Even the stunning scenery looks Scottish.
04:30, 24 Feb 2026
The town looks straight out of Scotland and even has its own Highland games(Image: Matt Anderson / Getty Images)
There are villages, towns, and cities all over the world where Scottish people will feel right at home for one reason or another. No matter how far you are from the country, you are bound to be close to somewhere that has at least a small connection to Scotland.
The Daily Record has previously looked at a number of locations across the globe that have amazing links with Scotland, whether it is their spectacular scenery or their unique heritage. These include a stunning region known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and a town in Japan with a whisky distillery inspired by Scotland.
Today, we are journeying to a small settlement in the United States that has been described as “the Scotland of America”. Not only does its magnificent scenery definitely bring to mind Scotland, but it even hosts its own Highland Games.
Harpers Ferry is a historic town situated in Jefferson County in the state of West Virginia, home to a population of around 270 people. Located at the meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the lower Shenandoah Valley, it is the most eastern town in West Virginia and its lowest point above sea level.
The town was originally named Harper’s Ferry after a ferry owner, when it was founded in 1763. It notable for being where abolitionist John Brown headed a raid on an armoury in a failed attempt to start a slave rebellion in 1859, which is said to be among of the main causes of the American Civil War.
One look at Harpers Ferry’s gorgeous surroundings and it is easy to see why it has earned comparisons to Scotland. Its dramatic scenery, which is comprised of many forested hillsides and rocky cliffs, looks straight out of regions such as Perthshire and the Highlands.
The town is also home to the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society, which is a volunteer-run nonprofit organisation dedicated to celebrating and preserving Celtic heritage within the history of West Virginia and the greater Harpers Ferry region. Through fundraising and community-based charity events, it aims to educate the public about Celtic culture.
Harpers Ferry is famous for its annual Highland Games, which is organised by the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society. It gives locals, some of whom have Scottish roots, the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of Scotland-themed festivities.
The Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society website reads: “Step into the heart of Celtic heritage at the Harpers Ferry Highland Games, a celebration of the ancient Scottish traditions that test strength, skill, and spirit. Hosted by the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society, this festival welcomes all to experience the vibrant culture, music, and athleticism that define the Highland Games.”
As part of the yearly event, top athletes from around the area come together to compete in a wide selection of traditional events. These include the open and Braemar stone put, the caber toss, the Scottish hammer throw, the sheaf toss, and the weight for height.
There are also a broad number of attractions and activities for people of all ages to take part in at the Harpers Ferry Highland Games. These include traditional Highland re-enactors, classic Scottish dancing, bagpipe competitions, live Celtic music performances, and even Highland cows to meet.
Meanwhile, there are also food trucks, artisan vendors, and a beer garden at the Harpers Ferry Highland Games. For children, activities on offer each year at the Highland games include a playground, an activity area, and even a scavenger hunt.
Speaking to the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society, Harpers Ferry Highland Games founder Brendon Kroner said: “When I was a child, my Grandmother Gordon instilled in me a love for Celtic culture through storytelling, fairy tales, traditional songs, tartans and many recorded tapes of bagpipes. As I grew up, my family would visit all the regional Celtic festivals, a tradition we kept well into my adulthood.
“The Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the Highland Fling in Sterling, New York were the two festivals I looked forward to the most and still try to attend when I can. Once my wife, Amanda, and I relocated to Harpers Ferry, we were determined to continue the tradition.”
More information can be found on the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society website.
