SALADO, TX — The Salado Museum and College Park announced the cancellation of the 2020 Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games, scheduled for November 13-15, due to considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Museum Board of Directors met July 25 to consider input from the Scottish Gathering Committee and made the decision that it would not be possible to host the event this year.
“This is the first time the Scottish Gathering has been canceled in our 59-year history. But in the current climate of COVID-19, we realize there is no feasible way to put proper precautions in place while maintaining the environment our participants know and love,” says Dave Swarthout, museum executive director. “The safest and most responsible decision we could make for all involved is to take a hiatus for 2020. But our community and the countless volunteers who make this event happen are resilient and we will be back next year stronger than ever.”
The Salado Museum will celebrate the 60th Scottish Gathering and Highland Games on November 12-14, 2021, making it the oldest Scottish festival in Texas. “We are very excited to announce that the 60th Gathering will be held in a new location next year with added features and improvements thanks to our newest sponsor, Johnny’s Outback,” says Swarthout.
The 60th Scottish Gathering will include all things Scottish--bagpipe bands, Scottish athletics, Highland dancing, Celtic music, men in kilts, the largest gathering of Scottish Clans in Texas--and much more at Johnny’s Outback, 301 Thomas Arnold Drive, in Salado.
“The Scottish Gathering is the main fundraising event for the museum each year. The financial loss from the cancellation this year will be a major challenge for us. We welcome donations of any amount to help us to stay on target for next year’s event,” Swarthout adds.
