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The British Isles

Historic Society Heritage, History, Traditions & Customs 11-20 November Issue

St. Andrew deeming himself unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus Christ. Instead, he was nailed St. Andrew has been celebrated upon an X-shaped cross on 30 November 60AD in in for over a thousand years, Greece, and thus the diagonal cross of the with feasts being held in his honour as was adopted as his symbol, and the last day in far back as the year 1000 AD. November designated his saint day. However, it wasn’t until 1320, According to legend, Óengus II, king of Picts when Scotland’s independence was and Scots, led an army against the , a declared with the signing of The Germanic people that invaded Britain. The Scots , that he officially became were heavily outnumbered, and Óengus prayed the Scotland’s patron saint. Since then St Andrew has night before battle, vowing to name St. Andrew the become tied up in so much of Scotland. The flag of patron saint of Scotland if they won. Scotland, the St. Andrew’s Cross, was chosen in honour of him. Also, the ancient town of St Andrews On the day of the battle, white clouds formed was named due to its claim of being the final resting an X in the sky. The clouds were thought to place of St. Andrew. represent the X-shaped cross where St. Andrew was crucified. The troops were inspired by the apparent According to Christian teachings, Saint Andrew divine intervention, and they came out victorious was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples. He and his despite overwhelming odds. brother, Simon Peter (today venerated as the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church) were fishermen True to his word, as the legend goes, Óengus in Galilee, now modern-day Israel, when they met named St. Andrew the patron saint of Scotland, and Jesus Christ and became his first disciples. Like Jesus, St. Andrew’s Day marked Scotland’s victory and new he was ultimately martyred for his beliefs, but nationhood. Scotland’s flag, Andrew is said to have refused a T-shape cross, Cont. page 2 …. ... … … a white cross over a blue background, is also The United Scottish Cultural Society likely the result of this legend and has been named encourages the fostering and preservation of St. Andrew’s Cross. Scottish Culture in any and all of its forms, including According to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic music, dance, and the Gaelic language. successor to Saint Andrew is the Patriarch of The Scottish Cultural Centre has been a Constantinople. It is thought to originate from the Vancouver institution since 1986 and is proud to be a reign of Malcolm III (1034–1093). It was thought that vibrant and multi-cultural space used by the ritual slaughter of animals associated with Samhain community and people from around the world. was moved to this date, so as to assure enough Founding animals were kept alive for winter. But it is only in Societies Still more recent times that 30 November has been given Active: Royal national holiday status. Scottish Country https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew's_Day Dance Society – Vancouver Branch, B.C. Highland And so, wherever you are in the world, raise a Dance Association, B.C. Pipers Association, Gaelic glass this 30 November to good ol’ Saint Andrew, Society of Vancouver, Moray, Nairn & Banff and to the richness and generosity of Scottish culture Association, St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society & everywhere. Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association

The United Scottish Royal Scottish Cultural Society Country Dance Society was formed by the Vancouver Branch prominent Scottish societies of Scottish Country Dancing is an Vancouver more than 50 years activity that promotes fun, friendship and fitness. It ago in an effort to create an amalgamated group of is enjoyed by people of all ages and instruction is first- and second-generation Scots sharing a passion readily available. Whoever you are, wherever you for perpetuating Scottish culture in all its forms. are, you can share the fun of learning steps, From 1955 to 1985, these societies practicing dances, and thrilling to the music and congregated for ceilidhs and other social events in a excitement of socials, balls and workshops. Scottish former school they purchased at Fir Street and 12th country dancing is a great way to keep fit and to Avenue they renamed The Scottish Auditorium. In meet new people in a very social setting. 