Haste ye back Heather!

By Special Events Director, Liz Smith

After 11 roller coaster years in various capacities with the Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) - Heather Theoret is now claiming “Past Chair” as her most recent role as of June 3rd.

We shared a parting glass with Heather at our Board Meeting this week, when, ever generous, Heather assured us she’s never too far away if we have questions, are looking for a contact or need to bounce some ideas off her.

The offer is much appreciated as Heather has been there since the Society’s formation and she certainly has been the “go-to” person and a source of inspiration for so many of us as we settled into our respective roles.

Always cheery, small in stature and quiet in tone, this lass is a powerhouse who makes things happen and is as determined as a Clydesdale horse, pulling immense weight, displaying a calm nature, and doesn’t get spooked easily. However, I’ll hasten to add that Heather’s foot size is normal, no comparison to the famed Scottish draught horse here!

Heather opted to be part of the SSO because she enjoys bringing people together to build something she believes in and enjoys. Working in the events and public relations field professionally for many years prompted her to join the Society when it was planning its first Hogmanay celebration in Ottawa.

”Meeting members of the first Grand Committee, most of whom were first generation Scottish-Canadians, was inspiring and exciting,” says Heather. “It was a bit of a Wild West scene with not as much organization as I would have liked, but we shared good times and many laughs!”

Heather grew up in the Ottawa valley where her MacLeod father was raised by his aunt and uncle who still spoke some Gaelic even after six generations in Glengarry. Her mother was a Macdonell and her family traces back to United Empire Loyalist settlers. So even without Ancestry.com saying she is 86% Scottish, we have no doubt of her motivation. She even knows how to say “Kiss my… “ in Gaelic!I

The MacLeod motto "Hold Fast" certainly had a bearing on Heather’s dedication to the SSO. She was determined to build a stronger presence of Scottish culture and increased awareness about Scottish heritage and contributions in the Ottawa valley and across Canada.

“I know a fair bit about my family’s Scottish heritage and contributions, but learning about the Scottish-Canadian historical figures, inventors, explorers, scientists, and the many talented Celtic musicians both in Canada and in Scotland was inspiring,“ notes Heather. Learning too about Robbie Burns and his worldwide influence, meeting leaders of other Scottish cultural organizations, and understanding the connection between SSO’s events and activities and our cultural and economic impact in the community was always insightful, she adds.

“The more I learned, the more opportunities I could see.”

And then the feisty Scot in her surfaces. “I would be remiss if I didn’t add that seeing the popularity of other cultural groups and their events and festivals in the Ottawa community pulled out a bit of competitive spirit in me to ensure that the Scots had a place at the forefront of this scene.”

Asked what SSO’s values and goals are most important to her Heather replied “What’s not to love!”

“Celebrating our history as well as current day Scotland are important, as these are intertwined. Witnessing the successes of the hard work of the many dedicated Board and Committees, many with Scottish heritage, along with some who just enjoy Scottish culture, has been very rewarding.”

“The arts, customs, habits, and language of Scotland are vibrant and fun, which in turn makes the work of the Society so enjoyable.”

Some of the highlights from her work with the SSO for Heather includes meeting and getting to know so many interesting people, seeing the growth of the Society and its events becoming known across the country and even internationally, all leaving her with many magical and proud memories.

During her time with the SSO, Heather met the former First Minister of Scotland, giving her a gift from the Society, other Scottish Ministers, some great Canadian and Scottish musicians and dancers, and more recently, she met Sir Jim Walker, the third generation and now former CEO of Walkers Shortbread who attended Hogman-eh’ ‘22. He invited her to visit him in the Speyside region on her and her husband Pierre's next trip to Scotland! We see shortbread in her future!

Another Scottish product that Heather delights in is gin. She first learned that Scotland had many gin distilleries at a reception held at Earnscliffe to celebrate the opening of the Ottawa-based Scottish Affairs Canada Office a few years ago. There she sampled Isle of Harris gin and says she has been “hooked” ever since.

“I also love the story behind the distillery being established to boost the economy on the island, and watching the growth and development in Tarbert, the main port. A highlight of my trip to Scotland in 2022 was a tour of the distillery. This gin is great with Fever Tree tonic and of course a thick wedge of grapefruit!”

Heather is proud of how the Society is now much more organized since its early days, and has greatly expanded its reach and awareness, and has impressive financial stability. Ottawa’s Hogman-eh! event is known across Canada, in the US, parts of Scotland and even Australia. She firmly believes there is opportunity to perhaps build a permanent presence with a Scottish cultural centre, and to increase engagement with the arts and cultural and business communities.

But as a canny Scot, she adds a cautionary note that as a volunteer-led organization with many valued and dedicated volunteers, and supported by government grants, partnership and generous sponsors, while there is definitely great opportunity for growth, it must be manageable and sustainable.

Heather draws on her family’s motto for some parting words to the Society.

“Hold Fast!”

“It’s not always easy managing a volunteer-led not-for-profit, but we Scots have deep pride and intestinal fortitude. Keep that in the forefront of your mind. And always bring a sense of fun.”

“ We have a rich history, one that many are proud of and many who are not of Scottish heritage enjoy. Celebrate the history and how it has shaped and continues to shape Canada’s and your personal story.”

We’ll miss you Heather, but as said, you’re not far away and we know you won’t be able to resist turning up at the Society's special events!