The opening ceremonies for the 25th Annual Payson Scottish Festival were held on Saturday, July 12th on the athletics field of Memorial Park.

Each bagpipe band entered the field playing a song of their choice. The clans then entered the field and together all of the bands played a song.

Dustin Davenport, Mr. Payson, then sang the National Anthem followed by Miss Payson 2008 Chelsea Cooper singing "The Flower of Scotland."

A moment of silence was held to remember the Flowers of the Forest, individuals who of note who were involved in sharing the Scottish heritage who passed away during the year. The massed band then played "Amazing Grace."

During the opening ceremonies, Jerry Chatwin, founder of the festival, was named as honorary chieftain for the event and was presented with a special feather.

Chatwin lived in Payson and served as the band director at the junior and senior high school. Chatwin had a great interest in British military bands and modeled the Payson High School band after this image. Chatwin met David Barclay, the leader of the Utah Pipe Band; they formed a pipe band at the school which performed with the marching band.

In 1983, Chatwin and Kathryn Pierce, the president of the band parent's club, approached the Payson City Council with the idea of holding an annual Scottish festival.

The event was held and has continually grown into one of the largest free Scottish festivals in the western United States.

In 1988, Chatwin was recruited to teach band at a small school in southern Alberta, Canada.

In 2002, Chatwin was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal for service to Canada, the Province of Alberta, and his community. Chatwin and his wife currently reside in the community of Magrath, in Alberta, Canada.

Chieftain Kevin McDonald then welcomed everyone to the festival and opened the games.