1986, construction on the present venue had This organization was formed as a Society in completed, and a new chapter in the life of 1964 but organized Scottish Country Dancing had Vancouver’s Scots had begun. Today, the Scottish been enjoyed in Vancouver since the 1930s. This Cultural Centre extends beyond the reach of the Society is a member of a world-wide Association and Scottish community and welcomes individuals and that means members will be welcomed at other groups from a more divergent society than the one Branches all over the world. that existed when the Scottish Auditorium was in its www.rscdsvancouver.org heyday. www.scottishculturalcentre.com Traditional Scottish Guy Fawkes Cullen Skink Day Thursday, Ingredients: November 5, 2020 Festivities in Windsor Castle 2-3 Smoked Haddock Fillets by Paul Sandby, c. 1776 Guy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night 50g butter Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire 1 large onion (chopped) Night and Fireworks Night, is an annual ½ a leek (white section only, chopped) commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily 700g potatoes (chopped) in the . Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605 O.S., when Guy Fawkes, 300ml milk a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested Small carton single cream while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact Method: that King James I had survived the attempt on his Melt the butter in a large pan and add the life, people lit bonfires around London; and months onion and leek, then add the potato taking care not later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th to let it stick to the base of the pan. November Act enforced an annual public day of Add the milk and bring to the boil, reduce to a thanksgiving for the plot's failure. simmer and cook slowly. Separate the fish into chunks and add to the Scottish Settlement soup, simmer until cooked and add the cream to of serve. have a long Serve with crusty bread and butter. history in Canada, dating back https://www.donaldrussell.com/cullen-skink.html several centuries. Many towns, rivers and mountains have been Gone but not forgotten! named in honour of Scottish Laidlaw’s Scottish Bakery explorers and traders such as Mackenzie Bay in the Jock Laidlaw Yukon (named for Sir Alexander Mackenzie), and

others are named after locations in Scotland, such as The Highland Association Calgary (named after a Scottish beach), or Banff, Once one of the most active societies, staging ceilidhs and plays, Alberta named after Banff, Aberdeenshire. Most to preserve the fraternalism and notably, the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia is Latin rich heritage of for "New Scotland". the Scottish 17 November 1292: is appointed King of Highlands and its people. Scotland by King . Remembrance Day Remembrance Day, Ireland In the Republic of Ireland, Armistice or : Remembrance Day is not a public holiday. In July Remembrance Day, there is a National Day of Commemoration for Irish (Wednesday November 11th. 2020) which is the men and women who have died in war. anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First Nevertheless, Remembrance Sunday is marked by a World War, in 1918 at 1100hrs. The national ceremony in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, which the ceremony is held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, President of Ireland attends. London. The unveiling of the stone structure on the Centre for Scottish Studies 11th November 1920 was combined with a ceremony to mark the passing of the body of the The Centre for Scottish Studies at Unknown Warrior for re-burial in Westminster University was founded in 1998 as a joint venture Abbey. between faculty and individuals in the community. The first of the annual ceremonies of The Centre, located at SFU’s beautiful Burnaby remembrance took place at the Cenotaph on the campus, provides a focal point for faculty, students, same date the following year. The Household Cavalry and members of the general public who are and one of the Foot Guards Battalions provide a interested in exploring Scottish history and culture small dismounted marching contingent. The and the connections between Scotland and Canada Household Cavalry leads the three Services on to in the contemporary global landscape. parade. The Centre conducts and mobilizes research in Remembrance Day, Canada: the area of Scottish Studies. Our research activities include collaborative projects with Generations of Canadians have served our colleagues in Canada, the US and the UK; country and the world during times of war, military conferences and symposia; the “Scottish Voices from conflict, and peace. Through their courage and the West" Oral History project; an annual St sacrifice, these men and women have helped to Andrew's and Caledonian Society talk; and an annual ensure that we live in freedom and peace, while also Day event. www.sfu.ca/scottish fostering freedom and peace around the world. Canada’s involvement in the First and Second Sir (6 August World Wars, the Korean War, and Canada’s efforts 1881 – 11 March 1955) Born: Darvel, East during military operations and peace efforts has , Scotland always been fueled by a commitment to protect the : The antibiotic was rights of others and to foster peace and freedom. discovered in 1928 by Scotsman Alexander Remembrance Day, Scotland: Fleming. Some consider it Scotland's greatest contribution to the world. His best-known Also called Armistice