North Lanark Highland Games Committee
Want to become a committe member? Email us at info@almontehighlandgames.com.
Julia Duncan
Julia was born and raised in Lanark County, growing up in Perth and on Otty Lake. She and her husband Thomas moved to the Highlands, near Almonte, in 2011 and haven’t missed a North Lanark Highland Games since first attending in 2012, volunteering since 2017. Julia, an Interior Designer and small business owner, has been proud to don the Ramsay Tartan during her years as Chair. At the Games, you can find Julia participating in the opening ceremonies, or entertaining our fantastic Corporate Sponsors and volunteers in the Hospitality
Tent.
Thomas Duncan
Thomas, a Brown Warrior of Clan Duncan, grew up on family acreage in Balderson, ON. He and his wife Julia own and operate a small design and construction business, based in Lanark Highlands. Thomas has been attending the Almonte Games since 2012, first as a spectator, then a volunteer, and finally on the committee since 2017. Thomas also competed in Amateur Athletics for 3 years, where he was known for his black kilt. On Games Day you can find Thomas managing the Refreshment Tent, or helping out with anything and everything that requires a handy man.
Neil Lowry
Neil was born in Ottawa, 2 days later he went home to the family farm in Almonte and hasn’t stopped working
since. Raised in Almonte on a dairy farm, Neil developed strength which he used to compete in the Heavy Events at the Highland Games. This is also how he met his wife, Heidi. Neil & Heidi have 3 kids, and reside in Almonte. Neil has served the NLHG for over 20 years with many different roles but a master of none, now assisting with athletics and Corporate Sponsorship. If Neil can’t be seen tossing telephone poles wearing the Modern Dress Gordon kilt, he might be seen farming or as a local funeral director.
Brian Tackaberry
Brian grew up in the Bay of Quinte area and from 1981 spent his career teaching music and mathematics at Almonte & District High School. He is also conductor of the Perth Citizens’ Band and involved with several groups with historical and genealogy research. He has been a member of the NLHG board since its second year, and served as chairman for several years. Brian has been responsible for the organization piping competitions and the popular massed bands and special performances during each of our Highland Games.
Fiona Champagne
Fiona’s parents immigrated from Scotland a few years before she was born and Highland dancing has allowed her to keep the Scottish culture alive throughout her life, passing down many traditions to the younger generations. As the Director for the Champagne School of Dance, Games Chair for the Ottawa Highland Dancing Association (OHDA) and as co-chair for the 2025 ScotDance Canada Championship Series, Fiona
keeps herself very busy with all matters about Highland Dancing and organizing for the NLHG Highland Dance
Competitions. On Games day you can find Fiona in the dance area.
Natalie Waldorf
Natalie has been attending the NLHG since 2009, as her daughters would compete in the dance competition each year. A former highland dancer herself, and wanting to give back to the dance community, Natalie (and her daughter, Ainsley) began volunteering with NLHG in 2017. On Games day you can find her over in the dance area welcoming dancers & parents at the registration table.
Jason Bagshaw
Jason moved to Lanark County in 2000 and has been living in Almonte since 2003 with his wife and three boys. Jason is also an elementary school teacher in Ottawa. He began volunteering with the Games in 2010, initially taking care of the hospitality suite and marketing. Currently, he coordinates the food vendors, general concessions, and the clans for the North Lanark Highland Games.
Brenda Turner
Born in England, to a Scottish Mother & an Irish Father, Brenda is very proud of her Celtic heritage, this makes
her a truly international spirit to add to our small-town celebration of Scottish culture. This rich background
makes her the perfect person to lead our ever-popular Kiddie Games! Brenda has been volunteering at this section for 20 years and has been an active NLHG board member for 10 of those years. You’ll find Brenda orchestrating a whirlwind of fun, where the wee ones can participate in Scottish-themed athletics, get free face painting, and even dress up like a true Scot. But Brenda isn’t alone in her passion! She has truly created a family affair, surrounded by her two daughters and sons-in-law, who volunteer alongside her, helping to make
the Kiddie Games a roaring success. And keeping it all in the family, her three enthusiastic grandkids are regular participants in the Kiddie Games themselves, making memories that will last a lifetime. Follow the sound of happy squeals and the sight of mini-Highlanders – that’s where Brenda’s magic is happening!
