Donald Macdonald, Chair

Ciamar a tha sibh? (How are you?)

I hope you are well and interested in the great activities of the Scottish Society of Ottawa.  The SSO is a very friendly group promoting Scottish culture through many creative and festive activities.   

About me:

A native of Ottawa, I have had a great career in public and private sectors as an architect and project manager.  Now retired, I enjoy helping groups bring joy to fellow citizens through interesting events.  I have been married to Kate for 40 years and have four children and three grandchildren.

I love to play the bagpipes to celebrate festive or commemorative occasions.

I am a seventh-generation descendant of highland settlers from the Jacobite areas of Lochaber and the Inner Hebrides who settled in what is now Prince Edward Island 253 years ago. A direct ancestor of mine, Angus Borrodale, welcomed and hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie many times during the ’45 Rebellion and helped him escape – but the Clan paid the price and were persecuted for their politics and religion.   My forebears endured many hardships in those pioneer times but through the years the pride in our highland origins has remained strong: 

From the lone shieling of the misty island Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas- Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland, And we in dreams behold the Hebrides:

Fair these broad meads – these hoary woods are grand; But we are exiles from our fathers’ land.

-From Canadian Boat-Song, Scottish anonymous

Please consider taking out a membership in the SSO to help our programs and be a part of our proud Scottish heritage. If you want to volunteer at one of our events please email volunteer@ottscot.ca

I wish you “one hundred thousand welcomes!”  Ceud mìle fàilte!