FERGUS – Ashley MacIsaac will perform at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games as the Friday night musical guest.
“Visitors to the 74th annual Fergus Festival and Highland Games will be treated to a truly authentic Scottish Festival with a modern twist,” organizers state.
It begins with the formal Tattoo’d in Tradition ceremony hosted by Scottish musician, actor and educator Gillebrìde MacMillan.
MacMillan is an award-winning Scottish Gaelic singer, educator and author. His warmth and humour as well as his knowledge of all things Scottish have made him a fan favourite in Fergus. It does not hurt that he has a second career as an actor.
He appeared as Gwyllyn the Bard in the STARZ television series, Outlander.
Visitors will be carried away by the skirl of the pipes, the swirl of the kilts, the precision marching, all to the rapid fire of the snare drum and the hypnotic beat of the bass drum.
The tattoo kicks off three days of festivities celebrating the four pillars of the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games: the heavy athletics (including caber toss, hammer throw and weight throw), pipes and drums, highland dance and clans.
Massed bands
“The massed bands are indeed Scotland Without the Airfare,” said entertainment chair Katie Sinclair.
The pipes, pomp and pageantry of the tattoo will be followed by a fireworks display.
“The Friday night tattoo will touch all of your senses. It makes everyone Scottish – even if it is just for a night,” she said.
After this, MacIsaac will cap the night off with a performance under the stars. With his most recent album, Fdler, he brings traditional Celtic fiddle music into the 21st century, adding a modern flair.
MacIsaac earned his chops at an early age, taught by some of the legendary greats of his native stomping ground, Cape Breton. He moved on to headline all over the island in halls, clubs, barns and kitchens. His breakthrough album, Hi How Are You, was released in the mid 90’s and the accolades and awards rolled in. With the touring, the interviews and the appearances the persona took shape and the legend took hold.
Founded in 1946, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in Fergus.
It holds the title of the oldest three-day Scottish festival in North America and has attracted over 30,000 visitors.
The festival takes place from Aug. 9 to 11 this year.
Festival organizers say they still have more guests to announce.
Up-to-the-minute information on guests can be found by “liking” the Fergus Scottish Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, by subscribing to the e-newsletter, and by checking www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
