Highland Games have been part of life in Embro and Zorra Township for about 150 years.
The first recorded Scottish settlers came to this area in 1820, victims of the Highland Clearances that saw many families driven from their homes in Scotland.

When these rugged Highland folk arrived, they first focussed on building a home for themselves and their families in this vast, new country. When they had established their homes, next came a church and a school then they turned to things of lighter vein.

On March 18, 1856 the Embro Highland Society was organized “to preserve the language, martial spirit, dress, music, literature, antiquities and games of the ancient Caledonians”.

The Annual Gathering of the Society took place in Embro with games, dancing and music, after three decades the Society was disbanded for reasons not now clear.

It was revived in 1937, with formation of the current Zorra Caledonian Society to perpetuate “the spirit, music and games of Scotland”. Highland Games returned to Embro the same year. It is now the oldest annual event of its kind in Ontario. Known to many as “the friendly games”, it remains one of the most popular, attracting about 5,000 competitors and spectators.

The event may be deeply rooted in the community’s Scottish heritage, but the colorful tartans, the stirring music of the great highland bagpipes, the lively Highland dancing and the excitement of the tug-of-war and other athletic competitions have universal appeal, regardless of nationality.

Whether you are a participant or spectator, we extend a warm welcome.

We know those Zorra pioneers who started it all would be pleased.