Day, because the 1918 discoveries are the enzyme lysozyme in 1923 and the Armistice is the event it remembers, and Poppy Day, world's first broadly effective antibiotic substance the first Remembrance Day proper took place in benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) from the 1919 in a ceremony dedicated to the fallen by King mould Penicillium rubens in 1928 . St. Andrew’s and The Caledonian Society James VI and I (James Charles The oldest existing organization Stuart; 19 June 1566 – 27 March 1625) of its kind in the city of Vancouver, was King of Scotland as James VI from the St. Andrews & Caledonian Society 24 July 1567 and King of England and began in May 1886, merely a month after the Ireland as James I from the union of the Scottish and pioneer settlement on Burrard Inlet became a city. English crowns on 24 March 1603 until his death in Malcolm A. MacLean was the society’s first president 1625. and Vancouver’s first mayor. The Scottish people (Scots: Scots Fowk; The St. Andrew's and Caledonian Society in : Albannaich, Old English: Scottas) or Vancouver was formally formed on September 10th Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to 1886. It's objectives were to provide relief and Scotland. Historically, they emerged from an mutual assistance to natives of Scotland and their amalgamation of two Celtic-speaking peoples, the descendants, to encourage a national spirit and to Picts and , who founded the Kingdom of promote Scottish music and literature. The society Scotland (or Alba) in the 9th century. Later, the sponsored the annual Caledonian Games and held neighbouring Celtic-speaking Cumbrians, as well as banquets honouring the poet and Germanic -speaking Anglo-Saxons and Norse, were celebrated St. Andrews Day. Promoting Scottish incorporated into the Scottish nation. culture and ideals are still a large part of the The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as an society’s goals. independent sovereign state in the European Early St. Andrew's and Caledonian Middle Ages and continued to exist until 1707. By inheritance in 1603, James VI of Scotland became Society (Victoria, B.C.) king of England and Ireland, thus forming a personal One of Victoria’s oldest union of the three kingdoms. Scotland subsequently cultural organizations, the St. Andrew’s and entered into a political union with the Kingdom of Caledonian Society, is disbanding after 155 years. England on 1 May 1707 to create the new Kingdom The decision was based on a declining and aging of Great Britain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland membership, president Janice Campbell said. Times Colonist, JULY 26, 2014 10:10 PM Malcolm Alexander MacLean, NOTE: (August 14, 1844 – April 4, 1895) was the first mayor of Caledonia (/ˌkælɪˈdoʊniə/) is the Latin name Vancouver, , serving given by the Romans to the land north of their from 1886 to 1887. Born: August 14, province of Britannia, beyond the frontier of their 1844, Tiree, Scotland. Died: April 4, 1895 (aged 50) empire, roughly corresponding to Vancouver, B.C. Originally en route to Honolulu with modern-day Scotland. plans to enter Hawaii's sugar beet industry, he St. Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for instead continued to Granville, today known as over a thousand years, with feasts Vancouver. being held in his honour as far back Cont. Page 13 as the year 1000 AD Moray, Nairn & Banff Association into Scottish Gaelic- and Scots-speaking communities, was a town of two halves in other Instituted in 1931 by the then recently-laden ways. The narrow-street fisher town surrounds a Scots from the Shires of Moray, Nairn and Banff, the harbour built by while Victorian association provided a common meeting place villas stand in the 'West End'. It is believed that where members could share the memories and the Duke of Cumberland stayed in Nairn the night preserve the traditions, literature and history of before the battle of Culloden. those Shires and of Scotland at large. In 1645, during the Wars of the Three King- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moray-Nairn-and-Banff-Scottish- Cultural-Association doms, the battle of Auldearn was fought near the town, between Royalists and . Moray Scotland: During the Middle Ages the It was not until the 1860s that Nairn became a Mormaerdom of Moray was respectable and popular holiday town. much larger than the modern Banff Scotland:Banff's council area, also covering much of what is first castle was built to now Highland and Aberdeenshire. During this period repel Viking invaders and a Moray may for a time have been either an charter of 1163 AD shows independent kingdom or a highly autonomous that Malcolm IV was living there at that vassal of Alba. In the early 12th century, the time. During this period the town was a mormaerdom/kingdom was defeated by David I of busy trading centre in the "free hanse" of Scotland following a conflict with Óengus of Moray, Northern Scottish burghs, despite not and rule over the area was passed to William Fitz having its own harbour until 1775. The first Duncan. recorded Sheriff of Banff was Richard de Strathewan After that, the title became defunct until the in 1264, and in 1372 Royal Burgh status was 14th century when Thomas Randolph was granted conferred by King Robert II. By the 15th century the title Earl of Moray. The earldom would Banff was one of three principal towns exporting subsequently be destroyed and recreated four times, salmon to the continent of Europe, along with its last creation surviving to this day, currently with and Montrose. held by John Douglas Stuart, 21st Earl of Moray. Over these centuries, the territory of the County of B.C. Highland Moray contracted to the area around Elgin. Dance Association

