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"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation" -- Voltaire

Scots are just a wee bit better

2023

Scottish Cultural Garden at 2023 One World Day

The Scottish Cultural Garden community demonstrated their heritage at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 50,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2023.

The Scottish Cultural Garden participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.

Watch the video of the Parade of Flags.



Scottish on One World Day

Scottish on One World Day

See more of One World Day 2023.


Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival - June 23 and 24, 2023

Established in 1977, the long standing Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is presented by members of The Ohio Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of their proud Scottish Heritage and ancestry.

Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

The Ohio Scottish Games highlight the traditional dance, music and athletics of the ancient highland games. This event is for the enjoyment of all Scots and friends as well as to introduce the Scottish Arts and traditions to the community. The Ohio Scottish Games runs under The Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, Inc. (SACSO).

One of the things that makes this event stand out from so many festivals is the variety of activities attendees can participate in and/or observe. There is literally something for everyone. Follow the links below for photos and videos.

Gathering and Exhibits from dozens of Clans

Clan Muirhead

Muirhead Clan Society


Celtic Music, Highland Dances, Harps, Instruments and More

Scottish Highland Dance

Scottish Highland Dance Competition


See the Brady-Campbell School of Irish Dance, Royal Scottish Country Dance Group, The Kilroys, The Prodigals, the Scottish Harp Competition, a collection of acoustic Celtic instruments from Steeltown Acoustic Instruments Experience and more.

The Grand Parade was one of the best parades we have seen in a long time. It featured lots of bagpipe units, many Clans in their namesake tartans, Irish wolfhounds, Knights in armor, Clydesdale horses and even a flock of sheep being pursued by a border collie. Lots of photos at the link but watch the video (below).



The Knights of Valour Extreme Jousting was a highlight for many.

Knights of Valour joust at Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival

Knights of Valour jousting


The Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival had a variety of unique, interesting and fun activities. One popular event was the Heavy Athletic Competitions including the Sheaf Toss which we cover here. We also spoke with a Blacksmith, watched Medieval Style Combat and more.

Fencing from Barony of the Cleftlands

Fencing from Barony of the Cleftlands


Photos and videos of some of these activities.

The Clydesdale Horses, Highland Cows, Border Collies, Sheep and other Animals were great to see. The majesty of the 2000 lb Clydesdale. The leadership of the border collie herding the sheep. Lots of fun for all.

Clydesdale horse in parade

Clydesdale horse in the parade


There were many information and resource exhibits at the Festival including two historic Scottish organizations and one representing the Isle of Man.

The Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO) has been preserving and promoting Scottish Heritage & Traditions since 1885. They have a variety of activities and programs including an annual celebration of the birth of Robert Burns.

Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO)

In addition, the Scottish Cultural Garden was at the Festival as well. Representatives are from the main Scottish heritage groups in North East Ohio, along with senior members of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Foundation. The group is working with landscape architect James McKnight to develop a garden plan that features plants native to Scotland.

Alex Murray, Bill Kennedy and Bob Crawford

Alex Murray, Bill Kennedy and Bob Crawford

See photos and videos of the Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival


Scottish Cultural Garden Society

The Scottish Cultural Garden Society, Inc. (SCGS) was formally organized in 2022 as an Ohio non-profit organization under the guidance of Bob and Sheila Crawford, both with an active history with the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Cleveland’s wider ethnic heritage. Representatives are from the main Scottish heritage groups in North East Ohio, along with senior members of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Foundation. The group is working with landscape architect James McKnight to develop a garden plan that features plants native to Scotland.

Scottish Cultural Garden Society



2022

Scottish at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens 2022

Cleveland and Akron's Scottish communities were well-represented at the 76th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 28, 2022. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 40,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2022.

The Scottish community participated in the Parade of Flags

Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day

Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day

Then, Scottish groups had displays in the Scottish Garden for visitors to learn more.

Scottish Cultural Garden on One World Day 2022


See the Scottish at One World Day 2022


2021

Scottish at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens - August 29, 2021

Cleveland and Akron's Scottish communities were well-represented at the 75th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. They marched in the Parade of Flags and attracted hundreds of visitors to their Cultural Garden.

Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day

Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day

Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day

Scottish groups had displays in the Scottish Garden for visitors to learn more.

Scottish Garden group at One World Day


See the Scottish at One World Day 2021


2020

Watch this special video showcasing favorite Scottish words as well as a translation of Robert Burns' poem, To a Mouse.




2017

Fashions from Scotland at Cleveland multicultural party

A highlight of the 8th Annual ICC-WIN Cleveland Multicultural Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the Global Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland was the International Fashion Show featuring almost 100 models from about 30 countries.

Alexander Murray, Bill Kennedy, Kate Walsh and Katie Gressock represented Scotland.

Kate Walsh is wearing the traditional Aboyne costume worn by Scottish Highland Dancers during competition. Katie Gressock is wearing a traditional Highland dancing costume.

The men are wearing Formal Evening Wear consisting of a black barathea "Price Charlie' style kilt jacket with matching waistcoat, (vest), low-cut and fastened with three Celtic buttons. White tuxedo shirt with shirt studs, French or barrel cuffs, Black bow tie. Ghillie brogues (tongue-less brogues with kilt hose (knee-length wool socks).

(Click on the white arrow to watch the video)



Representing Scotland in the fashion show

Representing Scotland


Representing Scotland in the fashion show

Representing Scotland in the fashion show

Alex Murray and Bill Kennedy Posing with a map of Scotland

Alex Murray and Bill Kennedy representing Scotland


See more from the Cleveland Multicultural Holiday Celebration


Robert Burns anniversary celebration

Shano (Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio) hosted the 258th Robert Burns Anniversary Dinner & Dance at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake on January 21, 2017. Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.

at Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio Robert Burns dinner

Dressed for the occasion

See more from the 258th Anniversary Celebration of Robert Burns


2015

The Celtic Caterer Chef Eric W. McBride

The Celtic Caterer Chef Eric W. McBride demonstrated Celtic foods at the Ohio Celtic Festival at Classic Park in Eastlake, home to the Lake County Captains.

