The 19th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival, scheduled for June 10–14, 2025, is set to make history by hosting five age classes for the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation (CSAF) Women’s National Championships.
The CSAF has introduced distinct divisions for Youth (ages 13–16), Juniors (ages 17–19), Women (ages 20–39), and two Masters categories: Masters 40–59 and Masters 60+. The decision to debut these expanded championships in Moncton underscores the city’s pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and growth within the sport, particularly evident since hosting the Masters World Championships in 2022 and the inaugural Canadian Junior Championships in 2024.
“Participating in the Greater Moncton Highland Games has played a huge role in opening the door for heavy athletics for me,” says Patty Charlton, one of this year’s Masters competitors. Charlton, originally from Albert County and now living in Nova Scotia, was introduced to the sport through the Games’ Give ’er a Try event in 2023. “I was hooked and came back again to compete in the Women’s Open division the following summer. Since then, I’ve competed around the Maritimes and even travelled to Florida to compete in the Scottish Athletics Masters World Championships. I love that the Moncton Highland Games puts an emphasis on hosting women’s events. It’s inspiring to share the field with women of all ages.”
Rooted in tradition
In addition to the CSAF Championships, the main event day (Saturday, June 14) includes competitions in Highland Dancing, solo piping and drumming, pipe bands, and swordfighting. These are contested alongside displays of blacksmithing, fly casting, textile arts, and more.
“Many people might look at the list of activities and wonder how everything aligns, but it’s all rooted in tradition,” says Event Manager Jenna Morton. “Our 5K Tartan Run is a fundraiser, but stories of Scottish kings holding foot races to find the quickest messenger have been shared for centuries. Clan chieftains would hold feats of strength competitions to celebrate their best warriors. The music of the pipes and drums, as well as the songs and tunes shared on the stage, all blend ancient melodies with modern rhythms.”
The 19th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival runs June 10-14, 2025.
- June 10: Free community concert with Ivan & Vivian Hicks and the Sussex Avenue Fiddlers, Moncton’s Victoria Park, 7pm.
- June 11: Free community concert with Sons of Gael and the Dunnett Highland Dancers, Riverview Gazebo, 7pm.
- June 12: Free community concert with RCMP Pipes & Drums and Sara & James Nelson, Salisbury’s Highland Park, 7pm.
- June 13: Give it a Try heavy events clinic, (please email [email protected] if interested in participating; spectators welcome), Hal Betts Sportsplex, 6pm.
- June 14: Hal Betts Sportsplex (250 Assomption Blvd, Moncton), Gates open at 8am; most public demonstrations begin at 10am, Massed Bands (Closing Ceremonies) at approximately 5:30pm, followed by free concert in the Ceilidh Tent with Dram & A Draw and Morgan Toney.
For a detailed schedule and more information, visit monctonhighlandgames.com/schedule.