The 2015 Scotland County Highland Games take place on Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, on the grounds of the John Blue Home and Historical Complex in Laurinburg. The event provides an immersion into the Scottish-American historical experience of this region. There will be plenty to see and do all weekend long.

The schedule of events includes a visit to historic Laurinburg and Scotland County on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Whisky Tasting and Gathering takes place at 3 p.m. at the Storytelling Arts Center in downtown Laurinburg. There is a reception for the sponsors and honored clan at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with a concert featuring Piper Willie McCallum at the Avenger Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door only. 

On Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the lineup includes the piping, drumming and athletic competition, Highland dancing competition, sheep dog demonstrations, opening ceremony demonstrations, Scottish athletic events, pipe bands, entertainment, clan tents, awards presentations, closing ceremonies and “Live after Five” performances by Rathkelter and Seven Nations at 6 p.m. 

Colin Grant-Adams is a performer on the entertainment stage. Food, beer and vendors are available on site. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids after 5 p.m. It is free for those in attendance at the games field.  

One of the most popular events is the Whisky Tasting. The single malts and food pairings this year are Aaran’s Robert Burns of the Isle of Aaran paired with goat cheese and mushroom on toast points; Talisker’s 10 year-old Isle of Skye paired with smoked salmon; Jura’s superstition of the Isle of Jura paired with smoked scallops and orange marmalade; Highland Park’s warrior series of the Isle of Orkney paired with salted toffee; and Ledaig 10-year-old Isle of Mull with their very own Jack’s family recipe for shortbread cookies.    

The EUSPBA Premier Piping Competition will begin at 9 a.m. and admission is free.   

The Kirkin’ of the Tartans Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church.   

There is a custom-made kilt raffle and the drawing is on Saturday, Oct. 3. Tickets for the raffle are $10 and only 300 tickets will be sold. Raffle tickets can be purchased via mail at SCHG, 1615 Dial Road, Red Springs, N.C. 28377.  Corporate sponsorships are available. No pets, firearms or outside alcohol are permitted. 

For more information, visit www.schgnc.org.