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.