Early Seattle Scottish Highland Games logo
Recently, BCPA received from the family of the late Chester MacNeill of Portland many old souvenir programmes of highland games in the Pacific Northwest.
The earliest programme was from the Vancouver St. Andrew & Caledonian Society’s 1926 Caledonian Games, held at Hastings Park (currently the site of the Pacific National Exhibition in northeast Vancouver).
In the leadup to the 71st Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw on July 29 & 30, 2017, BCPA would like to feature what the early Seattle Scottish Highland Games were like.
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The Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association Inc held its 2nd “International Highland Games” on August 14, 1948 at the West Seattle Stadium, which is still used for local sporting events.
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/west-seattle-stadium
A link to the souvenir programme is here:
1948 Seattle Scottish Highland Games Souvenir Programme
That year was the first “Pacific Coast International Championship” circuit (involving Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle) and championship trophies for piping and highland dancing were presented at a Tartan Ball that night.
Ironically, the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw are the final Games on the BCPA Grand Aggregate circuit and the Grand Aggregate Award winners are announced on Sunday at the end of the Games.
Finally, a review of the lists of competitors, donors, patrons, officers, and judges shows the cross-border fraternity and support that continues to this day.
The BC Pipers’ Association and the Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association look forward to hearing your memories of past highland games in Seattle.