Nairn Scotland: Formally established in King James VI of Scotland visited 1934 and the major body of the town in 1589 and is said to highland dancers and have later remarked that the teachers in British Columbia. Host of the B.C. High Street was so long that the people at Provincial Closed Highland Dancing Championship. either end spoke different languages, Scots http://bchighlanddancers.com and Gaelic. The landward farmers and the fishing 13 November 1850: The birth in of families at the harbour end spoke Doric, and the , the renowned essayist, highlanders spoke Gaelic. Nairn, formerly split poet, and author of fiction and travel books. Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association Scottish Canadians are the third-largest ethnic group in This leading Scottish fraternal Canada and among the first to settle in Canada. association dates from 1867 in Canada Scottish people have made a large impact on and 1895 in British Columbia. Camps in Canadian culture since colonial times. 29 Canadian cities help to preserve things Scottish by The who influenced Canada's promoting the aims of the association, which include history is indeed a long one. The explorer Alexander fostering Scottish culture, maintaining a fraternal MacKenzie completed the first known organization, provide an insurance fund, and transcontinental crossing of America north of promote member social functions and support . John Sandfield Macdonald (1812–1872) community projects. Three of B.C.’s nine camps are became Premier of the Province of Canada in 1862 members of the USCS: Lord Tweedsmuir Camp and the first Premier of Ontario in 1867. Sir John A. (1939), Glamis Camp (1937), Glengarry Camp (1937). Macdonald (1815–1891), who emigrated in 1820, District 16, which encompasses representatives of became the first Prime Minister of the Dominion of each of the nine camps, is itself a shareholder. Canada, leading the country through its period of Saltire / St. Andrew’s Cross early growth. Under his leadership, the dominion expanded to include Manitoba, British Columbia and The is a Prince Edward Island. white X-shaped cross, which represents the cross of the patron saint of Alexander Mackenzie was the first Liberal Scotland, Saint Andrew on a blue sky. The flag is (1873–78). Another Scot, called the Saltire or the Saint Andrew's Cross. William Lyon Mackenzie, who led the revolt in Upper Canada against the Canadian government in 1838, According to legend, in 832 A.D. King Óengus became a symbol of Canadian radicalism. His (II) (or King Angus) led the Picts and Scots in battle rebellion dramatized the need to reform the against the Angles under a king named Athelstan country's outmoded constitution and led to the 1841 near modern-day in . union of Upper Canada and Lower Canada. Another King Angus and his men were surrounded and he Scot, William McDougall, was known as one of the prayed for deliverance. During the night Saint fathers of the Confederation; Sir Richard McBride Andrew, who was martyred on a saltire cross, (1870–1917) was from 1903–1915 the Premier of appeared to Angus and assured him of victory. On British Columbia, where his was the first government the following morning a white saltire against the under the new system of political parties. McBride background of a blue sky appeared to both sides. was also known for his tireless work on behalf of the The Picts and Scots were heartened by this, extension of the Pacific Great Eastern Railroad, but the Angles lost confidence and were defeated. which was to bind British Columbia together the way This saltire design has been the Scottish flag ever since. Marmalade: And finally, thanks to Janet Keiller, a shopkeeper who is widely The Telephone: was credited with introducing the commercial born in Scotland. Born: March 3, 1847 market to marmalade — an orange-y jam Edinburgh, Scotland, Died: August 2, 1922 (aged 75) Beinn Bhreagh, Nova Scotia, B.C. Pipers Association The Scots Promotes the playing of in Vancouver the Great Highland Bagpipe by Many local place organizing events for all pipers names in Vancouver throughout the year. Annual are of Scottish origin. Knock-Out competitions and The district of Annual dinner held at the Dollarton, for example, was named for Captain Scottish Cultural Centre. Robert Dollar. West Vancouver's first European