Above: Lyon College Pipe Major and Director of Scottish Heritage Jimmy Bell signals the opening of ScotsFest, the largest annual festival in Independence County, which is set for Oct. 17-19 on the Lyon College campus in Batesville. Image provided by Lyon College
The sound of bagpipes, the thrill of Highland games, and the spirit of homecoming will fill the Lyon College campus Oct. 17-19, as ScotsFest returns for a weekend celebrating Scottish heritage, college tradition, and community pride.
ScotsFest, the largest annual festival in Independence County, draws a wide audience — from those with Scottish roots to others simply looking to enjoy a weekend of music, food, and community.
Rooted in Lyon College’s heritage, ScotsFest honors the Scottish traditions that have been integral to the college’s identity since its founding in 1872. The college was established by Presbyterian ministers, whose Scottish ancestry inspired a deep connection to Scotland’s culture and values. This legacy is celebrated each year through the Arkansas Scottish Festival, now known as ScotsFest, which has grown into one of the most significant celebrations of Scottish culture in the Southern United States.
“Lyon College is proud to be part of Arkansas’ cultural heritage, and the Arkansas Scottish Festival is one of the ways we celebrate and share those deep-rooted traditions,” said Gina Garrett, interim vice president for advancement. “From music and dance to the strong sense of community it brings, the festival highlights the lasting connection between the college and the region we call home.”
What began in 1979 as a modest event on the college’s intramural field has evolved into one of Arkansas’s preeminent cultural celebrations. This year’s festivities are expected to draw more than 6,000 attendees and bring a significant economic impact to Batesville and Independence County.
“ScotsFest creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy great food, music, and dancing,” said Cindy Barber, executive director of alumni relations. “It’s a chance to experience Scottish culture while celebrating longstanding homecoming traditions. We’re excited to welcome everyone — alumni, friends, vendors, and Scottish enthusiasts — to our beautiful Lyon College campus.”
The weekend’s events begin Friday with open Lyon College classes, vendor booths, Scottish clan gatherings, a Scottish Heritage Program director’s reception, and a free rocket-building workshop. The day concludes with the annual alumni awards celebration on campus and an all-alumni social at Polk & Paddle in downtown Batesville.
Saturday’s schedule features classic ScotsFest traditions, including Highland heavy athletics, living history presentations by MacLachlan’s Jacobite Highlanders and Colonel Munro’s 37th Regiment of Foot, Scottish dancing, sheepdog demonstrations, pipe band performances, a British car show, and a dog show. A new petting zoo will offer fun for all ages.
Visitors can explore their Scottish ancestry in the clan village, where more than 20 Scottish clans will share displays and stories about their unique histories and traditions. Guests can connect with clan representatives and learn more about the deep roots that tie many to Scotland’s past.
Homecoming events throughout the weekend will include reunions for student organizations and athletic teams, tailgating, and a pep rally. The weekend peaks with the homecoming football game at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, as the Scots take on Centenary College in Lyon College’s brand-new Bad Boy Mowers Stadium.
Entertainment throughout the weekend will include performances by internationally known Celtic rock bands Mudmen and Barleyjuice, Celtic singer Misty Posey, bagpipe entertainer Patrick Regan, and the award-winning Central High School Kiltie Drum and Bugle Corps of Springfield, Missouri.
Mudmen – Image via Mudmen.ca
Making their ScotsFest debut, Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen are known for their high-energy performances and unique stage presence. Originally discovered as the Campbell Brothers, the band signed with EMI Records in the late 1990s and adopted the name Mudmen. Since then, they have performed more than 3,000 shows in eight countries and released 11 studio albums. Their music has been featured in Xbox and PlayStation video games, on NBC’s “The Black Donnellys,” HBO’s “Shameless,” and CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada.”
Barleyjuice, returning to the festival this year, is a Celtic rock band from Philadelphia formed in 1998 by pipers Kyf Brewer and Keith Swanson. Originally a side project, the band grew into a full-time endeavor and has released seven albums. Their songs, such as “Weekend Irish,” “Get Your Irish On,” and “Nancy Whiskey,” blend traditional Irish and Scottish styles with a pop-rock flair and have reached worldwide audiences through films, television, and streaming platforms.
Posey, a high soprano singer-songwriter, draws inspiration from nature, fantasy films, and bygone eras. Known for her “fairy-like” and “angelic” voice, she blends Celtic, classical, and contemporary styles. Her debut album, released in 2018, features signature songs such as “When the Wind Blows” and “Come Along to the Enchanted Forest.” Nicknamed “Opera Girl,” she has since performed at Celtic festivals around the country and has been dubbed “Texas’ Celtic Woman.”
The Central High School Kiltie Drum and Bugle Corps, an all-female Scottish-themed ensemble based in Springfield, was founded in 1926 by R. Ritchie Robertson. The Kilties are the oldest all-female, uniformed Scottish drum and bugle corps in the United States. They are known for their spirited performances at parades, sporting events, and memorial services. They will mark their 100th anniversary during the 2025-26 school year.
“This year, we’re welcoming several fine pipe bands from around the country, and the opening ceremonies will feature cherished favorites like ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Scotland the Brave,’” said Jimmy Bell, director of the Scottish Heritage Program at Lyon College. “ScotsFest is a wonderful celebration that brings the spirit of Scottish culture alive here in Batesville, and it’s always a joy to see folks of all ages come together and enjoy it.”
No Scottish festival would be complete without authentic cuisine, and ScotsFest 2025 is no exception. Attendees can enjoy traditional foods such as savory meat pies, flaky pastries, and other dishes that honor Scotland’s culinary heritage.
The festival concludes Sunday with a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service and the annual Club 50 luncheon, closing out a weekend rich in cultural celebration and college spirit.
“This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of our best yet,” said Kenton Adler, director of development for Scottish Heritage at Lyon College and host of the Celtic Crossroads podcast. “We’ll have all the traditions folks love. It’s a celebration for the whole community.”
General admission to ScotsFest is free. Some alumni and festival activities — including the Friday evening alumni awards banquet, the Saturday evening cèilidh feast, and the entertainment zone — are ticketed special events.
Proceeds from ScotsFest 2025 will support the Scottish Heritage Program at Lyon College and fund scholarships for students.
“We welcome everyone to join in celebrating our Scottish roots and Lyon College’s strong community connections,” said Pam Palermo, senior director of conferences and events and festival director.
For the full schedule and more information, visit arscottishfest.com.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
