An Interview with Emmett Hossack - Scottish Society of Ottawa's 10 year anniversary
When I was first asked to do some writing for the Scottish Society of Ottawa, I was intrigued as I explored their website, particularly under the Blether section – here I learned about whisky tasting and a fellow named Emmett Hossack; of all things – I do have a son who knows his whisky too; so, intrigued I was! I must talk to this man, I thought as I am about to write a series on the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Society of Ottawa and who better to start with – I was not disappointed.
The first meeting of those interested in establishing a Society took place in the spring of 2012 in the late Senator Doug Finley’s office on Parliament Hill, (the previous office of the late Sir John A. Macdonald). Once created, the Scottish Society of Ottawa’s original focus was Hogmanay. As you can imagine, there was an urgent need for fundraising and Emmett decided to host a whisky tasting. Not only encouraging folks to enjoy Scotch whisky during the last ten years with various whisky tastings, Emmett has been responsible for generating over $25,000 in proceeds for the Scottish Society of Ottawa – well done!
After incorporation, Emmett became the first Vice-Chair, remaining in that position for several years. After stepping down from the leadership position, he remains involved to this day hosting whisky tastings, all the while benefiting the Society.
But now let’s add a little personal note to this conversation had – Emmett believes history has followed a typical pattern in the 10 years past of the Society – he mentioned, formin’ stormin’, and normin’ - ????? but then he explained. Formin’ we’ve already spoken of. They then started casting the net for volunteers. They needed security, people with project management skills if they were to pull together the first Hogmanay. So now they were in the stormin’ phase for the next two-three years. You can liken stormin’ to the days of the Wild West, no formal structure, just get the job done. But with all its volunteers it can get rough in the schoolyard! After those first few years, things began to take on a more normal being. He mentioned the arrival of Jane Torrance, the invaluable efforts of Sherry Sharpe and Wayne MacDonald all contributing to much needed processes.
The annual Hogmanay event took place the first few years at City Hall but then due to increasing numbers, later moved to the Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park. Like any organization, there was always a turnover of volunteers, but the core group remained. He mentioned Heather Theoret as being one of those core people who, over the years, was the glue that held everything and everyone together. John Ivison’s fundraising efforts, he said, were critical to the success achieved.
Our Hogmanay here in Ottawa is the second largest New Year’s Eve party after Edinburgh. Our typical evening begins around 5 pm in the afternoon to encompass families, especially the young children with twisted balloons, music and dance. At 7 pm, balloons are released and the singing of Auld Lang Syne takes place as it is now midnight in Scotland. At 8 pm, a band takes to the stage with a whisky bar and beer and wine bar ready for an evening of fun. Huge band names such as the Barra MacNeils and Glass Tiger have been the headline entertainment in previous years, the cost for these bands funded by our generous sponsors. Even during Covid-19 times, virtual Hogmanay events took place, keeping the spirit alive. We look forward, ten years later, to a huge party this New Years Eve, the society’s eleventh annual event, with a combination of in person and virtual, all kick-started by this core group of people who have given so much to the Scottish Society of Ottawa.
Thank you Emmett, for taking the time to speak with me and also for your continuing contributions to the Scottish Society of Ottawa.
Please keep in mind, my conclusions drawn from these wonderful chats with the founders, those continuing the legacy and the current day group, are strictly my own - Nancy Dupuis, 2022