THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF OTTAWA KILT SKATES

By Andy MacCulloch

The Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate included two Kilt Skates organized by the Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO): The original Kilt Skate capital held its 9th Anniversary Kilt Skate in Ottawa. A new Kilt Skate event was organized in Quebec.

Ottawa Kilt Skate

The Scottish Society of Ottawa conducted its 9th Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate at the Lansdowne Park outdoor skate rink. It was a balmy plus three degrees, which partly explains why, for the first time in its history the Rideau Canal Skateway never opened.

In addition to over 20 kilted skaters, we had several VIPs for our opening ceremony including: Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Councillor Laura Dudas, Head of Scottish Affairs Canada John Devine, and the Commanding Officer of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, Lieutenant Colonel Gord Scharf.

In addition to skating there were treats including complimentary hot chocolate courtesy of Boccato’s Gelato and Crepes, Nairn’s Fruit and Seed biscuits sponsored by Nairn’s Canada, and Scotlands favourite non-alchohol drink IrnBru, Traditional Scottish music was provided by our resident pipers and a rink side DJ. A great time was had by all!

Quebec City Kilt Skate

The first Quebec City Kilt Skate was also organized by the Scottish Society of Ottawa and was held on the historic Plains of Abraham. It celebrated the relationship between Scottish and Canadiens/Quebecois people dating back to eighteenth century and beyond. The Auld Alliance! We honoured the flags of Canada, Scotland and Quebec with bagpipes and semi-ceremonial loops of the large oval rink accompanied by Alan Stairs, former Pipe Major of the Fraser Highlanders.

Following the Kilt Skate participants and other music lovers were invited back to the Galway Pub where the Fraser Highlanders played magical bagpipe pieces. As Kilt Skate Director, I was pleased to play with them and my daughter Madison. Galway Pub owner Yves Ladoux rewarded the players with a unique Quebec single malt from Quebec. It was a very fun evening for all.  Slainte!

Andy MacCulloch is the Director of Communications and Kilt Skate, Scottish Society of Ottawa (and wannabe musician) and can be reached at: communications@ottscot.ca