Prior to the formation of the B.C. Pipers settler, John Lawson, planted holly by the side of the Association (BCPA) piping societies had briefly "burn" or river flowing across his property; he coined existed in Vancouver: a Pipers’ Society in 1905 and "Hollyburn" as the name for his place. Island the Vancouver Pipers’ Society in 1921. Neither was formerly called McMillan Island, after a Scottish appeared to last long or make much headway. Piping settler named Donald McMillan. was otherwise largely in the hands of the several Part of West Vancouver is named after local pipe hands, dedicated performers and Dundarave Castle in Scotland. In 1905, at what is teachers, and was encouraged by the Vancouver St. now West 41st Avenue in Vancouver, a young Andrews & Caledonian Society, which held annual Scottish couple who had recently settled in the games. district with the last name MacKinnon were invited The British Columbia Pipers Association is a to name the new station. Mrs. MacKinnon was asked non-profit organization, which sanctions all major by the British Columbia Electric Railway manager bagpipe competitions in British Columbia, R.H. Sterling to name the interurban tram stop at Washington, and Oregon. It frequently joins with Wilson Road (today West 41st Avenue). She chose to Scottish heritage groups and athletic organizations to call it "Kerry's Dale", after the name of her family organize in these states. home, Kerrydale, in Gairloch, Scotland. Kerrysdale means "little seat of the fairies." It was quickly http://www.bcpipers.org/ corrupted to Kerrisdale.

Vancouver Ceilidh Dancing of couples facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the A cèilidh or céilí is a facing couple, and also facing couples exchange traditional Scottish or Irish social partners, while all the time keeping in step with the gathering. In its most basic form, it beat of the music. simply means a social visit. In contemporary usage, it usually However, about half of the dances in the involves dancing and playing Gaelic folk music, either modern Scots cèilidh are couples' dances performed at a house party or a larger concert at a social hall or in a ring. other community gathering place. www.vancouverceilidh.org Dancing at cèilidhs is usually in the form Contact: of cèilidh dances, set dances or couple dances. A [email protected] "set" consists of four to eight couples, with each pair Vancouver Ladies Pipe Band The primary roles of the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada are: Founded in 1922, the Ladies’ Pipe Band began life as a To provide musical support for the , non-competition band. It remained so until the Association and Veterans, 1950s, when Malcolm Nicholson was invited to To act as custodians of the cultural and become director. Under his leadership the Band Regimental traditions, and toured North America and won numerous prizes. In To provide a public face for the Seaforth 1964 they traveled to Scotland to play at the Highlanders and the Canadian Forces in the Lower Edinburgh Tattoo. This marked the first performance Mainland. of a ladies’ band at the event. While in Scotland, they placed fourth out of 31 bands at and Since the Second World War, Seaforth took the honour of becoming the highest placing Highlanders have served in every major Canadian ladies’ band to date. The Band returned to Scotland overseas mission, both as peacekeepers and several more times in 1969, 1980, and 1990 and warfighters. Seaforth's served in Egypt, Cyprus, , placed first in the 1980 Worlds championship. Once the Golan Heights, Namibia, Croatia, Bosnia, and again, they became the first ladies’ band to do so. today over half of the Regiment are veterans of the The band also cut its own album in 1965 and played war in . The Regiment truly continues to for the Prince and Princess of Wales at Vancouver’s display the pride and esprit de corps that has set it Expo 86. apart through its history. https://www.seaforthhighlanders.ca/organization/pipes-and-drum Now inactive, band members once wore the MacNab tartan in honour of founder Mary MacNab. Rampant The band was formed in 1927, and in its nearly 80 or the Royal Standard years won many awards. In 1980, it was the first all-ladies band to win a World Title. Scotland also has a second unofficial national The Regimental flag. This one generally appears by the thousands Pipes and Drums of wherever and whenever the national sporting teams the Seaforth are competing and is commonly known as the Lion Highlanders Rampant. The flag is the Royal Standard of the King or Queen of Scots and it remains the personal came into existence shortly after the inception banner of the monarch; as such its use is, strictly of the Regiment in 1910 and today is the oldest speaking, restricted. It is thought that it was King continuously active pipe band in British Columbia. “the Lion-Heart” late in the 12th Made up of both serving members of the century who first introduced a heraldic device Canadian Armed Forces and civilian volunteers, the showing a rampant lion, the