Clan Scott Society
Tradition Through Scholarship
The Clan Scott Society, established in 1971 at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, has grown into a vibrant organization committed to supporting Scottish culture and heritage. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, one of its central missions is to provide scholarships to students in the performing arts. Each year, the society, under the leadership of its president, Charles Sherwood, awards around $2,500 in scholarships to students pursuing dance, music, and other performing arts.
Sherwood explains, “We give about $2,500 worth of scholarships every year to performers—dance students, music students, and so on. We’ve given a couple of small academic grants, but performing arts is where most of our funds go.” These scholarships not only assist students financially but also promote the continuation of Scottish traditions in the arts, a core value of the society.
Looking to the future, Sherwood and the Clan Scott Society are dedicated to expanding their scholarship programs. “If someone wants to leave a legacy, we’ll name a scholarship after them. It’s a nice way to honor someone,” Sherwood shared, outlining their plans to increase scholarship funding and frequency.
Beyond their scholarship efforts, the Clan Scott Society maintains an active presence at Scottish games across the United States. These events provide opportunities for education, member recruitment, and cultural celebration. One highlight of their annual calendar is their presence at the Longs Peak Highland Games in Colorado. “We plan to represent the National Trust again next year at the Longs Peak Games, just like we did this year,” Sherwood said, reflecting on the society’s participation at the 50,000-person event.
One of the key objectives of the Clan Scott Society is to emphasize the distinct cultural identity of Borders families. Sherwood notes that while it’s common to celebrate Highland traditions at these games, it’s important for people to understand the unique customs of the Borders region. “We are Borders people. It’s fun to go to games and dress up like Highlanders, but we’re not Highlanders, and it’s important that Border families know their traditions,” he emphasized.
To further highlight the Borders’ cultural heritage, Sherwood is organizing a heritage tour for 2026, focusing on the traditions and history of the Borders, including the “Common Ridings”—annual festivals that trace back to centuries-old practices of border protection. “I want to put together a heritage tour for 2026 and educate members about our traditions, such as the Common Ridings. It’s really a big deal in the Borders communities,” Sherwood shared.
For those interested in exploring their Scottish ancestry, Sherwood advises starting with family research. “The first step is to talk to your family and gather as much family history as you can. Most clan societies won’t do your genealogy for you, but they can guide you in learning the history, which often gives clues to researching your family,” he said.
With Charles Sherwood at the helm, the Clan Scott Society continues to play a crucial role in preserving Scottish traditions through scholarships, cultural events, and educational outreach, ensuring the next generation stays connected to their Scottish roots. Through their ongoing presence at events like the Longs Peak Highland Games, the society creates a welcoming space for those looking to explore and celebrate their Scottish heritage.