Scottish Heritage Discovery Center
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Discovery Center Plan

From a comprehensive feasibility study to an anticipated grand opening in the Carolina Sandhills, follow the journey as Scottish Heritage USA works to build the first institution in the United States dedicated entirely to Scottish-American heritage.

Concept & Vision

For over 300 years, Scots have come from their homeland to call the United States their home. From displaced tenants, merchants and explorers to soldiers, indentures and entrepreneurs, the United States has been shaped and impacted by the coming of Scots and their contributions to the growth and expansion of our country. These Scots went on to become contributing citizens, leaders of communities as well as the forebearers of literally millions of descendants who proudly trace their ancestry back to a Scottish homeland.

Currently, there is no specific place, institution, or museum in the United States that comprehensively celebrates these people, their contributions, and their legacy. The Scottish Heritage Discovery Center is designed to create such a place, to provide a meaningful and significant tribute to Scots and their legacy in America, and make their stories come alive today. Providing interpretive exhibits with significant artifacts, ongoing educational programming, and a significant library of resources will aid researchers and anyone interested in learning more about the history, culture, and diaspora of Scots in America. The Scottish Heritage Discovery Center will provide a lasting educational resource and point of focus and pride for the general public, as well as those of Scottish-American descent who currently have no central, tangible focal point for the celebration of their heritage.

Location

Scottish Heritage USA is currently in conversations and explorations with an existing site located in the Moore County Sandhills region of North Carolina as a future home for the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center.

A Home Rooted in History

The adjoining communities of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen in the Carolina Sandhills offer an exceptional setting for advancing the celebration and preservation of Scottish heritage in the United States.

This region combines a dynamic and growing community with a longstanding reputation as a destination. Established as a resort area in the late 19th century, it is internationally recognized for golf at the Pinehurst Resort, including the famed courses designed by Donald Ross. Beyond golf, the area supports a vibrant equestrian culture and a robust arts scene, offering year-round engagement for residents and visitors alike. Its population—particularly active retirees drawn by accessibility to transportation, educational institutions, and cultural amenities—creates a stable and engaged audience. Strong tourism further enhances the region’s capacity to support and sustain a major cultural initiative. Together, these factors position the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center to become a meaningful and complementary addition to an already rich cultural landscape.

Geographically, the Carolina Sandhills sit at the heart of a 13-county region spanning North and South Carolina that once held the largest concentration of Highland Scots in North America during the 18th century. This settlement, built over a century of sustained emigration, was complemented by neighboring populations of Lowland and Ulster Scots. The subsequent migration of these communities and their descendants across the continent establishes the region as a powerful point of origin—and return—for Scottish Americans.

Given its historical significance, central location, and strong cultural and economic infrastructure, the Sandhills represent an unparalleled home for preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the enduring legacy of Scottish heritage in America.

Why North Carolina?

A Migration That Transformed a Region Scottish presence in the American colonies began early, but it was the eighteenth century Highland migrations that left the deepest imprint on the Cape Fear Valley. In 1739, the first large group—known as the Argyll Colony—arrived seeking opportunity and stability after decades of upheaval in Scotland. They were welcomed by Governor Gabriel Johnston, himself a Scot, who encouraged settlement along the upper Cape Fear River.

Learn More

“Scottish Heritage USA is deeply committed to advancing the vision of a Scottish Heritage Discovery Center. By funding a comprehensive Feasibility Study, we are taking the essential first step in understanding the financial resources required to bring this long-held dream to life. This work reflects our belief that Scottish culture deserves a national home in the United States. We are proud to champion a bold vision that will inspire learning, connection, and cultural pride for generations.”

— Peter McC Wilson IV, President Scottish Heritage USA

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Campaign Milestones

The Journey from Vision to Reality

Follow every milestone as the Scottish Heritage Discovery Center moves from
feasibility study through to its grand opening in the Carolina Sandhills.

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Overall Progress
Feasibility Study Grand Opening
Year One Foundations & Planning
—
Milestones Complete
2
In Progress
9
Remaining
Year Two Campaign & Build
—
Milestones Complete
11
Total Milestones
11
Remaining
Year Three Open & Flourish
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Milestones Complete
5
Total Milestones
5
Remaining
Capital Campaign

Join the Founding Campaign

Every level of support helps build Scotland’s national home in America

Giving Levels — ascending by tier

I
Friends of the SHDC
Up to $499
II
Supporters of the SHDC
$500–$999
III
Order of the Thistle
$1,000–$4,999
IV
Order of the Rampant Lion
$5,000–$9,999
LEAD SPONSOR
V
SHDC Exhibit Sponsor
$10,000+

Join The Campaign

“Americans feel a particular connection to Scotland, and they account for one fifth of Scotland’s overseas visitors. For these reasons, I feel confident that the proposed Scottish Heritage Discover Center would be well supported and the fascination we continue to see for “things Scottish” would make this a sustainable entity.”

— Fiona Ritchie, D.Hum.Litt, MBE - Producer of NPR’s “The Thistle and Shamrock,” acclaimed broadcaster, producer, writer. Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland

“We support the vision to reopen a Scottish Heritage Center in North Carolina…As the largest Clan Association in the country, Clan Donald USA looks forward to a continuing relationship with the new “Scottish Heritage Discovery Center.”

— David Macdonald of Castle Camus High Commissioner, Clan Donald, USA, 4th Great Grandson of Allan and Flora Macdonald of Kingsburgh

“The Scottish Heritage Center was a vibrant and vital part of our community. Its success proved the deep support for our Scottish heritage in this region and how historic tourism can impact a community. Any future effort to preserve this heritage would be met with the same enthusiasm.”

— Chris English Laurinburg, NC Chairman, Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce

“With your knowledge, experience, wisdom and leadership with the materiel you have preserved, with the help of the community you nurtured so well, and with support from generous and farsighted friends of North Carolina’s rich Scottish heritage, you cannot help but succeed. Like a vintner who took cuttings from roots planted at St. Andrews, you stand ready to plant a new and, I suspect, better cultural vineyard in new North Carolina soil.”

— Darrell and Diana Hancock Kingwood, Texas Visitors and donors to the former Scottish Heritage Center, St. Andrews University

“My visit to the Center left a lasting impression, as Bill’s expertise brought to life Gaelic texts carried over two centuries ago by emigrants from my own part of the Highlands to the Carolinas. His work keeps the living thread of this culture alive, showing how the Scottish diaspora shaped communities across America. A new Discovery Center would not only honor that legacy, but ensure it is passed on to future generations of both Americans and Scots. I fully support this vision and believe it is a story worth telling and sharing.”

— Griogair Labhruidh (Gregor Lawrie), Highly Acclaimed Gaelic vocalist and performer in the TV Series “Outlander”, Noted Gaelic performer and folklorist Ballachulish, Argyll, Scotland

“The synergy of locating a Scottish Heritage Discovery Center in a community which has Scottish ties to golf as well as local history in addition to being a vibrant and growing area which is close to a major airport and other transportation opportunities is incredible. There’s no doubt it can succeed. These are just the types of links we look for in economic development.”

— Ernest Gilchrist, Dunwoody, Georgia, Economic Development and Retention Officer – DeKalb County, Georgia Author, and featured personality on the recent PBS documentary “Voices Over the Water”