“But give me the land of the heather and the kilt, the mountain and the river,
For the blood leaps in my veins when I hear the bagpipe's strains
Scotland, dear old Scotland forever!”
The pipes will be skirling and the clans gathering as the South Carolina State Museum presents Tartan Fest, its annual celebration of Scottish heritage, on Saturday, April 5. The theme “Scotland the Strong” will be highlighted throughout the day with new programs on Scottish weaponry, castles, bagpipes, falconry and heavy athletics. The lure of the tartan will be explored with a Scottish fashion show, and guests will enjoy the always popular Scottish music and Highland and country dancing.
Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with special opening ceremonies on the Museum’s front lawn, including a parade of tartans and clan banners and the national anthems of Scotland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Renowned Scottish balladeer Colin-Grant Adams brings his spirited vocals, intricate guitar accompaniment and irrepressible humor to a captivating repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. Columbia’s own Palmetto Pipes and Drums also will perform stirring marches and Scottish anthems. Scottish country dancing and Highland dancing will be well represented by award-winning area dancers.
L
exington resident Burt Sorin, winner of the 2007 World Amateur Championship in Scottish Games athletics, will give real meaning to the phrase “Scotland the Strong” with a demonstration of the heavy athletics that are so much a part of Highland Games.
Guests also will have many opportunities to learn about Scotland’s rich history. Jack Dunlap will speak on Scottish weaponry, William P. “Billy” DuBose III will acquaint guests with the history of the bagpipes, and Dr. Jim Gordon of Winged Ambassadors will talk and give demonstrations of Scottish falconry.
During the day, wee laddies and lassies can make Celtic crafts in the Discovery Center and participate in the museum’s Scottish scavenger hunt to learn how the Scots impacted South Carolina.
Kilts, tartan plaids, sporrans, Glengarry hats, trews and Sgian Dubhs—even Scottish wedding attire—will be on display at the Celtic fashion show. Guests can interact with different Scottish clans, who will display information about Scottish heritage and showcase tartans: various patterned plaid textiles that distinguish certain families or clans. For those interested in a Scottish souvenir, vendors on the mezzanine will sell their wares, from classic kilts to Celtic jewelry and other unique items.
Tartan Fest is free with regular Museum admission or membership. For more information, call (803) 898-4952 or see the Museum’s Web site at www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.
Billy DuBose will discuss the history of the bagpipes, and give a demonstration, as one of many other demonstrations of music, dancing, games, Scottish fashions and more at the annual Tartan Fest celebration of Scottish heritage Saturday, April 5 at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. The event is free with regular Museum admission or membership.
Photo courtesy S.C. State Museum