The Portland Highland Games Association supports local pipers, drummers and dancers through its scholarship program at the Games.

John McLoughlin Dance Scholarships:

John McLouglin Highland Dance Scholarships are awarded annually in honor of Scottish-born surgeon Dr. John McLouglin, the Chief Factor of the Hudson Bay Fort Vancouver. As Chief Factor, Dr. McLoughlin was responsible for the Oregon Territory, now known as the state of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.

Only Premier Highland dancers who reside in ‘the McLoughlin territory’ are eligible for the scholarships. A $50.00 scholarship and a plaque is awarded to the Premier dancer in each age group with the highest aggregate points in all dancing events excluding the special challenge events. The scholarship is paid directly to the winner’s Highland Dance teacher.

Piping and Drumming Scholarships

Each year the Portland Highland Games Association awards scholarships for pipers and drummers through the Oregon Pipers Society’s scholarship program. They are determined and awarded similarly to the OPS scholarships and are presented in April at the end of the OPS competition season. Here are the requirements:

Only current OPS members are eligible to be candidates for the scholarships and must have competed in at least two of the OPS season’s competitions. Players in all grade levels of competition are eligible, including chanter and drum pad. The scholarships are provided so that the recipients may attend the piping and drumming school of their choice. Tuition will be paid directly to the school of the scholarship winner’s choice.

The number of OPS scholarships to be awarded is determined by the OPS board of directors and the number of PHGA scholarships is determined by the PHGA board of trustees.