Kilt Skate Returns to Fergus

The Fergus Scottish Festival (FSF) hosted its first Great Canadian Kilt Skate in 2020 and what a success it was! They looked forward to hosting it again in 2021 and 2022, but had to cancel because of the Covid pandemic. On February 26, 2023, the pent-up demand was finally released and an estimated 150 people showed up at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex to celebrate with bare knees and ice Scotland’s contribution to Canada.

This part of Ontario has strong Scottish traditions. It doesn’t take much to convince folks to show off the kilt.

Some have innovative ways to dress for a kilt skate. This is the first time we’ve ever had a chance to feature a kilted apron!

And for those who might not have a kilt or a kilt-apron, FSF thoughtfully provides a prop for a photo op.

The first Fergus kilt skate in 2020 was notable for the number of flags on the ice. This year was no different.

Here’s a flag featuring the emblem of the Fergus Scottish Festival.

Before the skaters took to the ice, the Blue Bonnet Lassies provided Highland dance demonstrations. Many community kilt skates feature a bagpiper — or three or four — to provide music to skate by. This event managed to muster an entire Fergus Pipe Band.

Everyone enjoyed delicious shortbread and hot chocolate. 

The event got good media coverage, including photos in the Wellington Advertiser. Congratulations, Fergus, on another wonderful Great Canadian Kilt Skate.