Standout Day at the North Lanark Highland Games in Almonte

By Dave Johnston

The 41st annual North Lanark Highland Games took place in Almonte on Saturday, August 22nd, filling the Almonte Fairground beside the scenic Mississippi River with music, competition, and community spirit.

Recognized as one of the friendliest games in the Ottawa Valley, the event drew approximately 3,000 visitors. More than 30 pipe and drum bands, 125 Highland dancers, and a full slate of professional heavyweight athletes took part, with the traditional heavy events commanding centre stage.

The SSO was well represented, staffing our booth alongside fellow Celtic organizations including the Clan Gregor Society, Clan Ramsey, and the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC).

Preliminary Competition Results

  • Men’s Champion: Jason Baines

  • Women’s Champion: Elizabeth MacDonald

  • Dancer of the Day (three-way tie):

    • Kayleigh Jean Armstrong — SSO member and former Burns Supper Director

    • Morgan MacDonald

    • Ciera MacDonald

As always, the massed bands provided a spectacular finale, led this year by the Ottawa Caledonian Pipe Band.

Video to take you directly to the fairground.

L to R: Jen Hill, SSO Vice Chair; Vicki Lowe, Ramsay Ward Councillor; Izzy Adams, SSO Membership Director; Jane Torrance, Almonte Ward Councillor & former SSO Chair; Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills, and Jamie Fraser.

David Johnston