A New Partnership: The Scottish Society of Ottawa and ScotlandShop

By Jen Hill

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership between the Scottish Society of Ottawa and ScotlandShop, an online company that celebrates Scotland’s heritage through beautifully tailored tartan clothing, accessories, and homeware, all proudly made in Scotland.

Thanks to this partnership, SSO members can enjoy an exclusive discount on ScotlandShop products, with a portion of related sales donated back to support the Society’s volunteer-driven events and programs.

Founded in 2002 by Anna White in the Scottish Borders, ScotlandShop is built on a deep love of Scottish culture, craftsmanship, and community. Working with mills and makers across Scotland, they continue the Borders’ world-famous textile legacy, producing authentic tartans that connect Scots everywhere from the Highlands to the Ottawa Valley.

ScotlandShop’s Canadian ties also run deep. Over the years, their team has attended Highland Games and cultural festivals across Canada, including events here in Ottawa, and they’ve built friendships with Scottish and Clan societies nationwide. Their North American base in Albany, New York, also serves many Canadian customers, and their custom tartan designs have even included one for Bell Canada, the nation’s largest communications company.

Canadian customers can shop online in Canadian Dollars, in English or French, and always receive a warm Scottish welcome, whether visiting in person or virtually.

Celebrate your heritage. Discover your tartan.

Visit: ScotlandShop.com

The John M. Mason Collection: Scottish music at its best

By Karen Stevens

John M. Mason (MBE 1940 -2011) was musical director and principal conductor of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra (SFO) starting in 1980, when he established the Orchestra, until he passed away in 2011.

In his role as music director and conductor of the SFO, John led the orchestra in performing concerts throughout the UK and beyond, raising money for charity. Over his lifetime, John composed more than 600 fiddle tunes.

The SSO is grateful to J.D.C. Publishing for the kind donation of a First Edition copy of The John M. Mason Collection. As a fiddle player myself, I must say that 2 tunes which resonate with me from John's Collection, are his strathspeys; The Balloch Fiddler, and The Bandmaster. I expect to see these tunes featuring in my own repertoire very soon.

As well as a solicitor, John was a musician, composer and conductor. Coming from a musical household - both John's parents were musicians - it was no surprise that John himself followed in the family's musical footsteps. Although born and raised in the Orkney Islands, John and his family moved south to Dumfries and Galloway on the Scottish mainland, where he finished his high school education.

I highly recommend John's Music Collections to any fiddle player looking to expand their repertoire of good Scottish fiddle tunes!

Isle of Mull Soap Company in Tobermory. Photo courtesy of visitscotland.com

“Scotland Loves Local” gift cards

From information provided by Tourism Scotland

The SSO is helping Tourism Scotland raise awareness of a diaspora-focused campaign currently underway by VisitScotland, leading up to St. Andrew’s Day and Christmas.

The campaign encourages the purchase of a “Scotland Loves Local” gift card for friends and families back in Scotland.

The cards can be redeemed at hundreds of businesses and for experiences across the country - from restaurants and independent shops and boutiques, to attractions including the Perth Museum and a number of National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland properties.

Learn more at the campaign page at: www.visitscotland.com/campaign/scotland-loves-local

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