Hawthorne officially opens the 26th Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games

Grand chieftain Duncan Hawthorne of the United Kingdom, former president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, welcomed everyone to the 26th Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Friday night, at Victoria Park.

“I thank Tony (Doherty) and the many volunteers for all they do to bring this event together,” said Hawthorne. “Notice the people in the green T-shirts. They’re the volunteers and we thank them all.

“I love doing this each year. The weather here is better than where I’m from.

“It’s interesting that this is the 26th year of the festival because that’s the same time Bruce Power began in this community, and we’ve worked well together ever since. Thanks to James Scongack and Bruce Power for continuing with this.

“As chieftain, I have very little to do except to welcome all of you into Clan Kincardine. I declare the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games officially open. Enjoy the weekend.”

The evening began with Christine John of Saugeen First Nation singing the Scottish and American national anthems, followed by the Canadian national anthem in Ojibway, French and English. Tracy Primeau then gave the land acknowledgement.

Festival president Tony Doherty welcomed the dignitaries to the stage to say a few words.

Steve Travale, representing Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb’s office, congratulated the festival committee on the 26th anniversary of this event.

“It’s great to see it continue, and if Ben were here, he would thank the organizers and the volunteers for their hard work and dedication toward this weekend.”

Doherty read written greetings from Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson who was unable to attend, congratulating the festival committee on the 26th anniversary.

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig brought greetings from the council and staff of the municipality.

“It’s fun to watch children grow up,” he said, “and we’ve watched this festival grow from an infant of an idea to this mature event. You’ve learned to walk, then run, and now to fly. We’re proud of your achievements.”

Parade marshall James Scongack of Bruce Power said there are many things to appreciate about this festival, including the fact that it's held the first weekend in July, usually after Canada Day.

“Considering what we’ve been through the past few months, we’re proud to be Canadian,” he said, “and we celebrate other cultures in this community.

“Bruce Power will continue to be here for the Kincardine Scottish Festival; we’re a large sponsor and get the big recognition, but there are many other supporters who also deserve recognition, including small businesses. We’re just doing our part for this community. Have a fantastic weekend!”

Andy McBride, MC of the event, said there are more than 200 volunteers working to put on this weekend, and more than 400 competitors who have come to enjoy the event along the beautiful shores of Loch Huron.



Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Friday night

The evening’s entertainment included Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost of Toronto; Ally the Piper of Schenectady, New York; UK Calling – 1980’s tribute band of the United Kingdom; and The Tartan Terrors.



Ally the Piper performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Friday night

The festival continued through Saturday and Sunday. Stay tuned for more coverage in the Kincardine Record.



UK Calling performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Friday night



The Tartan Terrors performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Friday night