July 8, 2026
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The Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games wrapped up Sunday with the Kirkin' of the Tartan service at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, in the morning, and an afternoon of children's activities and a concert in the park.
At the church, members of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band played several tunes on the lawn, prior to the service, before marching into the sanctuary. Pipers Leslie Ray and Jennifer Farrell then piped in Rev. Dan West and the flag-bearers, Stuart Killin and Eric Howald.
Pipers Leslie Ray and Jennifer Farrell and members of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band lead the tartan-bearers to the front of Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, for the Kirkin' of the Tartan service; video by Liz Dadson
The national anthem was sung, followed by the church service.
West blessed the pipe band, and Ray piped in the tartans, with Tartan Marshall Barb Ross, and several tartans were blessed.
Tartans presented, included:
Municipality of Kincardine Tartan - mayor Kenneth Craig
McLeod Tartan - Diane McLeod
MacKenzie Tartan - Bev Harris
Ross Tartan - Robert Ross
Royal Stewart Tartan - Steve Phillips
Robertson Tartan - Marlene Reid
Robertson Tartan - Terry Reid
MacLeod Tartan - Hannah MacLeod
The tartan-bearers were piped out and the pipe band, choir and congregation joined in singing “Highland Cathedral,” followed by the recessional.
A group of young pipers and drummers, led by David Hamilton, also played at Kincardine United Church. The mini-pipe-band featured Nolan King, Laylah King, Parker Bosman, Aaron Urie, Brandon Fitzgerald and Trenton Catto.
To view the video of this group, click here.
Meanwhile, in Victoria Park, there were a variety of children's activities, a great line-up of music, and the closing ceremonies.
Highlighting the concert, was Hotel California - The Eagles Tribute Band - which drew a great crowd, singing and dancing to many wonderfully-familiar tunes. Also performing, were Schiehallion, the Glengarry Bhoys, and Tanglefoot.
Hotel California - The Eagles Tribute Band - performs for a great crowd at the Kincardine Scottish Festival; videos by David Dadson
Tanglefoot performs at the Kincardine Scottish Festival
Among the afternoon activities, were ice-less curling, a petting zoo, a bouncy castle and other children’s games.
During the closing ceremonies, festival president Tony Doherty thanked everyone for attending the event, as well as the organizers and volunteers, and the performers, musicians, and artisans who graced the stage.
Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig said he couldn't be prouder of the festival and the organizers of it.
Grand chieftain Duncan Hawthorne said that only in Kincardine could you close an event before it's over. "This next session is the start of the next festival!" He then officially closed the 27th Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Coverage of the heavy events, still to come, on the Kincardine Record.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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