Welcome to Corby Highland Gathering, an annual event that celebrates our Scottish heritage right here in the heart of Corby. Attendees can enjoy the sights and sounds of pipe bands, watching dancers from around the country & beyond compete in the All England Highland Dancing Championships, and other cultural activities. Join us for a day of fun for the whole family, complete with craft stalls, delicious food and drink, and funfair rides all while immersing yourself in a little piece of Scotland in England.
Corby Highland Gathering is more than just an event, it is a celebration of the town’s rich Scottish heritage. Our dedicated volunteers, Mark Pengelly, Amanda Gibson, Amanda Tilley and Suzanne Lilly, put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that each year’s event is unique and enjoyable for the whole family. With a rich history dating back several decades, our community’s ties to Scotland are deep-rooted and we take great pride in honoring those traditions with our annual gathering.
The steelworks and creation of the New Town of Corby in the 1950s brought thousands of Scots to Corby. It was not long before a pipe band was formed with Ron Stewart as their pipe major. Following the success of the band in their grade at the All England Pipe Band Championship held at Clapham Common in 1967, Bill Rutherford and Ron Stewart were inspired to start a Highland Gathering in Corby.
The first Highland Gathering in 1968 was a huge success and was sponsored by the British Steel Corporation, who remained sponsors until the close of the steelworks in the early 1980s when the Council stepped in to support the event.
These early Gatherings took place at the Welfare Club Grounds in Occupation Road. Since then the Gathering has moved around the town and for the last few years has been held in the Charter Field.
We are only able to continue running this amazing event by fundraising, sponsorship and advertising as we receive very little help from the council.
More information can be found about Corby and it’s Highland Gathering by clicking on the following links;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-488000-288000/page/14
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corby
If you would like more information about supporting Corby Highland Gathering or becoming involved, please contact info@corbyhighlandgathering.co.uk