Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association

About us

Our History

Established 1947

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association, a self-supporting non-profit (c)(3) group, was formed in 1947 by a local group of prominent Scots. The Association provided this group of fellow Scots a means of keeping their ethnic origin alive as well as stimulating an interest in Scottish Highland Games through Scottish dancing, piping, drumming and athletic competition. Listed among the first patrons were Emil Sick, Governor Arthur Langlie, Mayor William Devine and John L. Scott.

The first “Seattle Scottish Highland Games” were held in the West Seattle Stadium. Since that time the Highland Games have become a true Pacific Northwest event, thus the name change in 1980 to the “Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering.” Our other sites have included Bothell, Burien, Everett, Fort Lewis, Kirkland, Renton, the Seattle Center, and now the Expo Center (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) in Enumclaw.

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association is dedicated to the perpetuation of the Scottish arts, their traditions & customs to inspire new generations to take part in their stories. Bringing Scotland to the Pacific Northwest for over 70 years through the skirl of the Pipes and Drums, the beauty of Highland Dancing, the brawn of Scottish athletics, and the sharing of clan history. The Association provides venues that explore connections to your Scottish ancestry.

Our Mission

  • To unite fraternally for mutual benefit and protection, improvement, and association, loyal individuals of good moral and ethical character, for the purpose of furthering Scottish heritage and culture;
  • To establish and encourage a high standard of skill for piping, dancing, drumming, and Scottish athletic events;
  • To co-operate with other groups, associations, and agencies with similar interests;
  • To stimulate interest in activities which will benefit Scottish Highland Games;
  • To generally assist in educating the public to the activities of Highland Games and The Association;
  • To do any and all things financially or otherwise to carry out the aims and purposes of this Association.

We Love Our Volunteers

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association, a self-supporting non-profit (c)(3) group, was formed in 1947 by a local group of prominent Scots. The Association provided this group of fellow Scots a means of keeping their ethnic origin alive as well as stimulating an interest in Scottish Highland Games through Scottish dancing, piping, drumming and athletic competition. Listed among the first patrons were Emil Sick, Governor Arthur Langlie, Mayor William Devine and John L. Scott.

The first “Seattle Scottish Highland Games” were held in the West Seattle Stadium. Since that time the Highland Games have become a true Pacific Northwest event, thus the name change in 1980 to the “Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering.” Our other sites have included Bothell, Burien, Everett, Fort Lewis, Kirkland, Renton, the Seattle Center, and now the Expo Center (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) in Enumclaw.

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association is dedicated to the perpetuation of the Scottish arts, their traditions & customs to inspire new generations to take part in their stories. Bringing Scotland to the Pacific Northwest for over 70 years through the skirl of the Pipes and Drums, the beauty of Highland Dancing, the brawn of Scottish athletics, and the sharing of clan history. The Association provides venues that explore connections to your Scottish ancestry.

Volunteer for the 2024 Games!

We're a 501 (c)(3) Organization = Tax Deductible Donations!

As a 501 (c)(3) individuals, groups, company employee matching gift programs, and corporate grants and sponsorship may consider donations made to SSHGA tax exempt under IRC Section 170. SSHGA is also qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, and/or transfers of gifts under Section 2005, 2106, or 2511. TIN #91-6013450

The first “Seattle Scottish Highland Games” were held in the West Seattle Stadium. Since that time the Highland Games have become a true Pacific Northwest event, thus the name change in 1980 to the “Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering.” Our other sites have included Bothell, Burien, Everett, Fort Lewis, Kirkland, Renton, the Seattle Center, and now the Expo Center (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) in Enumclaw.

The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association is dedicated to the perpetuation of the Scottish arts, their traditions & customs to inspire new generations to take part in their stories. Bringing Scotland to the Pacific Northwest for over 70 years through the skirl of the Pipes and Drums, the beauty of Highland Dancing, the brawn of Scottish athletics, and the sharing of clan history. The Association provides venues that explore connections to your Scottish ancestry.