Bairns & Weans

Laddies and lassies aged five to pre-teen (with a parent) can join games and activities all weekend: crafts, Try It classes made just for them, and a competitive game of “Haggis Toss”.

Octagon Lodge & building near Dance Tent

Bairns & Weans: Passport Program

Children collect passport stamps as they visit venues around the Games. Passports are available at the Information Tent and the Bairns & Weans building.

Information Tent

Beat It, Drum Class

Jo-Ann Belanger

Interested in tenor drumming with a pipe band? A hands-on class for potential drummers.

Try It Tent, near Parade Square

Ceilidh Dancing

Patricia Tillotson

Dance with us — learn tae fling in this ceilidh with the Scottish Country Dance Group, open to all comers.

Parade Square

Curling

One of the oldest team sports, played in Scotland and northern Europe as early as the 16th century, and one of the first sports popular with women and girls.

Octagon Lodge patio near Boyle's Break House

Drum Major

Billy Jordan

So you want to lead the band? This class explains the essential roles of the Drum Major.

Parade Square

Gaelic Lessons

Ian Gauthier

Learn a bit of Scottish Gaelic with Ian Gauthier of the Catamount Pipe Band. 45 minute classes for adults, 30 minute classes for kids — you may find yourself singing a tune in Gaelic by the end.

Try It Tent, near Parade Square

Harp

Touch-a-harp opportunities for adults and children on Saturday. Stop by and learn about these beautiful instruments.

Kinsman Room, Mountain Club

Highland Dance

Amy Holdsworth & Beth LaBelle, NHSCOT dance instructors

Try a part of Scottish culture and appreciate the athleticism and art of the Highland dancer.

Try It Tent, near Parade Square

Mas-Wrestling, aka “Swingle Tree”

A Highland test of strength. Athletes sit heel to heel, prop their feet against a wooden board, and pull on a stick.

Athletic Try It Area

Snare Drumming

Michael Eagle of Rhythm Monster

Never played drums? No problem. Rhythm Monster provides the drumsticks, drum pad and instruction via video screen. There are no age limits — you are guided step by step.

Mountain Club — Seasons Room

Stone Lifting

Ryan Stewart

A former professional Highland Games athlete and stonelifting pioneer shares the secrets of the ancient art of stone lifting. Fun to try, and fun to watch.

Athletic Try It Area

Piping

Eryk Bean, Gibson Bagpipes and the Pipes and Drums of NHSCOT

A simple introduction to the bagpipes — learn about this iconic instrument and test your pipes with a practice chanter.

Across from Octagon Lodge