Over 500 in attendance

22 performers

50 volunteers

The Scottish Society of Ottawa’s signature event was a great success! Thank you to our generous sponsors and volunteers, talented performers, and lively guests. We’re glad you could ring in the New Year, the Scottish Way, with us!

MAIN STAGE PERFORMERS

The Devil’s Brigade

The Devil’s Brigade Drawing favourable comparisons to Wolfstone, Afro Celt Sound System, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra and consistently providing performances from Grade 1 bagpipers and other world class musicians this high-energy Canadian/American group has electrified audiences on three continents for years. They have expanded their ever-growing family of fans at music festivals, theatres, military bases, weddings, memorial ceremonies, corporate events, and more. This has even included shows with world-renowned violinist/composers Lindsey Stirling and Alison Krauss, as well as airplay on TV and radio, and shows at non-Celtic venues such as the World Music Festival in Quebec where they have both kicked off and closed the 6 day event to widespread acclaim (they've been asked to play this festival 13 years in a row and counting).

Ernie Fraser 

Ernie Fraser is an Ottawa-based fiddler and guitarist, originally from Cape Breton Island. On the fiddle, Ernie plays Cape Breton music, which is often described as traditional Scottish music as it was played in the late 1700s and early 1800s, when the forefathers of Cape Bretoners emigrated from Scotland. On the guitar, Ernie combines Celtic music with Jazz and Blues influences.

Brandy N’ Port

Brandy N’Port has been a main stay in the Eastern Ontario Celtic music scene for several years now. Their longevity & success, with many performances at pubs, festivals and private events in both Canada and the USA, can be attributed to consistently providing energetic and quality performances year after year. While always sticking to their Celtic roots, Brandy 'N' Port can always provide versatile & original arrangements to many different music styles. Brandy 'N' Port is made up of, Alec Long from Derry, Ireland on Drums & Vocals. Richard Linke from Vankleek Hill, Ontario on Lead Guitar, Flute, Whistle & Vocals. Grant Tomkinson from Westmeath, Ontario on Bass Guitar & Vocals and Danny Byrne from Ottawa, Ontario on Guitar, Banjo & Vocals..

John Young

John Young opened Hogmanay 2024 by singing songs based on the poetry of Robert Burns. John will sing well-known  favourites like My Love is Like A Red, Red  Rose, Scots Wha Hae and Auld Lang Syne and has the pleasure of being accompanied by Dr. James Wright who is an amazing pianist as well as professor at Carleton University. 

John Young is a gifted and passionate singer who moves easily between his baritone and tenor range. His voice is just as warm and inviting as it is strong and deep.

RCAF Pipes & Drums

RCAF Pipe Band Founded in 1949, the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums (RCAFPD) has the distinction of being the longest continuous serving Air Force Pipe Band in the Canadian Forces, proudly wearing the RCAF Tartan for all performances, and has participated in many national and international performances over the years.

RCAF Dancers

RCAF Dancers are a complementary part of the band providing Premier level Highland dancing from the Ottawa area. These dancers have extensive experience performing on stages throughout the world, and are excited to share their love of dance with you.

Hall of origins

Hall of Origins

The Hall of Origins was held from 2-6 pm in the Lobby with many people enjoying discussing their clan origins and meeting community groups. We would like to thank these organizations for taking the time to be with the SSO in the Hall:

  • Scots Canada (Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada),

  • British Isles Family History of Greater Ottawa,

  • Almonte Celtfest, Clan McGregor, Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

  • Food historians of Canada

The Celtic Kitchen Session – Hosted by Kevin Dooley

This 2 hour session was hosted by Mr. Kevin Dooley (Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Ireland) who has been known for his music, historical work and stories in the Ottawa area for 3 decades. He is the founder of the weekly Celtic Folk Night at Quinn’s on Bank Street.

Continuing from the Mullingar group last year, Kevin has hand picked and ensured a smooth running of a dozen session musicians during the afternoon. Under the name ‘Celtic Kitchen Style Party’ of Scottish and Irish tunes, songs, recitations from the Celtic culture and heritage.

In Kevin’s words:

The Celtic Kitchen Session (Ceilidh) event is the cornerstone of the Celtic/Gaelic native culture. It is where the generations meet in the oral traditions of shared tunes songs and poems in their communities, I.e., kitchens through good and tough times.

kids zone

Hogman-EH! also featured a Kids Zone from 5 - 7 pm with Kid friendly activities such as colouring, drumming and piping demos and highland dance instructions. Our great volunteers lead by Kayleigh Armstrong kept the kids engaged until the first balloon drop at 7pm (midnight in Scotland).

the grandest Scottish-style New Year’s Eve celebration outside of Scotland

We are grateful to the talented photographers who captured some of the evening’s most exciting moments! Take a look:

Howard sandler & betty Ann Cochrane Photography

Thanks to our Volunteers

Hogman-EH! would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers. We had over 50 volunteers who helped set up, staff the gate & the SSO Booth, worked at the VIP section and monitored the Green rooms. We’d especially like to acknowledge the Hogman-EH! committee members who began planning and working month in advance:

  • Hogman-EH! Director: James Coughlan

  • Deputy Director: Donald MacDonald

  • Volunteer Director Dave Johnston

  • Kid’s Zone: Kayleigh Armstrong

  • Stage Managers: Ken Bartlett and Heather Theoret

  • SSO Chair: John McLuckie

  • Gate Supervisor: James Obi

  • Whisky Aficionado: Art McKenzie

Thanks to our generous sponsors