Celebrating 40 Years of Tradition:

The NORTH Lanark Highland Games 2025

By Liz Smith

The North Lanark Highland Games (NLHG) held its 40th anniversary this year—with a celebration that blended tradition, community spirit, and a few fun surprises. Set in Almonte, with its small-town charm and the picturesque Mississippi River providing the backdrop for the games field, an estimated 4,500 attendees of all ages enjoyed what is billed as “one of the Ottawa Valley’s premier summer events”.

The NLHG also have a reputation as being the friendliest Games on the Ontario circuit. I’ve been to a few in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Scotland and I’d have to say – in my experience – that’s a hard one to call, but certainly everyone I met was cheerful! Sunny skies, multi-hued tartan garb and non-stop musical strains contributed to the ambience and made this Scot a little giddy!

I was stationed at the SSO’s information booth, meeting people who wandered by to chat, telling them of the perks and pluses of being an SSO member, discussing our shared interests in Scotland and taking their photo in our fabled tartan photo frame!

Thank you to all the SSO volunteers who helped staff the booth, with the guidance of SSO Volunteer Director, James Obi, who along with Chair, Donald Macdonald, put in a long day but were still smiling as we wrapped up to the spirited sound of mass bands. Great, too, to have former Chair, John McLuckie put in a shift staffing the booth!

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present

To commemorate the 40th year, the whole town got involved. Local businesses in Almonte joined the festivities with tartan-themed window displays featuring historical trophies and memorabilia. The opening ceremony was made special with a local family choir—Grace Armstrong and her extended clan—singing “O Canada,” a departure from the usual solo rendition.

One of the most emotional moments came when hometown hero Neil Lowry competed for the final time in the men’s open athletics, retiring in front of a roaring hometown crowd. Read more about Neil’s journey here.

Pipes, Drums & Dancing Feet

Some 16 pipe bands made it to the field, including the triumphant return of the London Firefighters’ Band after a 30-year hiatus. It turned out it was well worth coming back —they won the $500 band draw in the refreshment tent! There were 10 competition bands, plus 8 other local bands, along with numerous individual competitors for piping and drumming. The winning bands were:

• Grade 3: Glengarry Pipe Band

• Grade 4: Glengarry Pipe Band

• Grade 5: Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band

• Piper of the Day: Alexander Rocheleau

Some 123 dancers registered to compete In 13 levels. Notable winners were:

• Most Promising Beginner or Novice - Kyleigh-Ann McLeod

• Premier Dancer of the Day - Sadie Margulis

Athletic Competition

The athletic field saw fierce competition, as men and women undertook crazy-like activities such as heaving a metal ball-headed hammer attached to a handle, around their head and throwing it as far as they can. Known as the hammer throw, the implement varies by weight according to the gender of the thrower, i.e. the "heavy" events – 22 lbs for men, 16 lbs for women! Not surprisingly, athletes often use special boots with spikes to gain stability and maintain ground contact during the spins, with their woolen kilts adding extra torque!

Then there’s the infamous caber toss – perhaps the signature event of any Highland Games, where competitors stagger along with a seemingly upright telephone pole and toss it as far as they can! 20-foot-long cabers, or large logs, normally weigh around 150 lb! This year’s winners were:

• Open Men’s Winner: Lorne Colthart

• Amateur Men’s Winner: Liam MacNaughton

• Women’s Winner: Lisa McLean

Mini-Games, Major Joy

The children’s section was a runaway hit, with over 907 kids registered and hundreds more joining in the fun. From face painting to dressing up and posing in front of Scottish-themed photo backdrops, the area was buzzing with energy!

The beloved tradition of the Tug O’ War between the Heavyweights and the kids had a surprising outcome. This year, the kids actually won, thanks to sheer numbers and enthusiasm. Another element that lures young participants is competing for $500 bursaries each for students in piping, drumming and dancing. No doubt we’ll see them perform in years to come!

The Games certainly delivered a warm, welcoming experience – and even the weather cooperated! Hope to see you next year?