king of beasts, rearing Band performs in many military and civilian up with three of its clawed paws out-stretched as if events. Each year there are appearances at parades, in battle. This Lion Rampant was eventually adopted highland games and numerous other events in as the Scottish royal coat of Vancouver and other communities in British arms and incorporated into Columbia, Alberta, Washington and California. the . ScotFestBC that time he saw a hobbyhorse being ridden along a nearby road, and decided to make one for himself. Upon completion, The British Columbia he realised what a radical improvement it would be if he could Highland Games & propel it without putting his feet on the ground. Working at his Scottish Festival Society smithy, he completed his new machine in around 1839. is proudly presented by the United Scottish The , Cultural Society, an umbrella organization of some of Royal Highland Regiment of BC's major Scottish cultural groups. The Games Canada, Pacific Coast Branch Organizing Committee is a year-round committee of 35+ volunteer members who stage the Games in The Black Watch is the oldest conjunction with the BC Pipers' Association, the BC highland regiment in Canada. Highland Dancing Association, and the Royal Scottish Volunteers have served since the regiment's Country Dancing Association. inception in Montreal on January 31st, 1862 as the Highland Games originated among the Scots' 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada. The ancestors in the "old country" and became a rise of American military strength during the Civil customary part of their life. Tossing the caber, War concerned Canada. The government authorized putting the stone, throwing the hammer and formation of militia . Each of six Montreal competition in bagpiping and Highland dancing Scottish chieftains responded by raising an infantry formed the core of the Games, pitting the best company for the 5th Battalion. Eventually, eight musicians, dancers and athletes against each other companies were raised for border service. Since to determine the best. A full day of competition, then, thousands of Canadian citizens have served in some great music, dancing and maybe a bit of the Black Watch. In addition to Canadian border Scottish whisky made for a great day in the security, they have fought in the Boer War, WW1, highlands. As economic times changed in Scotland, WW2, Korean War; bolstered NATO operations in emigration dispersed the Highland Games idea and Europe and UN peacekeeping worldwide; and brought it to North America where provided aid-to-the-civil-power, most recently they have during the Quebec and Eastern Ontario ice storm flourished disaster. throughout Today the Black Watch is a modern infantry Canada battalion providing trained soldiers to augment https:// regular force units and to aid civil authorities in scotfestbc.com/ times of crises. Currently, the Regiment has soldiers If you find there are bike serving in Afghanistan. To fulfill these tasks, the paths on every street then you soldiers undergo extensive infantry and more can thank Scottish blacksmith specialized training. Kirkpatrick Macmillan. The Pacific Coast Branch was formed during Kirkpatrick Macmillan was born in 1812 in , the early 1940s and currently consists of the son of a blacksmith. He did a approximately 75 members. Members are drawn variety of jobs as a young man, from six provinces, two American states, and before settling into working with his father in 1824. At around . Canadian / American Favourite Foods deep - frying candy bars actually started in Scotland. That Originated in Scotland. Back in the 1990s, Scottish chip shops popularized this practice with Mars bars and fish batter. About a Scones decade later, this decadent treat found its way to Many Canadians assume scones the United States where it has become a mainstay at to be an English invention, and county fairs and other outdoor events. they are popular throughout the Chicken Tikka Masala United Kingdom. However, scones Did you know that chicken tikka are believed to have originated in masala likely originated in Scotland? Scotland over five hundred years ago. The first Although its exact origins are debated, versions of this quick bread style were large, round, one commonly accepted tale credits its invention to and cooked on a traditional Scottish griddle. a Bangladeshi chef at a Glaswegian restaurant in the Porridge/Oatmeal 1970s. As the story goes, the chef added a creamy Porridge — usually called tomato sauce to a plate of chicken tikka after a "oatmeal" in the Canada — is another customer complained that the dish was too dry. breakfast staple with Scottish roots. Oats have long Since its invention, chicken tikka masala has enjoyed been an important aspect of the Scottish diet, as global popularity. they grow better than wheat in the country's Vancouver Fiddle relatively low temperatures and high humidity. The Orchestra Traditional Scottish porridge was originally portable; Orchestra: after cooking, the porridge was poured