The Montreal Highland Games, established in 1855, are the oldest Scottish festival in Quebec. Starting with Promenade of Cabers through the streets of Verdun on Thursday; a Wee Ceilidh at the Burgundy Lion Pub on Friday night; and culminating with the Games on Sunday, August 4 on the grounds of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun, we bring Scotland to the city.
Newly elected President of the Games, Cameron Stevens, sums it up this way, “The current version of the Games are a tribute to all those who came before us. Countless men and women who offered their time and money to preserve Scottish culture in Montreal. We remain grateful to our present-day sponsors and volunteers who continue this tradition. The Games wouldn’t happen without them.”
Co-presenting sponsors are the St-Andrew’s Society of Montreal and Pembroke Private Wealth Management. “We have more pipe bands than ever this year. We are especially thrilled to welcome the Normandy Highlands Pipe Band, from Rouen, France and the Prince Charles Pipe Band from San Francisco, California” says Stevens.
Wide range of activities
“Come for the competitions, stay for the fun!” represents the wide range of activities occurring alongside traditional Scottish contests at the Games such as Athletics, Piping and Highland Dance. Everyone wants to see who tosses the caber the furthest and the straightest. Fans want to know which pipe band will win their category and which dancer will take home the trophy.
But… there is also the Celtic Mile with the fiddlers’ tent; a whisky tasting station; and numerous clans to meet and greet. There are wee cabers to be tossed, faces to be painted and castles to be bounced in at the Family Village. Medieval knights will do battle in the ring, rugby players will be on the pitch and fans will cheer on the tug of war! Don’t forget the tartans and baubles to be purchased from vendors; and food and drink to buy at the concessions.
Those who know, KNOW, it’s the Ceilidh Tent where the fun never stops. This year the Games are thrilled to welcome back fan favourites Mariner’s Curse along with Scotland’s premier bagpipe Celt-Rockers Gleadhraich. Hop on the free shuttle bus from the Angrignon métro station and join in the celebration at the Douglas Hospital Grounds, Verdun on Sunday, August 4. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
Follow the Montreal Highland Games on Facebook and Instagram for updates or for more details see: www.montrealhighlandgames.com
Text: Marilyn Meikle, Communications Coordinator, Montreal Highland Games.
All photos courtesy of Peter Matulina.