Written By David Gomez
AILSA CRAIG – The sound of bagpipes, the clash of competition, and the hum of community filled the air on Saturday, July 26, as the Ailsa Craig Highland Games returned for their second year. The festival, held at the Ailsa Craig Recreation Centre, drew residents and visitors alike for a day celebrating Scottish heritage with music, sport, and tradition.
From the morning’s Community Breakfast to the evening concert, the grounds were alive with activity. The Mainstreet Stage hosted local talent, including acoustic performances that provided a warm soundtrack between events. Meanwhile, the athletic field became the heart of the action. Competitors in kilts tested their strength and precision in traditional events such as the sheaf toss, hammer throw, and the caber toss – a dramatic display in which athletes balance and flip a massive wooden pole.
The tug-of-war matches drew large crowds, pitting teams against one another in contests of raw strength and teamwork. The sight of teams straining against the rope – boots digging into the grass – had spectators cheering loudly from the sidelines.
A piper led teams onto the field, underscoring the event’s connection to Scottish tradition. Between competitions, attendees wandered through displays and demonstrations, embracing both the competitive and cultural aspects of the day.
The Ailsa Craig Highland Games, revived in 2024 as part of the village’s 150th anniversary, has quickly become a midsummer highlight. With its blend of sport, music, and community spirit, the festival offers a vivid reminder of the area’s Scottish roots – and a reason for the community to gather, celebrate, and cheer together.
