About Us
The origins of the Cambridge Scottish Festival can be traced back to Duncan and Janet MacLachlan. Emigrating to Canada in 1954, the MacLachlans were active in the Region’s Scottish community. Duncan helped found the Highland Fusiliers Band, the Kitchener Legion Band and the Waterloo Regional Police Pipe Band, while Janet started Highland dance schools in London, Kitchener, Woodstock and Stratford.
In 1975 the MacLachlans founded the Cambridge Highland Games. In the nearly 50 years since then, the Games have become one of the premier summer events in the City of Cambridge and Region of Waterloo, bringing both colour and pageantry to the area. In 2016 the name was changed to the Cambridge Scottish Festival to reflect its gradual evolution to a week-end event with a wide range of activities and attractions.
The Highland dancers, the massed bands, the heavy events and of course the bagpipes and drums, continue to provide a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends celebrating not only Scottish culture and history, but also the very best Cambridge has to offer.
If you have any questions, you can reach us at: info@cambridgescottishfestival.ca.
Where Cambridge Meets the Highlands
Celebrating Scottish heritage, culture, and community in the heart of Cambridge.
2,450
Yearly AtTendees
16
team members
1975
year founded
About Us
FREE ONSITE PARKING
Cambridge Scottish Festival
Churchill Park
200 Christopher Drive
Cambridge, Ontario
Location & Directions
CLAN CHIEFTAIN
We are proud to welcome Randy Finlay as the honorary Clan Chieftain for this year’s Scottish Festival. A dedicated member of the Scottish cultural community, Randy serves as one of the executives for Clan Ferguson Canada and brings with him over 25 years of passionate involvement in Highland Games and Scottish Festivals across the country.
His longstanding commitment to celebrating and preserving our shared heritage makes him a fitting and inspiring figurehead for this year’s festivities. Randy’s deep-rooted connection to clan traditions and his enthusiasm for gathering with fellow Scots are sure to enrich our celebration.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Randy Finlay—our 2025 Clan Chieftain!
Please meet our current 2025 board:
BOARD DIRECTORS:
Laura McFarlane – President
Kirsty McColl – Vice President & Vendor Manager
Brittany McDougall – Treasurer & Secretary
Melanie MacKay – Sponsorship & Volunteer Manager
Vicky Baxandale – Media Manager
Taffy McLeod – Clans & VIP Manager
Duncaun McLeod – Site Admin, HDAO, PPBSO, Heavies & All things festival Manager
Board members
VISTING Cambridge Scottish Festival
Saturday July 18th at 9:00 AM
You bet! Each of our gates will be selling tickets day of. They can be purchased with cash, debit or credit.
A: ATMs can be found in the main entrance to the Duncaun MacIntosh Arena and inside the beer tent.
Outside food & drinks are permitted (no outside alcohol). We will also have food & drinks from lots of great vendors for purchase day of.
Unfortunately, camping is not available at this time. If you’re looking for accommodations there are many hotels nearby.
Pets are allowed at our festival. We know your furry loved ones will be on their best behaviour.
If you’re looking to purchase tickets for a group of 10 or more people, or for senior groups/disability groups, feel free to email us HERE and we can discuss our discounts available.
- There is disabled parking available (please show your pass to the parking attendants on arrival)
- Accessible washrooms available inside the Duncaun McIntosh Arena
- The event is on solid flat ground but grassy
