PRESENTED BY LYON COLLEGE and Experience independence
Every year Arkansas’ oldest city, Batesville, plays host to one of America’s most popular Scottish festivals.
Pipers, drummers, dancers, athletes, Scottish clans, and vendors travel from all corners of the country to attend the event.
Special Events Ticket Sales • Patron Registration • Clan Registration • Vendor Registration • advertising become a sponsor

Ranked #7 of “the top 100 things to do in arkansas” by AY magazine.
Lyon College, located in Batesville, hosts the Arkansas Scottish Festival, one of the premier Scottish festivals in the United States. Established in 1979 as the Highland Games, the festival is emblematic of the College, its Scottish heritage, and its Presbyterian connection. Over the years, the festival has grown from a small Scottish fair to one of the top venues in the South Central United States for pipers, bands, dancers, and athletes.
Join us for a weekend full of piping competitions, delicious food, and unique handmade crafts. Gates open 8 a.m Saturday morning and opening ceremonies will begin at 12 p.m. with a parade of massed bands and clans.
Featured events
Entertainment tent
$50 Adults, Children $5, View Only $5•
South side of Brown Fine Arts Building
Glasgow Chip Shop Menu
Fresh Fried ‘Chips‘
Batter Fried Fish
Batter Fried Burgers
BBQ
Hot Dogs
Brews
Cocktail Hour, Feast, Ceilidh, and Dancing
$75 • Tables $550
Garner Recreation Center, Becknell Gym
Cocktail Hour
Cheese Board with Buttery Crisps
Smoked Ham Endive Pickups
Stuffed Meatballs
Scotch Eggs
Dinner Ceilidh Menu
‘Kale’-y Salad with Buttermilk Dressing, Rolls, and Butter
Choice of Entrée: Ale Braised Steak Pie with Red Wine Glaze, Or, Dill and Butter Atlantic Salmon
Rumbledethumps
Roasted Tartan Veggies
Trifle
Presenting Sponsors
thank you to our 2025 sponsors
Festival Title Sponsor
Feast & Ceilidh Presenting Sponsor
Entertainment Zone Tent Presenting Sponsor
Highland Games Presenting Sponsor
Highland Dancing Presenting Sponsor
Sheep Dog Demo Sponsor
Director's Reception Presenting Sponsor
VIP Hospitality Tent Presenting Sponsor
Lil' Highlanders Fun Zone Presenting Sponsor
Dog Show Presenting Sponsor
Sustaining Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Friends of the Festival Ad Sponsor
Tartan Society Ad Sponsor
Alumni Awards Banquet Sponsor
Alumni Awards Banquet Entertainment Sponsor
Alumni Social Sponsor
Club 50 Sponsor
Black Student Association Alumni/Student Reunion