How the Highland Games Evolved and the Communal Aspect

The Scottish Traditional Highland Games continued to grow which meant that the organization of the games had to become modernized. To begin with, the creation of a professional organization, the Scottish Games Association (SGA), was created in 1946 and acted as the overseer of the Highland Games (Brewster, etc. 2009). The creation of this organization has led to the standardization of rules and policies, records, and even drug testing at times. With the help of the SGA, the games have become more professional and there has been a rise in commercial and national interest. During this time, the tourism industry started to boom, and that led to more and more tourists coming to Scotland each year for the Highland Games. Today, anyone can fly to Scotland and participate in or spectate one of the over 60 games held annually. One of the defining features is the way that the games are viewed, it is a sporting event, cultural event, and community-based event all at the same time, and what it is, is determined by each participant. The games are a time for celebration and excitement, to show off the best parts of the culture and communities. A time where everyone forgets the worries in the world and can enjoy an ancient tradition.  

Clans may be a thing of the past, but the communities continue to recognize their ancestors during the games, with flags parading around the events of the different clans and wearing their traditional attire (Dawn 2014). The various clans march around, together, in their different colors and clan names, but marching as one, united nation and community, especially highlighted during the opening and closing ceremonies. The games act as a time for families and friends to reconnect, to celebrate the values they all share as a community. The majority of the organization of the games is done through community participation and volunteers, this helps contribute to the pride that the communities feel about the games (Brewster, etc. 2009). The continued promotion of Scottish culture and heritage within the games leads to them being remembered, such as the pipers, drummers, and tartan (the multi-color plaid skirt). The imagery is so strong that visitors immediately recognize it. It serves as a chance to better educate the viewers about Scotland. Because of this, at the Traditional Highland Games, everyone feels Scottish, even if you do not share any bloodline; during the events everyone is Scottish. From the moment one arrives at the games, they are immediately greeted by sights, sounds, and smells of Scottish culture. On top of that, the games are welcoming and inclusive of everyone, no matter your age, race, sexual identity, background, etc (Dawn 2014).