Greetings fellow OttScots!

We are only too aware of the importance of ships these days, especially in their critical role of commerce, particularly for fuel sources. Throughout history, ships have facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between nations, connecting distant communities and introducing us to new worlds.

I’d like to talk about other kinds of ships – partnerships, friendships and sponsorships and how they have benefited the ship of the Scottish Society of Ottawa.

The SSO’s partnership with Pierre Brault, the renowned playwright and actor known for his genius at creating solo historical theatre, was a great success in the production of The Lairds of the Locks – The Scots of Bytown. With the assistance of the Scottish Connections fund, the SSO sponsored Pierre in the writing and development of the story of Scottish stonemason and builder of the Rideau Canal, Thomas MacKay. This brilliant piece premiered to a capacity audience March 21 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and finished to a standing ovation with many requests for repeat performances.

We are grateful to Ottawa writer Joyce MacPhee for her excellent review of the Lairds of the Locks published in this newsletter.

While the newsletter content tends to be written by Board members, we of course welcome guest contributions, especially by SSO members on relevant topics. Articles under 500 words, on topic and ideally with a good photo or graphic should be sent to Communications@ottscot.ca, attention Liz Smith. Or you may email Liz at that address to explore submission ideas.

We recently partnered with The Scotland Shop which is providing SSO members and subscribers with attractive discount codes to their fantastic products, sales that also helps the Society.

Sponsorship – from the Scottish Government to the providers of Walker shortbread and Irn Bru, the Society has been blessed with many sponsors through the years to enable our diverse program. If you, too, can help either directly or by fundraising, the SSO will rise from strength to strength.

Lest we forget friendship – our first “wee social” in March was a relaxed and convivial time for SSO members at the Centrepoint Royal Oak. We also invite you there on April 11 when members- and their guests - will convene for a rousing session of Tartan Day Trivia which will test your Scottish Canadian knowledge. Following that, on April 19, try your hand at cards with the Highland Cup Euchre Tournament at the Royal Oak, 188 Bank Street, which is a fundraiser for the SSO, sponsored by John MacFarlane. Read more about John in this edition of the newsletter.

Such partnerships, sponsorships and friendships raise our wee SSO ship and keep us sailing smoothly and proudly.

Donald Macdonald