Competitions

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

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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.

Competition Rules
Judging Form & Rubric

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 heldHosting Games
FebruaryNorth East Florida Highland Games (FL)
AprilSouthern Maryland Highland Games (MD)
MayColonial Highland Games at Fair Hill (MD)
MayHouston Highland Games (TX)
MayAlma Highland Festival and Games (MI)
MayBethabara Highland Games in Winston-Salem, NC
JuneOhio Scottish Games (OH)
JulySkagit Valley Highland Games (WA)
JulyGrandfather Mountain Highland Games (NC)
JulyPortland Highland Games (OR)
JulyLigonier Highland Games (PA)
AugSt. Andrews Highland Games (MI)
SeptemberEdinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival (PA)
SeptemberVirginia Highland Games (VA)
SeptemberCharleston Highland Games and Highland Gathering
SeptemberNew Hampshire Highland Games (NH)
OctoberRichmond Highland Games (VA)
OctoberSeaside Highland games (CA)