into a mold began in Vancouver, BC in or drawer and left to set. The cooled, solidified 1990 when accordion porridge was then cut into pieces for later dining on player lan Price met the go. fiddler Tom Scott. Ian had led the Schiehallion Band for 13 years while Tom Fried Chicken had organized a group of fiddle players keenly The origin of fried chicken in the interested in playing Scottish music. Together, they southern states of America has been saw an opportunity to continue the tradition of live traced to precedents in Scottish dance music for Scottish country dancers and at the cuisine. Scottish fried chicken was cooked in fat same time provide a collective performing outlet for (though unseasoned) Although southern fried musicians with a desire to develop their skills in a chicken was invented in the American South, it owes traditional genre. The Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra much of its crispy deliciousness to the frying process was the result. brought over by Scottish immigrants. Their method The Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra combines of preparing chicken was in contrast to the cooking traditional and contemporary approaches to Scottish styles of English immigrants, who preferred boiling music. The Orchestra has played for dance groups in and baking. B.C.'s Lower Mainland, on Vancouver Island and in Deep-Fried Candy Bars Western Washington. Although the emphasis is on Although what may seem like a dance music, the Orchestra also performs in events thoroughly American trend, and facility centres. Robert Burns “Robbie Burns” fully restored to become part of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. A is a celebration Robert Burns Statue, Stanley Park, Vancouver of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 Fàilte gu làrach-lìn a’ July 1796), the author of many Scots Chomuinn Ghàidhlig poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the Bhancoubhair poet's birthday, 25 January, occasionally known as Robert Burns Day (or Robbie Burns Day) but more The Gaelic Society of Vancouver commonly known as Burns Night (Scots: Burns The Gaelic Society of Vancouver was formed in Nicht). 1908 by a group of dedicated Gaelic enthusiasts who The first supper was held in memoriam at wanted to establish a society where they could meet Burns Cottage by Burns' friends, on 21 July 1801, the and enjoy each other’s company and fellowship. The fifth anniversary of his death; it has been a first meeting of the Society was held on February regular occurrence ever since. The first still extant 8th, 1908 at the Sullivan Hall on Cordova Street, Burns Club was founded in Greenock in 1801 by Vancouver. merchants who were born in Ayrshire, some of The aim of the Society established at that time whom had known Burns. They held the first Burns was to promote the Gaelic language and to preserve supper on what they thought was his birthday, 29 all matters of interest to the Celtic race by encourag- January 1802, but in 1803, they discovered the Ayr ing a wider knowledge of the Gaelic language, its parish records that noted his date of birth was literature and its music. actually 25 January 1759. Since then, suppers have Today, our members strive to achieve those been held on or about 25 January. aims by organizing cèilidhs and other events, and by Burns Suppers may be formal or offering Gaelic language lessons at the Scottish Cul- informal. Both typically include haggis (a tural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. traditional Scottish dish celebrated by http://www.vancouvergaelic.org Burns in Address to a Haggis), Scottish Canadian Agency: whisky and the recitation of Burns’ The Scottish Canadian Agency was poetry. Formal dinners are hosted by formed by Harry organisations such as Burns clubs, the Freemasons or McGrath and is based in Edinburgh, St Andrews Societies; they occasionally end with Scotland. The agency works in the dancing when ladies are present. Formal suppers area of Scottish diaspora engagement follow a standard order. and facilitates business, cultural, educational and Burns Cottage, the first governmental links between Scotland and Canada. home of Robert Burns is www.scottishcanadianagency.com located in Alloway, South Shinty, also called shinny, or shinney, Gaelic Ayrshire, Scotland. It was camanachd, game played outdoors with built by his father, William sticks and a small, hard ball in which two Burness in 1757. Burns, Scotland's national poet, was opposing teams attempt to hit the ball through their born there on 25 January 1759. It is a simple opponents' goal (hail); it is similar to the Irish game of two-roomed clay and thatch cottage and has been hurling and to hockey. Washington Scottish Square Sliced Camanachd Club Sausage The Camanachd (aka Lorne Sausage) Association is the official governing body of the game of Shinty. The Ingredients: Washington Camanachd Club is a group of like-minded enthusiasts for the traditional Scottish 2lbs ground/minced beef game of Shinty (also called Camanchd), based