Tartan, Tunes And Tradition Return To The Quay

Bluewater Fling Celebrates Scottish Pride With Massed Pipes And Family Fun

This weekend, the Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling returns to the Bluewater Quay, transforming the riverside into a sea of tartan, toe-tapping tunes and highland pride. Held on Saturday, July 26 from 1.30pm to 5pm, this much-loved community event has been officially included in the Mackay Festival of Arts program, and promises to be bigger, louder, and more heartfelt than ever.

At its core, the event is a celebration of Mackay’s proud Scottish heritage, named for Scottish sea captain John Mackay, who left his legacy, and his surname, on the region. And fittingly, this year’s Fling features a powerful line-up of local and visiting pipe bands, highland dancers, Celtic musicians, and even medieval warriors in full combat.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson is encouraging locals to don a kilt, grab a picnic rug, and immerse themselves in the sound of the massed pipes.

“Since 2016, all but one year because of COVID, we’ve had the mass pipes and drums march across the Forgan Bridge, ending up here at Bluewater Quay for a great afternoon of Scottish celebration,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Just to see them and hear them marching across the bridge is absolutely outstanding.”

He said while the Bluewater Fling wasn’t designed as a tourism drawcard, it was a powerful community builder.

“It’s not about bringing people into Mackay. It’s about entertainment for locals… it’s a mark of respect for our heritage here,” he said.

Event organiser and Mackay & District Pipe Band member Deb Orr said the team was proud to welcome over half a dozen bands this year, helping celebrate the band’s 99th anniversary.

“Next year is our hundredth anniversary and we’re very proud of that.

“We even marched at the opening of the new Forgan Bridge… and the old one, too!”

“Most of our members are performing, but we also set up the Quay. The tents, vendors, the works, and then take it all down after.”

The Mackay Pipe Band, which teaches for free and runs entirely on community spirit, is always welcoming new members, and no, you don’t need to be Scottish.

“It’s all about passion,” said Deb.

“Most of our members are adult learners, and we’ve got a bunch of young learners too.”

One of those passionate players is Derek Martin, a proud Glaswegian who now calls Mackay home. Derek has been playing for 20 years and says the pipes stir deep emotion in people, including himself.

“When we play... at a lot of funerals, a lot of weddings and events... the emotion that the instrument brings… people just love it,” he said.

The event is free and family-friendly, with food trucks, Scottish vendors, re-enactment displays, and live performances from Piping MaD, Kathleen Campbell, the Mackay Highland Dancers, and more.

For more details or to get involved, email: treasurer@mackaypipeband.com.au

What: The Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling
When: This Saturday, 26 July 2025 | 1:30pm–5:00pm
Where: Bluewater Quay, Mackay
Free entry – part of the Mackay Festival of Arts

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The Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling returns this Saturday with massed pipes, dancers, medieval re-enactments and live Celtic music, celebrating local Scottish heritage as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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