5th Annual OttScot festival
By Nujma Bond
The Scottish Society of Ottawa was happy to present another successful OttScot 2022-2023 Festival, with special events taking place from late November into February.
For the first time since the pandemic, the SSO was excited to bring together some of the best music, performers and events for the first OttScot festival since the pandemic.
No matter the year, the theme always includes this phrase: Ceud mìle fàilte! It’s Gaelic for one hundred thousand welcomes! Hundreds attended the festivities to enjoy Scottish culture and traditions.
Things kicked off on November 30, with the raising of the Scottish flag at Ottawa’s city hall in celebration of St. Andrew’s Day. This yearly feast day is named for St. Andrew, who became the patron saint of Scotland upon signing of the Declaration of Ardbroath in the 1300s. Traditionally it involves food, drink, and parties – and after some fitting remarks by special guests, a pleasant reception with traditional Scottish treats was held nearby at the Scottish Government Office in Canada.
November 30 also marked the second year celebrating Scottish Heritage Day in Ontario, proclaimed by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario in 2021, and brought forward by former MPP Jim McDonell to honour and pay homage to Scots’ identity, culture and contributions to the province.
The celebrations continued with “Hogman-eh!” which was the SSO’s 11th annual edition of the traditional Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration. On that night, there was wonderful musical entertainment by several great groups including the Alan Frew Band (of Glass Tiger fame). The Ottawa Caledonia and Ottawa Highlander Pipes and Drums performed, as did talented Highland dancers. Highlights such as new vendor booths, a “Hall of Origins” where people could learn more about their roots, a food Marketplace and a KidsZone rounded out the action. The events were also livestreamed so people could watch from home.
The highly anticipated New Year’s countdown delighted everyone at 7:00 pm local time, midnight in Scotland. A second countdown at midnight in Ottawa on the Aberdeen Pavilion main stage was followed by colourful fireworks.
If there’s one Scottish name recognized by many, it would be that of Robbie Burns. His life and legacy were remembered with food and fun at the Robbie Burns Dinner and Ceilidh on January 21st. The sparkling event was held at the National Defence Headquarters Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess. The Pipes and Drums of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own), Highland Dancers provided the music and entertainment. The display of traditions such as the Address to a Haggis, the Immortal Memory (a tribute to the poet himself), the Toast to the Lassies followed by a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies. To end the night – the host gave a vote of thanks, everyone stood and sang Auld Lang Syne, crossing their arms and joining hands at the line ‘And there's a hand, my trusty fere!’ All made for a roaring good time!
In February, Scottish enthusiasts donned their kilts and skates for the Great Canadian Kilt Skate. People ventured out onto ponds, lakes, backyards and other winter rinks to take part in the 9th annual event across the country, including Quebec City.
In Ottawa it took place on February 19, and was hosted by the SSO. The Lansdowne Skating Court attracted skaters of all ages, all with one thing in common: enjoying a connection to Scottish heritage. The great skate was a fantastic way to get outside, exercise and have fun.
What a fantastic season it was! Ottawa’s Festival of all things Scottish is one of the most extensive series of celebrations outside of Scotland. Hope to see you at the next one.