Meet an OttScot: John Stewart Mcfarlane

By Dave Johnston

John Stewart McFarlane first joined the Scottish Society of Ottawa as a volunteer in 2022, because of his longstanding interest in his Scottish ancestry. His grandfather immigrated from Edinburgh, Scotland to Glencoe, Ontario many years ago and the SSO has given him an opportunity to enrich and connect with his heritage and roots.

Originally encouraged to join by a longtime friend, and after meeting with a number of wonderful society members, John became more involved. He recalls how piper Donald MacDonald, the SSO’s current Chair, played at his son's wedding and at a family friend's 90th birthday. With this music, he says the events went from good to great!

John also heads a community non-profit organization called LoveGives and has been actively raising funds and awareness for community non-profit and charitable groups since 2010, the SSO among them. A few years ago, his group started hosting a euchre tournament for the SSO, which grew into what it is today: an annual event called the Highland Cup Euchre Tournament.