Lucy Hand
Lucy’s journey with NLHG began back in 2007 as a cheerful volunteer alongside her entire family. Her passion for the Games hails from her British roots, leading her to join the NLHG Board of Directors in 2017, where she’s been an invaluable addition ever since. Lucy’s Highland pride shines through in everything she does, and her current roles showcase her multifaceted talents. She’s the wizard behind the curtain, expertly managing all Merchandise Orders to ensure you can wear your NLHG spirit with pride. You’ll also see her influence across all our platforms as she crafts engaging Social Media posts and spearheads our Publicity efforts. Just like a well- coordinated pipe band, Lucy ensures everything is in perfect harmony for the Games. On the day of the Games, you can usually find her running around the venue with a camera in hand, aiming to get that perfect shot!
Karen Benvie
Karen is proud to call Almonte, Ontario home, with deep roots in both the community and the North Lanark Highland Games. A lifelong supporter of this cherished tradition, Karen continues a family legacy of involvement—following in the footsteps of her mother, Judy Booth, who was a dedicated director and volunteer for many years. You can find Karen will be at the gates on Games day, warmly welcoming guests and helping to ensure everyone feels part of the celebration. Honouring the spirit of community and heritage, Karen is committed to preserving the vibrant Scottish culture that makes the Highland Games so special.
Monica-Lynn Terpstra
Monica-Lynn is a true Maritimer with deep Scottish roots. Born a MacLeod in Truro, NS she was always aware of the heritage her surname carried. She attended university and business college in Halifax before marrying the love of her life and moving along with him, via the Canadian Navy, to Kingston, ON. We settled in Lanark County in 2002 and welcomed three beautiful daughters shortly after. Monica-Lynn runs her own private bookkeeping practice for local businesses and has volunteered her time and expertise to various non profits including the Carleton Place swim team. She joined NLHG in Jan 2023 and has since taken over the role of Treasurer.
Len Terpstra
Len was raised in rural Southwestern ON (west of Toronto), spending the last of his high school years at Centre Wellington (Fergus) and then having the privilege of serving a career in the Navy before eventually finding his way to Lanark County, currently residing in Ramsay Ward. One can see him on the field wearing Loud MacLeod in recognition of his wife’s ancestry, because a Frisian kilt of Seeblatts would be too much. Len joined the organizing committee just over a year ago, helping with secretarial, record keeping and other miscellaneous duties. During Games Day he is often helping with the athletic competitions.
John Stewart
John grew up on a family farm North of Kingston and spent 30 years as an educator and HS administrator in the GTA and Ottawa before retiring in 2019. John, Barb, and their two sons have called Almonte home for the past 17 years. Having been a spectator for many of those years, John now lends a hand and has been volunteering with the Games for over a year. You will see John and his team welcoming and chatting with visitors at the gates, assisting them in making good parking choices.
Barb Goodwin-Stewart
After many years as a dedicated volunteer in our merchandise booth, Barb is thrilled to now be serving her first year on the NLHG Board of Directors. Originally from Nova Scotia, with roots in Clan MacDonald and a marriage into the Stewart clan (we call that a power move), she’s got Highland pride running through her veins. You’ll find Barb cheerfully slinging sweatshirts, tees, and collectibles like a pro – just follow the sound of laughter and look for the big smile behind the merch table!
Kayleigh Turner
For Kayleigh, the North Lanark Highland Games are a true family affair, starting back in 2006 as a volunteer. Today, her Highland pride runs deep—and she isn’t alone! She serves on the Board of Directors alongside both her mother and sister, forming a dedicated family trio working hard for the community.
A true behind-the-scenes powerhouse, Kayleigh’s tenacity and dedication shine as she lends a crucial hand to other directors in receiving and organizing donations. When the big day arrives, you’ll find Kayleigh right where the heart of the future Games lies: working side-by-side with her family in the Kiddie Section. Whether she’s cheering on her own two children or helping the next generation of athletes line up their very first caber toss, Kayleigh ensures the Highland spirit is passed down with plenty of fun and encouragement!