by Catherine McKinley
North Carolina has various locales with a strong Scottish connection or flavor due to the significant 18th century immigration of Scottish Highlanders to the area. In fact, the Cape Fear region of North Carolina became known as the “Valley of the Scots.”
In 1899, Scotland County, North Carolina was formed from part of Richmond County and is named in honor of the numerous Scottish settlers who occupied the area starting in the 1700s. As of the 2020 census, its population was 34,174. The Scotland County seat is Laurinburg, which is also its largest city.
Laurinburg was the home of St. Andrews University for 67 years which had its own pipe band. The statue behind the sign below is called “the Scotsman” and depicts a Scottish clansman wearing a kilt and carrying a sword. St. Andrews University closed permanently in May, 2025.
Scotland County was settled by Scottish Highlanders whose influence is still apparent. Visitors can learn more at the Museum of Cape Fear, 801 Arsenal Ave, Fayetteville, NC.
The museum includes an exhibit dedicated to Scottish settlers that provides historical context for the Gaelic beginnings in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
Within this exhibit, you’ll find examples of Scottish culture in the region, including: bagpipes, two claymores (2 handed sword), a reproduction “Round Buckler (small round shield) and a mannequin dressed in a traditional Clan McNeil tartan kilt. Sometimes, when they’re not on loan to another museum, Flora MacDonald’s shoe buckles are on display.
The N.C. Argyll Colony had begun when, in 1739, James Murray wrote his friend Henry McCulloh about the promising prospect for settlement by Scots in the upper Cape Fear region. He wished to see his fellow Scots populate the back country. The lands that Murray promoted became the Argyll Colony. That name refers to a pattern which originates from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll, from the Argyll region of Scotland. Now, the word mostly refers to specific, very stylish socks.
So, along with all the regularly held Highland Dance competitions, piping competitions, heavy athletic contests, Burns Suppers, etc., the above facts make it clear that the Scottish culture is alive and well and living in North Carolina.