November Newsletter

NEWS & ARTICLES I EVENTS I MEMBERSHIP I VOLUNTEER

FROM THE CHAIR

Greetings!

I hope All Hollows’ Eve was good for you and all the kids in your neighbourhood as we celebrated the threshold of All Saints’, All Souls’ Day and Samhain, Gaelic for “summer’s end”, and our transition into the darker days. This is indeed the “thinner time” of the year when spirits, fairies and ancestors can cross over to the human realm, and bonfires, feasts and disguises are the tools to either welcome or fool these spirits.

Speaking of spirits, the Whisky and Verse event on Nov. 29th will provide the Blàth agus clyth (warmth and coziness) of whiskies curated by our Whisky Ambassador Emmett Hossack. He will be accompanied by the effervescent wit of our two pub poets, Christopher Brown and Brunty (Brunton) Craig. Enjoy the superb culinary treats served up by the Lexington Restaurant (and a free signed copy of Brunty’s poems).

Join us at City Hall on Nov. 30th at 11 am for the St Andrew’s Day/ Scottish Heritage Day Flag Raising. I will be joined by St. Andrew’s Society president Alan James, other dignitaries, and the Ottawa Celtic Choir to celebrate this day that also marks the start of our Ottscot Festival (our annual 3-month celebration of Scottish culture, history, and folklore). After this job is done, we usually go to warm up at Deacon Brodies pub for a glass of cheer.

After your Nollaig Chridheil (your warm-hearted Christmas) or happy holiday celebration, please join us in anticipation of Hogmanay for our Hogmanay Holiday Concert on December 27th, 7 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. This reasonably priced show will be a blockbuster of a concert to celebrate the festive season and welcome the coming Hogmanay with high octane Scottish and Celtic music.

Headliners include the Atlantic Firth Scottish dance band who will be joined by the great Anna Ludlow with keyboardist John Mitchell, highland and uillean piper Ross Davison, the ever-popular tenor John Young accompanied by Dr. James Wright on piano. The Ottawa Celtic Choir will deliver some of the most beautiful Gaelic sounds of the season. Proceeds will go to the Out of the Cold supper program that provides hot meals to the less fortunate.

Our traditional and classic Burns Supper will be offered on Jan. 30th, 2027 at the NDHQ WO’s & Sgt’s Mess on Cartier Square. Fine dining and wildly entertaining speeches await you.

Our tickets for all the Whisky/Verse, Hogmanay Holiday Concert and Burns Supper events will go on sale in early November. Get yours and buy a few for your friends! These events sell out fast!

We hope you enjoy the new section in this issue of the newsletter, “Celebrating our Clans!” Our first entry is from our former Chair, Heather Theoret, née MacLeod. You’ll see she’s thrown down a challenge for someone associated with the MacDonald clan to submit their story… I might know one of these. Or submit your story to: communications@ottscot.ca

Remember to join our Society for a greater sense of Scottish solidarity and pride, discounts, and friendships. There are lots of great volunteer opportunities with us as well. We urgently need a Development (Fundraising) Director and a Secretary, please contact me at chair@ottscot.ca if you have any suggestions.

As the darker time of year gives way to the dawning light of the winter solstice and Hogmanay, let us prepare for some Blàth agus clyth celebrations!

Slàinte,

Donald Macdonald

NEWS & ARTICLES

Bagpipes were an Instrument of War

280 years ago this November, piper James Reid was sentenced to death and executed in the aftermath of Culloden. Reid argued that he was carrying a musical instrument in the rebellion and not an instrument of war – the court found against him, and bagpipes were legally classified as weapons of war until 1996. (painting: Piper Daniel Laidlaw, V.C. First World War)

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From Ottawa to Glasgow: Young Drummer Making His Mark

A few minutes at a Highland Games grew to a serious commitment to pipe band drumming for young Ryan Seigmiller, including competing internationally and playing with several bands.

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EVENTS

Members Gather at the Royal Oak

Our October Members’ Get-Together brought us to the Royal Oak Pub on Wellington Street for an afternoon of good conversation and new connections.

The details for the next members-only social will be emailed out to members.

If you have any questions or would like to become an member email membership@ottscot.ca

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St. Andrew’s Day Whisky Tasting

What happens when you introduce two slightly irreverent “likely laddies” with a bucket of salty Scots verse to a highbrow, high-end whisky tasting on St Andrew's Day?

You get a perfect pairing!

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St. Andrew’s Day Flag Raising

Join the SSO on Monday November 30th, 11 a.m. for our St. Andrew’s Day Flag raising event at Ottawa City Hall.

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Partner & Community Events

The SSO is proud to regularly promote or partner with some of the other great local organizations putting on Scottish and Celtic-related events in and around town. Take a look at what’s coming up!

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SCOTTISH CORNER

Meet an OttScot: Paul Bennett, SSO’s new Membership Director

Paul recently became the new Membership Director, and joined the SSO to deepen his connection to his heritage and attract and retain others to explore and celebrate their Scottish roots.

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What is Shinty

As hockey season is now in full swing, let’s look at a very similar game: Shinty.

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The Story Behind Scotland's Flag

With St. Andrew's Day approaching on November 30, Scots and friends of Scotland around the world prepare to celebrate our culture, heritage, and traditions. Here in Ottawa, the SSO invites you to join us as we raise the Saltire, or St. Andrew's Cross, one of the oldest national flags still in use today. Read on to discover the fascinating history behind this iconic symbol of Scotland.

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Clan MacLeod: Holding Fast to Our Heritage

My connection to Clan MacLeod is a meaningful part of my Scottish heritage, reflecting the strength, resilience, and traditions passed down through generations.

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The Jokes on us!

In this installment compiled by Dave Johnston, how a crossword clue can lead to a free drink!

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The Scottish Banner shares stories, ideas, and upcoming events from around the world. Some of the highlights in the November issue include: the Legendary D-Day Piper Bill Millin, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion and a recipe for Cullen Skink. Subscribe, read and enjoy!

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VOLUNTEER

Support the vibrant Scottish community in Ottawa!

The Scottish Society of Ottawa is a hub of cultural richness, celebrating Scotland's heritage through events, music, dance, and education. We are always in need of volunteers, to help with events, but we are especially in need of new board members.