18741 | |

A Scottish Celebration at the 85th Embro Highland Games

Whether you are a local, visitor, competitor, or kin, Embro Highland Games warmly welcomes you to join them as they enjoy their 85th games!

The oldest event of its kind in Ontario, their gathering is a celebration of Scottish heritage and tradition with competitive Highland dancing, massed pipe bands, piping competitions, heavy events & the always popular tug of war. It is a day of fierce rivalry where hammers are thrown, cabers are tossed and runners race for the line, the skirl of bagpipes fills the air and the flash of clan tartans surround you. 

A family-friendly spectacle where you will see animals native to Scotland, watch sheep herding displays, Scottish dogs on parade, and can join in the 85th celebratory events with whisky tasting (advance on line sign up), & whisky barrel racing!  There is an area for the children with organized Scottish-themed crafts and activities; for the adults, we offer fully licensed grounds with an outdoor bar offering amazing local craft beers and gin, where you can kick back at the ‘Muckle Tent’ and enjoy the live Celtic music. As always, the vendors, and fabulous food trucks are worth a visit, along with our tearoom with its assortment of sandwiches & baked goods!

Not ready to read the whole scoop? No problem. Skip ahead by your interest.

What happens at the Embro Highland Games

Events at the Embro Highland Games include Piping & Drumming, Highland Dance, Tug of War, and Heavy Events.

 

The Heritage of the Games

Embro Highland Games tug of war

The first Embro Highland Games date all the way back to 1856 when the Embro Highland Society was organized and hosted The Annual Gathering of the Society with games, dancing and music.

While the society disbanded in 1888 (reasons unclear), they were back at it again, hosting the games in 1937. In the meantime, “The Men of Zorra”, largely based from the society, even won a tug-o-war world championship!

Since that time, the Embro Highland Games has grown to expect 5000 competitors and spectators annually and is known to many as The Friendly Games.

What’s New this Year

Every year, the games seem to get even more exciting with new additions and this year is certainly no exception!

Whisky Tasting and Whisky Barrel Racing

Whisky Tasting is an art form, this is an opportunity to try four different whiskies that hail from the different regions of Scotland. Enjoy a dram as David Prosser, guides you through the experience with his humor & story telling as to what makes each whisky so different and how best to appreciate the amber nectar that is so cherished by the Scots! Details & tickets are available only in advance on line (numbers are limited).

Whisky Barrel Racing enjoy some traditional Scottish fun, as four individuals roll the unpredictable egg shaped wooden barrels 30 yards to the finish line, its harder than you think!

See you at the games!

We hope you have an awesome time at this year’s Embro Highland Games.