Scottish Heritage in the Sandhills
Scottish Heritage in the Pines & Beyond
Find Your Roots—or Just Your Reason to Wear a Kilt
So, you took a DNA test and discovered you have a little Scottish heritage in you. Cue the Highlander soundtrack. Suddenly, you’re wondering about your family tartan, whether you can pull off a kilt, and where to hear some bagpipes without booking a flight to Scotland.
Good news: your Scottish adventure might start a lot closer to home.
From Aberdeen and Pinehurst to Laurinburg and the surrounding Sandhills, Scottish roots run deep. You’ll find connections in historic farms and churches, local organizations, music, and celebrations that bring generations of tradition to life.
Whether you’re researching your ancestors, curious about the stories behind familiar local places, or simply ready to spend an afternoon surrounded by bagpipes, tartans, and impressive feats of strength, there’s plenty to explore.
The Pines Times is gathering the places, people, and events that keep Scottish heritage alive in our community. Discover historic sites, connect with heritage groups, follow the sound of the pipes, and find an occasion to sport that kilt.
Scottish ancestry optional. Curiosity encouraged.
Discover local history, Highland Games, bagpipes and connections to Scotland
You don’t have to cross the Atlantic to discover a little Scotland. Right here in the Pines and surrounding communities, Scottish heritage connects historic farms and churches with bagpipe music, family traditions, Highland Games and even our world-famous golf courses.
Whether you’re tracing your family roots, planning a history-filled afternoon or simply coming for the kilts and caber tossing, there are plenty of ways to explore Scotland’s lasting influence on our corner of North Carolina.
Celebrate at the Scotland County Highland Games
Make plans for a weekend of Scottish traditions in Laurinburg! The 2026 Scotland County Highland Games take place Saturday, October 3, at the John Blue House property, 13040 X-Way Road.
Activities include Scottish athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dancing, clan and society gatherings, children’s games, sheep herding and shopping.
The celebration also includes:
- Friday, October 2: Free Highland Fling at McDuffie Square in downtown Laurinburg, from 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4: Free Kirkin’ of the Tartans worship service at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 15301 McFarland Road, at 10:30 a.m.
Bring a portable chair and check the organizer’s website for tickets, parking and the latest schedule.
Explore Scottish History Close to Home
Aberdeen’s Scottish Roots
Aberdeen | Moore County
Aberdeen’s Scottish connections reach back to the eighteenth century. Scottish Highlanders settled in the area that became known as Bethesda and Blue’s Crossing before the town adopted its present name. Their story is part of the community’s early settlement, churches and development of the timber and naval stores industries.
Malcolm Blue Farm
Aberdeen | Moore County
Malcolm Blue Farm offers a local connection to the Scottish families who helped shape the Sandhills. The historic farmhouse and museum explore the Blue family, Scotland, Cape Fear Scottish settlers and the agricultural life of the surrounding community. Exhibits also connect that story to lumbering, naval stores and the railroad. The last weekend in September enjoy the Malcolm Blue Farm Festival.
Old Bethesda Presbyterian Church and Cemetery
Aberdeen | Moore County
Old Bethesda preserves an important part of Aberdeen’s Scottish Presbyterian history. Its congregation grew from early Scottish settlers, and the surviving meetinghouse dates to 1860. The church’s homecoming tradition has helped generations maintain a connection to their religious and Scottish roots.
Donald Ross and Pinehurst’s Scottish Golf Connections
Pinehurst | Moore County
Scottish heritage is also woven into the landscape of local golf. Donald Ross brought lessons learned in Dornoch, Scotland, to his work at Pinehurst. His former home, Dornoch Cottage, carries the name of his Scottish hometown and remains another connection between the two communities.
Golf belongs in this story, too. Ross brought his experience growing up in Dornoch to Pinehurst, and Dornoch Cottage takes its name from his Scottish hometown.
Discover Donald Ross’s story. Contact Pinehurst
Scottish Heritage USA — Pinehurst
A locally based organization supporting Scottish culture, education, and heritage. A useful resource for readers who want to get involved. Website
| Local bagpipers and pipe bands |
| Feature Peter McArthur, who identifies himself as Pinehurst Resort’s piper, and Cross Creek Pipes and Drums in Fayetteville. Link to current performances and booking information rather than promising a regular public schedule. |
| Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church — Laurinburg area |
| Founded by Highlanders in 1797 and part of the Games weekend through its Kirkin’ of the Tartans service on October 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. |
| Mill Prong House — Hoke County, near Red Springs |
| Built in 1795 by Scottish immigrant John Gilchrist Sr., this historic property connects readers with Scots American families in the region. Mill Prong Preservation. |
| Barbecue Presbyterian Church — Harnett County |
| Organized by Scottish Highlanders in 1758, with connections to Flora MacDonald and early Gaelic-speaking congregations. https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/21/barbecue-church-h-57 |
| Buffalo Presbyterian Church — Sanford |
| Founded by Scottish Highlanders in 1797. Early worship included services in both English and Gaelic—a particularly interesting Lee County connection |
| Flora MacDonald’s North Carolina story — Montgomery County | The state’s historical marker identifies her connection to the area near Pekin and Cheeks Creek. This would make a good “Did you know?” feature; describe it as a historical connection, without implying the homesite is an open attraction. |
| Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church and Cemetery — Richmond/Montgomery area | Historic records document Scottish-born ministers and families with roots in Islay, Skye, and Argyll. A worthwhile addition to the heritage sites section. |
| Flora MacDonald College history — Red Springs | The former college adopted her name in recognition of the Scottish heroine and the support of local residents of Scottish descent. |
And Yes, We Need to Talk About Highland Cows
Maybe it was your ancestry results that sparked your interest in Scotland. Or maybe it was a picture of a shaggy Highland cow with spectacular bangs. We understand.
With their long coats, sweeping horns, and unmistakable fringes, Highland cattle—often affectionately called “Heilan coos”—bring a little extra charm to the Scottish countryside. Originally from Scotland’s Highlands and western islands, this hardy breed is easily recognized by its wonderfully woolly appearance.
For our guide, we’re also keeping an eye out for local farms and events offering opportunities to meet Highland cattle. Because a day of Scottish discovery sounds even better with bagpipes, a little tartan, and a very photogenic cow.
Meet the Cows at Highfalls Highlands
You’ve admired the tartans. You’ve listened to the bagpipes. Now, about those fluffy cows…
Highfalls Highlands, near Highfalls in Bennett, brings a little Scottish charm close to home with opportunities to meet Highland cattle. Those shaggy coats and fabulous fringes are even better in person!
The farm offers animal encounters, photo sessions, seasonal events, and private celebrations. Its “Meet the Cows—Capture the Moment” experience includes time to brush and feed the Highland cows and take your own photos. Whether you’re exploring your Scottish roots or simply here for the coos, this is a fun addition to your local adventures.
Location: 180 Phillips Road, Bennett, NC
Plan your visit: Check available experiences, dates, and reservation requirements before heading out.
Break Out the Tartan: Upcoming Events.
