The competition, music, and weather all combined perfectly for the 76th Glengarry Highland Games, held Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 in Maxville.
Thousands of people gathered for the Friday Night Tattoo and mass band performances on Saturday. A total of 53 pipe bands from across Canada and the United States participated in the 2025 games, along with many solo bagpipers, highland dancers, and heavyweight athletes.
Music, dance, and heavyweight strength at the games were complemented by other activities and events such as fiddling, the 78th Fraser Highlanders Musket Review, the Clan Parade, and rugby tournament.
Guest of Honour Colin Patrick MacDonell of Glengarry, the 24th hereditary Chief of Glengarry, addressed the audience during the official ceremony on Saturday. The Scottish-born resident of Canada of 60 years is generally referred to as Glengarry by name with respect to his position as a clan chief.
Glengarry told the audience that he is proud to be a Canadian chief of a Highland clan. He referred to the first MacDonells United Empire Loyalist Highlanders who settled in Glengarry County in 1784 and were followed by the MacDonalds in 1786. Glengarry described the highland games as a shining example of immigrant roots flourishing on new soil.
“Across this field, I see a sea of tartan and families gathered,” he remarked.
Referring to the events of the Glengarry Highland Games, he said, “This is heritage in motion.”
World Champion Drum Major Emma Barr of the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band in Belfast, Northern Ireland also attended the 2025 Glengarry Highland Games. In addition to leading mass band performances, she also gave demonstrations to visitors.
Friday, August 1 at the Glengarry Highland Games. Photos: Philip Oddi
Saturday, August 2 at the Glengarry Highland Games. Photos: James Morgan
