Over the years, many uniquely Scottish events have evolved and become regular features at Games and Festivals across North America. Some involve actual competitions while others offer a variety style show with an in-house audience.
Sheep Dog Trials. Sheep Dog Trials are really a competition examining a dog's working ability as each dog works sheep or other livestock in a prescribed course. The dogs must be controlled only by the whistle tones from its master. The winner is the dog with the best time in in successfully driving the sheep through the course.
Scottish/Celtic Canine and Feline Breeds. These dog and cat shows feature competitions between Scottish/Celtic breeds, not just the commonly seen border collies. Some of the canine competitions feature exhibitions where dogs are competing in AKC sanctioned events.
Scottish Animals. Some functions make arrangements with nearby ranchers and farmers to bring Scottish breed livestock for exhibition. This includes cattle (the Scottish Highland Steer or Red Angus, the Belted Galloway), horses (the Clydesdales) and sheep (Jacobs Sheep). Often, these animals are part of a petting zoo for children.
Spinning and Weaving. Many of the larger functions now feature a spinning and weaving demonstration where wool is turned into yarn and then woven into cloth. Often, a lecture is given to the audience as part of the demonstration.
Ceilidh. The Ceilidh is a variety show that features examples of traditional music and dance. Typically, it features folk music, pipe music, fiddling, country dancing and highland dancing. Some are structured and feature professional entertainers. There is usually a supplementary charge for admission to this event.
Tattoo. The Tattoo is very similar to the Ceilidh except that the performers are typically part of a military regiment. In addition to the music and dancing, athletic ability and endurance are featured. There is usually a supplementary charge for admission to this event.
Story Telling. Story Telling is a relatively new activity for most events. Story tellers relay the almost-lost oral history of the Celtic lands and its peoples. Typically, this activity is associated with an entertainment program for children.
Tartan Ball. The Tartan Ball is a formal event where formal Highland Dress is often required. Scottish Country Dancing is featured to the accompaniment of live Scottish music.
Whisky Tasting. Whisky Tasting is just as the name implies - adult patrons are able to sample different Scotch Whiskys. This often includes both the single malts and the more common blends. There may be a supplementary charge for participation in this event.
Celtic Art. Some events provide space to Celtic artists to show their work. This can include items paintings, photography, jewelry, and sculpture. Often, these works are for sale.
Living History. The Living History exhibition is a re-enactment of life from a specific period of Celtic history. The group builds an encampment based on available materials for the specified period and demonstrates this lifestyle to the event visitor. Re-enactment ranges from a simple camp through orchestrated maneuvers.
Tossing The Wellie. According to non-verifiable tradition, this competition arose as the result of men coming home tracking mud into the house. In retaliation, women threw boots at the men. The modern competition is one for distance where a "Wellington" (boot) is thrown.
The Haggis Hurl. Another non-verifiable tradition is associated with the haggis hurl. This tradition tells of women tossing lunch (a haggis) across a stream to their husbands. In the modern version, a "haggis" (a soft two pound bag that may, or may not, be real) is tossed for distance and accuracy from atop a barrel or platform. At some festivals, this typically women only event features competitions between teams from the various clans and families.
Bonnie Knees Contest. Judges, typically female and blindfolded at some events, are asked to rate the portion of the male leg that is exposed between the hose and the bottom edge of the kilt. Some functions have specialized awards for "Boniest" and "Most Dimpled" knees.