St. Andrew’s Day Flag Raising

Celebration details

Scottish Heritage Day will be celebrated for the first time in Ontario on November 30, 2021.  The day is also celebrated across Scotland and by the Scottish diaspora as St. Andrew’s Day. We invite you join us as we raise the flag of Scotland, the St. Andrew’s Cross, on November 30th. 

Following the ceremony, we will retreat to Deacon Brodies Pub to raise a toast in honour of St. Andrew’s Day and Scottish Heritage Day.

Scottish Heritage Day
Flag Raising at Ottawa City Hall
November 30, 2021, at 5:30 pm

It all started when…

Last fall, the Scottish Society of Ottawa gave written support to the successful Private Members Bill that was proposed by MPP Jim McDonell from Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, with the resulting Bill 208:

Bill 208 was enacted as Chapter 19 of the Statutes of Ontario in the spring of this year, 2021.  The Bill proclaims November 30 in each year as Scottish Heritage Day. 

The preamble of the Bill states:

Beginning in the 1700s, the Scottish Highland Clearances displaced many of its citizens, forcing them out of their homes with no means to support their families. Many looked to Canada to start a new life, settling in various locations across Upper Canada, joining their fellow countrymen who had fought for the Crown during the American War of Independence. 

Once they established their homes and livelihood, they immediately set about building schools to educate their children and helped to establish the institutions necessary to build a strong and secure country. Pride in their culture gave Scots a strong sense of identity and self-worth, which contributed to their success and left Upper Canada with firmly rooted Scottish traditions such as Highland games and competitions.

St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30th and is Scotland’s official national day.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows: Scottish Heritage Day