events page on their website.
The New Hampshire Highland Games are presented by NHSCOT, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish culture for future generations. NHSCOT advances its mission through NHSCOT Fund grants and scholarships. More information is available by calling (603) 229-1975, emailing [email protected], or visiting www.nhscot.org.
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September 10, 2020
For more information, contact Sullivan Creative, [email protected]
NHSCOT Goes Virtual for the 45th New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival
Lincoln, NH – The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival is one of the largest and most diverse Highland Games in the United States. Held annually on the third weekend in September at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH, 2020 marks the 45th year of the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival.
Although this year’s NH Highland Games were canceled due to COVID-19, NHSCOT, the organization that presents the Games, couldn’t let a fall go by without celebrating Scottish heritage and culture. Throughout the weekend of September 19 – 20, NHSCOT will be offering a few events to honor the Highland Games in a new way.
Celebrating Highland Games Weekend at Home
Showcasing the Sights, Sounds & Smiles of the Games
NHSCOT has put together a video highlighting many of the beloved aspects of Games weekend. Tune in to see familiar faces, hear familiar songs and share a love of Scotland and its amazing culture. The video will go live on Saturday, September 19 to represent the “Opening Ceremony” of the Games. View the video on NHSCOT’s website, nhscot.org/virtual-games.
Shop Vendor Village… Virtually
A stroll down Vendor Village at the Highland Games is met with the sights of more than 30 vendors selling tartan scarves, traditional sweets, bagpiping supplies, and various other Celtic items. During Games weekend, a virtual Vendor Village will be set up. Shop for a must-have item for yourself, or a gift for that special someone. The vendors at NH’s Highland Games are all small business owners. As many festivals and events have been canceled this year, virtual shopping is a great way to show support. For a complete listing of all participating vendors, visit nhscot.org/virtual-games.
Sharing Your At-Home Highland Games Experience
With a robust social media following, NHSCOT is asking their friends and fans to share the exciting and innovative ways they are celebrating Highland Games weekend at home. Join in on the fun by posting to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #NHHighlandGames. NHSCOT will be sharing fans posts throughout the weekend as well as throwbacks from previous year’s Games.
Virtual Concert with Albannach
No NH Highland Games celebration is complete without rockin’ along to Albannach, one of NH Highland Games’ favorite bands! Jamesie Johnston and his crew will be proving nearly an hour of their best Scottish tunes for Nach Nation on Saturday night beginning at 7pm. The concert will be posted on NHSCOT’s YouTube page.
Virtual Piping & Drumming Competition
Piping and drumming are at the heart of every Highland Games celebration. During traditional Highland Games weekend, solo pipers and drummers, as well as groups and quartets compete at Loon Mountain.
This year, NHSCOT is hosting a Virtual Piping & Drumming Competition. This an Eastern United States Piping Band Association (EUSPBA) Sanctioned Event and all rules and regulations concerning competition apply.
Competitors submitted a selection of songs via YouTube. They will be judged by the best of the best, with adjudicators from around the United States, Canada and Scotland.
All grades and levels will be represented in the virtual competition. Nearly 200 pipers and drummers have signed up to compete.
Sign-ups for this year’s Virtual Piping & Drumming Competition are now closed. Adjudicators will be reviewing all entries September 11 – 20, and results will be posted on the NHSCOT website, nhscot.org.
Upcoming Virtual Events
Since April, NHSCOT has been hosting a series of Virtual Events. These events highlight a variety of topics and activities – cooking demonstrations, whisky tastings, genealogy, and heavy athletics to name a few. Upcoming Virtual Events include:
- September 16 & September 23: Ceilidh Try It with Pat Tillotson
- September 17: Scottish Songs and Stories with Charlie Zahm
- September 24: Carmichael’s Ceilidh with John Carmichael
For more information about these Virtual Events, visit NHSCOT’s Upcoming Events page on their website.
The New Hampshire Highland Games are presented by NHSCOT, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish culture for future generations. NHSCOT advances its mission through NHSCOT Fund grants and scholarships. More information is available by calling (603) 229-1975, emailing [email protected], or visiting www.nhscot.org.