Ceremonies
jim akins
Jim Akins of the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center in Franklin, NC, will speak on tartan, color terms, tartan history and fake tartans. He will also explain why clan tartans don't date “to the mists of time” as many clans claim but to around 1822. The Museum was founded in 1988 to be a reliable resource on tartans, Scottish dress and heritage in the United States as well as Canada. One of the founding purposes of the Tartan Museum is to dispel myths about tartans, which is a constant battle as these myths have been repeated for generations. Jim has served as president of the board of directors and as general manager of the gift shop at the Tartan Museum for 10 years.
Friday
Calling of the Clans
This Friday evening event features our attending Clans in a torchlight ceremony. Each clan is announced on the main field with a representative introducing the clan by briefly describing its historical significance then lighting a torch in a large structure. This is a great introduction to the more than 50 clans participating in the Festival. It is typically held at dusk on the Friday night prior to the main festival weekend. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket. Gates open just before dusk.
jim akins
Jim Akins of the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center in Franklin, NC, will speak on tartan, color terms, tartan history and fake tartans. He will also explain why clan tartans don't date “to the mists of time” as many clans claim but to around 1822. The Museum was founded in 1988 to be a reliable resource on tartans, Scottish dress and heritage in the United States as well as Canada. One of the founding purposes of the Tartan Museum is to dispel myths about tartans, which is a constant battle as these myths have been repeated for generations. Jim has served as president of the board of directors and as general manager of the gift shop at the Tartan Museum for 10 years.
Saturday
Massed Bands
At the opening and closing ceremonies Saturday, all pipe and drum bands join together as one group and play while they parade on the main grounds. This is truly a memorable event. Please see the Schedule of Events for specific times.
Ceilidh
Pronounced “KAY-lee,” this event is our Saturday evening party/concert/dance/celebration featuring several of our entertainment musicians on the Edinburgh (main) stage. It is included with your Saturday admission ticket and starts after the Saturday closing ceremony. The Ceilidh is a great opportunity to enjoy Scottish music, both traditional and modern. Beer, water and food from our vendors is available for purchase. Please see the Schedule of Events for more information.
jim akins
Jim Akins of the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center in Franklin, NC, will speak on tartan, color terms, tartan history and fake tartans. He will also explain why clan tartans don't date “to the mists of time” as many clans claim but to around 1822. The Museum was founded in 1988 to be a reliable resource on tartans, Scottish dress and heritage in the United States as well as Canada. One of the founding purposes of the Tartan Museum is to dispel myths about tartans, which is a constant battle as these myths have been repeated for generations. Jim has served as president of the board of directors and as general manager of the gift shop at the Tartan Museum for 10 years.
Sunday
Kirkin’ of the Tartans
While the Kirkin’ of the Tartans service celebrates Scotland, it is truly a Scottish-American custom. If one searches the Internet for information, stories abound of the Kirkin’s roots being in days of the Act of Proscription, when the wearing of the kilt was banned in the Highlands. According to the legend, Highlanders hid pieces of tartan and brought them to church to be secretly blessed at a particular point in the service. Ask any Scot or Scottish expatriate about the Kirkin’, and chances are you will be met with a questioning look and an admission of ignorance of this supposedly centuries-old Scottish tradition. Our Kirkin’ service takes place Sunday morning in the Edinburgh stage and is open to all. Please see the Schedule of Events for the specific time.
Parade of Tartans
On Sunday midday, representatives of the clans will gather to parade on the main field. Each clan will be announced as they march in procession, and any member of a clan is invited to join their clan for the parade.
Dog Parade
On Sunday afternoon, attendees who bring their beloved furry friends are invited to parade on the main field. Many wear traditional Scottish garments and tartans. Please see the Schedule of Events for the time and location to register and parade.