Photo by: Michael Seinberg
Since 1939, the Capital Region of New York has been proudly hosting the always-exciting Scottish Games. From its earliest days, the event has been rooted in the proud traditions of Scottish culture. Athletic contests and musical competitions have always stood at its core, showcasing feats of strength and the stirring sounds of the pipes and drums. As the region has grown and evolved, the Scottish Games have evolved with us, creating a wonderful, inviting, and delightfully unique experience for all to enjoy.
The first Capital District Scottish Games were organized by Clan Macrae, a Highland Scottish Clan in 1939. The event was held in Scotia, New York, a village located just outside of Schenectady. The village was selected as the base for the games because of its heavy Scottish influence, being founded by Scottish immigrant Alexander Lindsay Glen. The Clan’s sponsorship of the games lasted until the late 1960s, where the event was put on pause for 12 years, remerging in 1978 with a new sponsor.
This new sponsor is none other than the Schenectady Pipe Band, a New York State non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a public appreciation for the playing of pipes and drums through performances, competitions, and teachings. The band has continued its support of the games through 2025, organizing them every year at the Altamont Fairgrounds on Labor Day Weekend. In 1978, the band had just $25 in the collective checking account, far below the $14,000 they set as their budget to bring back the event. However, they were able to raise over $7,000 before the event even took place, and had over double the expected attendance, smashing their budget and reigniting the flame of the Scottish Games.
As a city, Albany has major Scottish roots. Alba is a Gaelic term used to refer to Scotland, which is where the name “Albany” comes from. The Duke of Albany was a Scottish title given since 1398, generally to a younger son of the King of Scots. In 1664, King Charles II granted the region that would become what we know to be Upstate New York to his brother, James, who bore the title of “Duke of Albany,” hence the city’s name.
In modern day, people from across the region, from all different backgrounds gather at the Altamont Fair Grounds in Altamont, New York every Labor Day weekend to enjoy a truly unique cultural experience. From live music, athletics competitions, and great vendors with Scottish cuisine and memorabilia, the games have something for everyone.
The athletics are competitions between preregistered, high performance athletes who participate in field events pertaining to throwing ability and physical strength. Events include hammer, stone, sheaf, and weight throwing. Additionally, there are Highland dancing competitions, which date back to the 11th century. These dances require a blend of athletic and artistic prowess like no other.
There are dozens of pipe bands competing at the event, performing in front of judges who will grade them on 3 different scales. 50% of the score is based on the quality of the piping, 25% is based on the quality of the drumming, and the final 25% is based on the ensemble. The goal of these contests is to have a distinct, clean, and harmonic sound from start to finish. This tradition is a staple of the games, with a dozen or so bands being present in the event’s early years, with over 50 at the event in the 21st century. There are stage bands as well, performing both traditional and unique Scottish-influenced songs. While they aren’t at the games to compete, these talented artists are a staple of the games, truly making the event shine. These bands range in genre with parts of jazz, swing, rock, and more. However all bands do take heavy inspiration from Scottish music and traditions.
Photo by: Michael Seinberg
Parents, bring your wee lads and lassies to the children’s events and visit the many different events and demonstrations held throughout the day. The children’s events are included with your entry to the event, and include pony rides, a petting zoo, sack races, a ring toss, a parade, and more.
A wide variety of Scottish import vendors are present at the events every year, with items ranging from food, to spirits, to authentic Scottish clothing, and other pieces of memorabilia that are sure to spice up your wardrobes, homes, and lives. With the diverse selection available at these vendors, there truly is something for everyone!
Join us in delving into the wonderful history and traditions of the Scottish people this Labor Day weekend on August 30th, 2025 at the Altamont Fairgrounds, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
