North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games

08/21/2026

Our local friends are hurting right now.

Back Forty has been a friend and a guiding hand as we’ve navigated the local beer scene, and we’re incredibly grateful for the people who have helped shape Alabama’s craft beer community.

Jason Wilson was one of those people. He paved the way for craft beer and helped push the industry forward in Alabama. His impact reaches far beyond a brewery—it lives on in the people, businesses, and community he helped build.

Jason Wilson,

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again,
And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Raise a glass to a man who helped change Alabama beer. 🍻

Wilson founded the brewery and later served as a Gadsden city councilman.

08/14/2026

🥔Have You Tried Scottish Tattie Scones?🥔

If you know Scottish food, you know that **tattie scones** are a breakfast classic!

Made with mashed potatoes, flour, butter, and a little salt, these golden, crispy-on-the-outside scones are a staple of a traditional Scottish breakfast. They’re perfect alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, or simply enjoyed with a little butter.

And despite the name, **they’re not really a scone like you might expect!** Tattie scones are more like a delicious potato flatbread—simple, hearty, and unmistakably Scottish. 🥔

Whether you're discovering them for the first time or they remind you of home, tattie scones are one more taste of Scotland worth celebrating!

08/03/2026

On This Day in Scottish History – August 3, 1305

On August 3, 1305, Scottish patriot Sir William Wallace was captured near Glasgow after years of leading Scotland's fight for independence against English rule. Betrayed by Sir John Menteith, Wallace was taken into English custody and transported to London.

Although his capture marked the end of his military campaign, it did not end the Scottish struggle for freedom. Wallace's courage, determination, and sacrifice became a rallying cry for generations of Scots. Just a few weeks later, he was executed, but his legacy inspired leaders like Robert the Bruce to continue the fight that would ultimately lead to Scotland's victory at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Today, we remember William Wallace—not only for how he was captured, but for the unbreakable spirit he embodied and the lasting symbol of freedom he became.

🏴 "Every man dies, but not every man truly lives." — A quote often associated with William Wallace's enduring legacy.

07/28/2026

We’d like to shine a spotlight on Clan Davidson, the founding clan of the North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to preserving Scottish heritage helped lay the foundation for the festival we all enjoy today.
Clan Davidson is known for its resilience, loyalty, and Highland spirit. We are honored to recognize their lasting contributions and the role they continue to play in keeping Scottish traditions alive for future generations.

Be sure to stop by the Clan Davidson tent during the festival to meet its members, learn about their rich history, and celebrate the clan that helped make our festival possible.

Slàinte mhath, and we'll see you at the Games! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

07/04/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Tartan Army may be back in Scotland, but their spirit is still alive here in North Alabama!

From the Highlands to your own home bar, Scotland's influence is easy to find—in bold flavors, bright citrus, rich whisky, and the simple joy of sharing a great drink with good company.

We've put together a few Scottish-inspired cocktails you can make at home. Whether you're hosting friends or simply unwinding after a long day, we hope these recipes inspire you to raise a dram and say, Slàinte!
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The Kilted Collins
A crisp, refreshing Highland twist on a classic Collins.
Ingredients: • 1½ oz Hendrick's Gin
• ½ oz Irn-Bru syrup
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• Soda water

Method: Shake the gin, Irn-Bru syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a lemon twist.
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Bru & Heather Sour
Bright, floral, and silky with a distinctly Scottish character.

Ingredients: • ¾ oz Drambuie
• ¾ oz Monkey Shoulder Scotch
• ½ oz Irn-Bru syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg white

Method: Dry shake all ingredients first. Add ice and shake again until well chilled and frothy. Strain into a coupe glass.
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The Caledonian Reserve
A rich, stirred Scotch cocktail with depth, spice, and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients: • 1½ oz Monkey Shoulder Scotch
• ½ oz Drambuie
• ¼ oz maraschino liqueur
• 2 bar spoons Irn-Bru syrup
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
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Homemade Irn-Bru Syrup

Bring a little taste of Scotland to your home bar.

Ingredients: • 1 cup Irn-Bru
• 2 cups sugar

Method: Combine the Irn-Bru and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool before using.

We'd love to hear from you! Should we keep sharing Scottish-inspired recipes, cocktails, and food leading up to the North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games? Let us know in the comments!

Tag your favorite Scotch whisky, Scottish gin, liqueur, or soft drink company! We'd love to see more Scottish brands become involved with our festival and celebrate Scotland's incredible traditions with our community.

Disclaimer: These recipes are shared to celebrate Scottish flavors and cocktail culture. The North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hendrick's Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Drambuie, Irn-Bru, Angostura, or any other brands mentioned.

Slàinte, and enjoy responsibly!

07/04/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Something exciting is coming again to Decatur, Alabama...

The North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games returns March 20–21, 2027!

Mark your calendars now and get ready for another unforgettable weekend celebrating Scottish heritage, tradition, and community.

We're just getting started—more details, special announcements, and exciting surprises are coming soon!

Stay tuned, follow our page, and watch for updates.

March 20–21, 2027
📍 Decatur, Alabama

🌐 northalabamascotfest.org

06/24/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Today we're proudly cheering on Scotland as they take on Brazil in the World Cup! ⚽

From the Highlands to North Alabama, we're standing behind the Tartan Army and wishing the boys in blue the very best of luck. May their hearts be strong, their passes be true, and their spirit as fierce as the Highland Games!

Good luck, Scotland! Bring home the victory! 💙

Alba gu bràth! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Danny Webster on the new ride! Can’t wait for next season and to watch the athletes who support you throw far! See you March 20th and 21st 2027!

03/19/2026

Clan Stewart. List of things to do:
Dog Treats.
Visit Michelle.
Keep Charlie from peeing on people...LOL

03/17/2026

Clan Hamilton, Legacy Clan, thank you for convening with us!