in 2lbs ground pork Seattle, WA. 3 cups fine breadcrumbs The ancient and unique stick sport of Shinty is 2 teaspoons pepper played here in a purely recreational format and is a favorite among people of all ages and walks of life. 2 teaspoons nutmeg Shinty dates back to the early days of the Celtic 3 teaspoons coriander peoples and is deeply rooted in the strength, 3 teaspoons salt courage and stamina of those people. During the last 1600 years of Shinty, a few other more well-known 1 cup of water games have evolved from it, including Ice Hockey 2 teaspoons onion powder and Golf. Scotland's only original team sport of Directions: Shinty is currently played by over 45 clubs in Scotland. http://www.shintywa.com/ Blend all the ingredients by hand to a coarse crumble mix, do not over blend Cont. from page 5 … Malcolm Alexander MacLean, The beef and pork should not be too lean, or (Arthur Ross already was familiar with the sausage may end up being too dry. Granville, having recommended the town to serve as Pack into loaf pan. Place in the freezer for a the western end of the .) little while until it is just starting to set. MacLean arrived in Granville at the start of 1886; within a month, MacLean found himself with a job Remove it and cut the 'loaves' into slices to a running Ross' real estate office while Ross was away thickness you like in Ottawa serving as an MP for Lisgar, and within half Copyright: a year MacLean was operating his own real estate Lil McVittie, The British Isles Historic Society firm. In February 1886, he worked to petition the provincial legislature to incorporate and rename the THIS DAY IN HISTORY town, and as a result, on April 6, the city of Vancou- 7 November 1861: The death in Stromness of Isobel ver was formed. Gunn, who enrolled as a man in the Hudson's Bay Company and was the first European woman to MacLean was sometimes known as "Squire reach western Canada. MacLean." He was fluent in Scottish Gaelic and or- 6 November 1887: Celtic Football Club is formally ganised the St Andrew's and Caledonian Society of constituted at a meeting in St. Mary's church hall in Vancouver in 1886. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ East Rose Street in Glasgow. Scottish Oatmeal Muffins seconds of stirring should do; just enough to barely bring the ingredients together. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: Makes 12 4. Scoop into prepared muffin tray and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Add Raisins, Dates, and Walnuts, other options Cool in the tray for a minute or two before pecans, cranberries or candied ginger, and so on. transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. INGREDIENTS: What is Piobaireachd? 1 1/2 cup of rolled oats (from The Piobaireachd Society) 1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour Piobaireachd, 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed pronounced "pea-brock", is 1 teaspoon of salt the classical music of the Great Highland Bagpipe and 1 teaspoon baking powder for which the highest 1/2 teaspoon baking soda awards in the bagpiping 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon competitions world are given. 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts, toasted A more general term is Ceòl Mor (Scottish 1/3 cup of raisins Gaelic ceòl mór) meaning the "Great Music" which 1/3 cup of chopped dates separates piobaireachd from the more popular dances, reels, marches and strathspeys which are 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup), melted and cooled called Ceòl Beag or "Little Music." There is freedom 1 cup of buttermilk in the piobaireachd to express joy, sadness, or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract sometimes in the “gathering” tunes , a peremptory warning or call to arms. 1 large egg, beaten Piobaireachd is an art music genre unique to METHOD the Great Highland Bagpipe that consists of a theme 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a twelve or “ground,” which is repeated and underlined in a slot muffin tin or line the slots with paper baking series of variations of increasing complexity that cups. follow the theme. This usually progresses to the 2. Mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, crunluath variation, where the piper’s fingers give a salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, dazzling technical display of embellishment or walnuts, dates, and raisins. In a separate bowl mix gracenotes. together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and The theme is often very slow, and the general butter. effect of the whole piece of music is slow – slowness being a characteristic of Highland music. They are 3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes in length and stir together. Be sure not to over-stir as that will present the performer with technical, musical and cause the muffins to develop too many gluten tonal challenges to address to give a high quality bonds. It should be thick and gloppy. About 10 performance. https://scotfestbc.com/