Scholarships
THE PETE & MARY HAMILTON DANCE AND PIPING SCHOLARSHIPS
At Scottish Heritage USA, we believe in and facilitate the advancement of youth through our scholarship program.
Scottish Heritage USA is expanding our scholarship program to add Scottish Fiddling at the Jink & Diddle Scottish Fiddling Academy this summer, thanks to the generous donations of our members. The Pete & Mary Hamilton Dance and Piping Scholarships will continue to be offered at The School of Scottish Arts for Highland Dance and the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming.
This year, the three schools are selecting the scholarship recipients through their application process, available on their websites. Please contact the school directly to find out more and apply:
The Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling
Summer & Winter Sessions are offered at Valle Crucis Conference Center in Valle Crucis, NC under the direction of Dr. John Turner, ten-time National Scottish Fiddling Champion, composer, recording artist and educator.
Email: jinkdiddle@aol.com
Phone: 804-778-4708
Website: fiddletree-music.com
The School of Scottish Arts
This program is on hold by the School until 2026. Situated at Lees-McRae College in picturesque Banner Elk, North Carolina offers summer courses in all aspects of Highland Dance. The School was founded in North Carolina in 1965 by Sally Southerland.
The School of Scottish Arts (SSA)’ is focused on encouraging the preservation of the folk arts, heritage, and traditions of Scotland, extending the knowledge and practice of Scottish Arts by providing a center for learning and offering instruction conforming to traditional standards.
SSA accomplishes this mission by offering quality dance instruction from top teachers of Highland Dancing and by introducing and reinforcing knowledge of Scottish culture and history.
Summer Session in July at the Lees-McRae College campus in Banner Elk, NC
Email: help@schoolofscottisharts.com
Website: schoolofscottisharts.com
North American Academy of Piping and Drumming
The piping and drumming school, started by the late John McFayden, of Glasgow, Scotland, and Sandy Jones, has been operating in Valle Crucis, North Carolina for over 40 years. The school’s professional instructors are offering piping and drumming sessions in Summer 2026.
Contact: Cathleen Nixon
Email: cjnix27@gmail.com
Ph: 843-817-1894
Website: NAAPD.org