Community First: Our 2025 Impact | Kincardine Scottish Festival
The Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games has always been about more than one weekend each summer. While our Festival celebrates Scottish heritage through music, athletics, dance, and community spirit, our roots run deep in Kincardine and the surrounding area — and that connection continues all year long.
In 2025, with the support of our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, the Festival was proud to give back in many different ways. Here’s a look at how we were able to support local organizations, families, and community initiatives throughout the year.
Remembering, Respecting & Supporting Youth
Honouring those who serve and have served remains an important value for our organization. In 2025, the Festival made a donation in support of Kincardine’s Remembrance Day commemorations, helping ensure this meaningful community event continues.
Youth involvement and development were also key areas of focus:
- Scouts Canada were generous partners this year, allowing the Festival to take place in their outdoor park. In return, Scouts operated their own hot dog and refreshment stand during the Festival, raising funds for their programs while being part of the event itself — a great example of community working together.
- The Festival provided sponsorship support to the local Air Cadets, contributing to programs that build leadership, skills, and confidence among young people.
- We were pleased to donate a new tuba case to a local community school, replacing a much-needed item and helping students continue their involvement in music education.
Supporting Families, Health & Community Well-Being
Looking after one another is at the heart of a strong community. Throughout 2025, the Festival supported initiatives that promote well-being, inclusion, and connection:
- Members of the Festival executive team took part in McHappy Day, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities and helping families with sick children from our region.
- We sponsored a free community skate at the Davidson Centre, helping provide an accessible, family-friendly activity for residents.
- The Festival supported the Dad’s Group, recognizing the importance of safe, welcoming spaces that encourage connection and mental well-being.
- A donation was made to Canadian Tire Jumpstart, helping ensure local children and youth can participate in sport and recreation regardless of financial circumstances.
Helping Local Fundraisers & Community Causes
The Festival was also pleased to contribute to several local fundraising efforts throughout the year:
- A prize was donated to an Aintree Trailer Park fundraiser, supporting their community-led initiative.
- We made a donation to the Bulldogs Golf Tournament, helping support local sport and recreation.
- At the Festival itself, we partnered with the Kincardine Food Bank by providing on-site donation boxes and promoting food bank support across our social channels, encouraging festival-goers to give back while celebrating together.
A Festival Built by Community
Everything the Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games does — on and off the Festival grounds — is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters. The community support we were able to provide in 2025 reflects our belief that the Festival is not just an annual event, but a year-round contributor to the place we are proud to call home.
As we look ahead to future Festivals, we remain committed to strengthening community connections, supporting local organizations, and continuing to give back wherever we can.
Thank you for being part of it all.
The Kincardine Scottish Festival & Highland Games is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating heritage while supporting our local community.
