A Cèilidh in its basic form is a social gathering in Scotland or Ireland. The original Cèilidh involved dancing, storytelling, etc., however the modern Cèilidh can host a variety of entertainment activities.
The Scotland County Highland Games Cèilidh Tent features the very best in traditional Scottish music and song and offers intimate opportunities to hear and learn about the traditions of the sometimes less well-known Scottish musical traditions of the Fiddle, the Harp (Scottish clarsach), and the Gaelic Language. Come learn about the language of the Scottish Highlands (as well as the language used by Scots here in North Carolina!) Failte (y’all come)!
SYR
We are happy to welcome for the first time at the Scotland County Highland Games the Columbia, SC based Celtic band SYR.
Syr (pronounced “sire”) has just released its fourth album, Ruin, delivering the band’s signature blend of traditional Celtic music, folk and rock, encompassing a broad musical landscape. From cinematic arrangements to melodic and intimate ballads, Ruin explores themes of invasion, survival, and resilience that continue to resonate today.
The band is an audience favorite at festivals and venues across the United States, recently bringing its unique sound to Ireland, with performances ranging from Dublin to Galway. Their international fanbase continues to grow through streaming platforms like Spotify, where they have over 12 million streams.
With Ruin, Syr continues to bring a contemporary perspective to Celtic music while drawing on the traditions, history, and stories that have shaped it.
GLENCOE
From the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina comes a new American Scottish supergroup: GLENCOE. Adopting the name of both a historic village in Scotland and an early settlement near Asheville (now part of Pisgah National Forest), Glencoe honors the Scottish connection with the group’s mountain home.
Piper ROSALIND BUDA plays the Scottish smallpipes, Border pipes, whistle, and the mighty Great Highland Bagpipes with the same power and authority with which she performs in her other life as a master classical bassoonist.
Four-time National Scottish Harp Champion SUE RICHARDS has won multiple Wammie Awards, including Album of the Year, from the Washington Area Music Association for her solo recordings, and a Grammy nomination as a member of Ensemble Galilei.
Guitarist/citternist ROBIN BULLOCK, a longtime touring sideman with Grammy-winning folk legends Tom Paxton and Janis Ian, is a recipient of the Association for Independent Music’s Indie Award with the trio Helicon. All three are also prolific composers, creating new music that blends seamlessly into Scottish tradition.
From the first note they strike, Glencoe makes clear their mastery of Scottish tradition and their sheer joy at bringing it to life together. A Glencoe performance is an irresistible and unforgettable experience for all lovers of Celtic music.
Click Schedule of Events to view event times.
