Walking around Alma’s campus, one will see the many beautiful trees and flowers that line the sidewalks between the brick buildings. It feels like a college with a sweet, small-town atmosphere, yet there’s something different about this place. In the distance, the eerie, droning sound of the bagpipes can be heard while a graceful yet powerful dancer jumps around a sword. Welcome to Alma College, Scotland USA.
At Alma College, we have long held our Scottish pride over the years. From our Presbyterian base, to highland dancers, to bagpipers, to a marching band that marches in kilts with our very own registered tartan, Alma displays its rich Scottish traditions and continues to keep its heritage alive.
Each year on Memorial Day weekend, the city and College host the Highland Festival, one of the largest highland games in North America. Attracting nearly 250 bagpipers, world champion highland dancers and world record-holding highland athletes, Alma proudly plays tribute to its Scottish roots and passes on the traditions to members of every generation.
You don’t have to wear a kilt to class or play the bagpipes to attend Alma College…but you may get the urge to, and we won’t stop you. Go Scots!
