**Please Note: At this time the current combination of venue policies, resource limitations, and safety/liability concerns do not permit us to allow alcohol on the grounds of the Salado Scottish Clan Gathering and Highland Games. Click here for more detail.**

A History

Just as they were the vanguards of civilization in other regions of America west of the Appalachians, the Scots formed the first large group of settlers in Central Texas. This type was indomitable, hard and sometimes ruthless, but always independent, courageous, and had a passionate love of knowledge and freedom. Major Sterling C. Robertson, 2nd generation removed from his Scottish emigrant ancestor, was surveying in Central Texas during the winter of 1823-24. Most of the 600 families that he introduced into Central Texas were of Scottish origin. His friend and helper in the later part of the colony was Alexander Thomson, another Scot. In fact, many Texas counties bear the name of Scots.

In her desire to construct a program under the auspices of the Central Texas Area Museum, Inc., wherein each nationality active in the founding of Central Texas would be honored, Mrs. Sterling C. Robertson, Secretary and Program Chairperson, decided that the Scots, because of the priority of their arrival in the region, should be accorded priority of representation. All Texas became interested in this educational and cultural program.

Therefore the trustees of the Museum, in conjunction with many interested Scots, planned the First Gathering of the Clans. Forty clans answered the call and convened in historic Salado on November 12th 1961. The Tartan banners of each clan waved from poles eight feet tall with the name of the clan on the pole. Well over 1,000 people registered, not to mention many others who visited throughout the day.

In addition to the annual programs, The Museum supplied goods imported from Scotland for the Scots shop. The venture was a great success. So the WEE SCOTS SHOP became a reality, the first in Texas. Books, ties, ladies evening sashes, skirts & kilts tailored in Scotland are obtainable.

Directions and Information

Salado, Texas is located on Interstate 35 , about 8 miles south of Belton and about 50 miles north of Austin. The Central Texas Area Museum and College Hill are behind the Stagecoach Inn to the East of I-35. The Tattoo is held on College Hill.

Sponsored Events

Clan Tents and Scottish Vendors - Enjoy the many Clan Tents from all over the country as well as the vast array of Scottish Music, Curio and Food vendors.

Piping and Drumming - Piping and Drumming, Band and Individual, competitions are held each year during the Scottish Clan Gathering and Highland Games.

• The Peobaireachd: This is the classic music of the great Highland bagpipe. It can be mournful or exultant, but it always has a spirit of grandeur which accords with the wild mountains and dark glens. This is the 'Great Music' that is used to welcome the chief's new heir into the world or to mourn the passing of a warrior.
• Individual Piping: When watching these events, remember that the judge is considering the tone and tuning of the bagpipes being played. Timing, expression and execution of the movements required in the tune are most important.
• The Individual Drumming: The judge is considering the introductory rolls, tone of the drum, tempo, execution, rhythm and expression of quality and variety of beatings. Drumming contestants are always accompanied by one or two pipers.

Highland Dancing - In Scotland Highland Dancing was once an athletic event. Scottish dances such as the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance are, in fact, solo dances of the Highland men and are so vigorous that one must be in top physical shape to perform them. Some of the dances are old and date back to ancient rites in celebration of marriage, victory, defeat, joy for the living or lament for the dead.

• Highland Fling: The oldest of the traditional dances of Scotland. This is believed to be a dance of victory in battle. The dancer performed with a Scottish shield called a 'Targe' that contained a sharp steel spike extending out of the center, so the dancer had to be very careful in the execution of his steps.
• Hornpipe: This is also considered one of the National dances and the competitiors wear the dress of the Royal Navy. It depicts the sailors in their daily routines on board ship.
• Sword Dance: The Sword Dance (Ghillie Callum) is reckoned by many to be the oldest of Scottish dances. Sword and scabbard were placed on the ground in the form of a cross and if the dancer's feet managed to avoid touching either one, it was believed the clan would be blessed with good fortune in the coming battle. However if the sword or scabbard were disarranged, the prediciton was defeat. In the modern dance, the top sword is in a direct line front to back, with the hilt towards the dancer and with the center of its blade directly over the center of the blade of the other sword, the hilt of which is to the dancer's left. The slip in footwork, formerly interpreted as an evil omen, now provides one of the principal methods of eliminating contestants.
• Seann Triubhas: Many of the steps in this dance are intended to express the Scotsman's displeasure for an old law which at one time forbade the wearing of kilts. Literally translated, Seann Triubhas (pronounced Shawn Trues) means "Old Trews". The name is a derisive reference to the law enforced after the unsuccessful Rebellion of 1745 in support of 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' when kilts, bagpipes and other Highland traditional trappings were forbidden. many of the steps of the dance are intended to indicate the Scotsman's efforts to kick off the trews.
• Lilt: In recent years the Lilt has been performed both in this country and in Scotland. The dress is different from the kilt worn in the Highland Games. The girls wear what is called the Aboyne Dress, named for the Aboyne Highland Games in Scotland where it is forbidden for the wormen to wear the kilt. This dance is far more graceful in appearance with more flowing movements than the Highland Games.

Highland Games - Most Scottish athletic events are presumed to have begun as military exercises, testing the strength and agility of the soldier. Some date back as far as the 16th century and could be older than that.

• Weight Toss & Weight Throw: These two events are usually combined into a three part competition using two metal weights of 28 &56 pounds. The 28 is thrown for distance while the 56 is thrown for both height & distance. Scores are on a 'best of 3' basis. Timing, speed & agility are keys to this event.
• Tossing the Sheaf: A 16lb. Sheaf of hay, wrapped in burlap, is tossed by pitch fork over a horizontal bar. The contestants have three tries at each height and the bar raises 6" each round until there is only one contestant remaining; the winner.
• Hammer Throw: A popular pastime in the Highlands had young men throwing the blacksmith's 22 lb. hammer to prove strength & agility. The contestant is given three throws and is scored on the greatest distance achieved without stepping over the toe board.
• Putting the Stone or Stone Toss: The stone weighs 16 lbs. And is 7.25" in diameter, and is thrown much like the modern day shot put. Each athlete is allowed three throws for distance and must not touch the ground in front of the foul board.
• Tossing the Caber: The object of the contest is to toss the 100 pound, 18' long pole end over end so that it lands with the bottom , or small end, pointing directly away from the contestant. Distance has no bearing on it and the straightest toss is the winner. Contestant has three tosses and all are scored to determine the winner.

Tartan Ceilidh - What in the world is that? How do you pronounce it? It is an informal gathering and singing and is pronounced "Kay-lee". In Scotland, groups gather to play and sing the old songs. Their is seldom a prepared program; it's just a happening. Each one does his/her own thing. Come join us for a bit of food and fun, listen to the pipes & drums; hear singing of the good ole Scottish songs; join in the singing clapping, "h-o-o-o-king" and foot stomping of your own! Due to necessity, we do have a more structured format than is essentially characteristic of a Ceilidh. It is still great fun for young and old!

Tattoo - The "Texas" Tattoo is a musical interlude of invitation and responses between military and pipe bands. The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries - ‘Doe den tap toe’ (‘Turn off the taps’). Join us for a time of music and community!

• Weather Permitting. Bring your own chairs and flashlight.

**Please Note: At this time the current combination of venue policies, resource limitations, and safety/liability concerns do not permit us to allow alcohol on the grounds of the Salado Scottish Clan Gathering and Highland Games. Click here for more detail.**