One of the foremost ways Scottish FIRE helps to preserve the Scottish fiddling tradition is by fostering and sanctioning Scottish fiddle competitions. As a non-profit organization since 1975, Scottish FIRE sets the rules and sanctions the many Scottish fiddling competitions held in the US, Canada, and other parts of North America.

Scottish FIRE Scottish Fiddling competitions are excellent opportunities to meet and play with fellow Scottish fiddlers; learn from judges who are recognized experts in the field through workshops and written, personalized competition comments; and a chance to perform in friendly, relaxed environments.

Competition News

Competition Rules

Below is the current version (revised 2020) of the competition rules. Competitors should also familiarize themselves with the rubric used to score competitors.

List of Competitions

This list shows Highland Games which typically host Scottish FIRE-sanctioned competitions.

Some competitions are not held annually. Please contact the specific Games to confirm whether and when a competition is being held.

Month typically held	Hosting Games
February	North East Florida Highland Games (FL)
April	Southern Maryland Highland Games (MD)
May	Colonial Highland Games at Fair Hill (MD)
May	Houston Highland Games (TX)
May	Alma Highland Festival and Games (MI)
May	Bethabara Highland Games in Winston-Salem, NC
June	Ohio Scottish Games (OH)
July	Skagit Valley Highland Games (WA)
July	Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (NC)
July	Portland Highland Games (OR)
July	Ligonier Highland Games (PA)
Aug	St. Andrews Highland Games (MI)
September	Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival (PA)
September	Virginia Highland Games (VA)
September	Charleston Highland Games and Highland Gathering
September	New Hampshire Highland Games (NH)
October	Richmond Highland Games (VA)
October	Seaside Highland games (CA)