Most people think of Celtic people as those living in Scotland and Ireland, but the Celts also hail from Wales, the Isle of Man, Cornwall, Brittany in France, Galicia in Spain and Asturias.

Watch as the Celtic Caterer explains Celtic food, spices and cooking.

Celtic Caterer Chef Eric W. McBride

Celtic Caterer Chef Eric W. McBride


Celtic Caterer Chef Eric W. McBride


2014

Geauga Highlanders Pipes & Drums

4th Annual Downtown Ashtabula Multi-Cultural Festival - July 26, 2014

The Band's purpose is to preserve and promote an interest in Gaelic heritage, culture, and music. To provide an education to band members in the Gaelic music theory and skills required for highland bagpiping and highland drumming.

They marched and then performed at the 4th Annual Downtown Ashtabula Multi-Cultural Festival.

Geauga Highlanders Pipes & Drums marched in the 4th Annual Downtown Ashtabula Multi-Cultural Festival Parade

Geauga Highlanders Pipes & Drums


More from the Geauga Highlanders Pipes & Drums in Ashtabula


2014 Ohio Scottish Games

The Ohio Scottish Games are held at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington on the 4th Saturday every June. Established in 1977, this long standing event is presented by the members of the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of their proud Scottish heritage and ancestry.

Competitions include Highland Dance, Pipes and Drums, Caber Toss, and Fiddle.

Caber Toss competition at the annual Ohio Scottish Highland Games in Wellington Ohio

Caber Toss competition


Photos and videos from the 2014 Ohio Scottish Games


Margaret Callander in Hall of Fame

Margaret Callander was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on Monday May 12, 2014. The sold out (520 people and a waiting list) dinner ceremony was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott at Key Center. Margaret was inducted by Kona Gant.


Kona Gant and Margaret Callander

Kona Gant and Margaret Callander

Photos/Video of Margaret in the Cleveland International Hall of Fame


2013

Robert Burns anniversary celebration
Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio
January 19, 2013

Dancing at Annual Robert Burns Dinner in Cleveland 2013



2012

Kirkin' o' the Tartan
Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio
November 11, 2012

Jean Duncan with Duncan and Grant Tartan, Karen MacDonald with MacDonald tartan. Elizabeth DeFrancesco, Carmichael tartan

Jean Duncan with Duncan and Grant tartan,
Karen MacDonald with MacDonald tartan
and Elizabeth DeFrancesco with Carmichael tartan



Scott Duncan - Bagpipes
ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion
Ohio's Celtic and International Festival
Labor Day weekend, 2012

Scott Duncan not only performed but told the origin of bagpipes and answered questions such as 'Why do Scottish dancers hold their hands like that?" and "How are Scottish bagpipes different from Irish bagpipes?"

Scott Duncan, Chief of the Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO)

Scott Duncan,
Chief of the Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO)





Jenny May Caronchi - Highland Dances
ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion
Ohio's Celtic and International Festival
Labor Day weekend, 2012

Jenny May Caronchi of the Jenny May School of Highland Dance performed several dances including a Scottish Highland Sword Dance and a Scottish Highland Fling Dance.

Jenny May Caronchi

Jenny May Caronchi




The 253rd anniversary celebration of the life of Robert Burns

3 pages of photos and video from the January 21, 2012. The event was put on by the Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO).

Tony Sumodi with Margaret and Jim Frost at the Robert Burns dinner

Tony Sumodi with Margaret and Jim Frost at the Robert Burns dinner


More from the 253rd anniversary celebration of the life of Robert Burns


2011

2011 Ohio Scottish Games
Wellington, Ohio June 24, 2011

McFarlane Company Living History Troupe Scotsman

McFarlane Company Living History Troupe


Clans at the 2011 Scottish Games

Clan Campbell

Clan Campbell


Caber Toss at the 2011 Scottish Games


2010

Cleveland Kiltie Band performers

Pipers Mike Slater and Jesse Tucker and drummer Chris Kingsbury of the Cleveland Kiltie Band kicked off the 2010 International Folk Festival.





Later in the Folk Festival program was a Touch of Tartan Scottish Highland dance performed by the Heather Belles, an award-winning contemporary Scottish Highland dance troupe from the Jenny May School of Highland Dance.

Touch of Tartan Scottish Highland dance performed by the Heather Belles, an award-winning contemporary Scottish Highland dance troupe from the Jenny May School of Highland Dance



See photos and videos of the Scottish Highland dance performances


2009

The Black Bear Caledonia Pipe Band performed at the 2009 Oktoberfest in Cleveland. Black Bear Caledonia Pipe Band proudly wears the Holyrood tartan. The Holyrood tartan represents the district of Holyrood in Scotland, home to the royal palace and ruined abbey adjacent to King's Park in Edinburgh.


2008 and before

3rd Annual Celtic Beltane Festival
May 2007

2nd Annual Celtic Beltane Festival
May 2006


Tigh na Creige Highland Dancers


Organizations and Resources for Scotts in Cleveland

Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO).

Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO) banner

The Scottish American Society

The Scottish American Society is a group of people interested in the culture and history of Scotland and her people. We are open to participation by individuals and families of all ages. Our gatherings are held at various places. We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at the Akron Public Library, meeting room level. 3:00 in the afternoon - Sept., Oct., Nov., Jan., Feb., March, and May.

The Ohio Scottish Games


Submit your Cleveland Scottish organizations and resources.

Business, Education and Employment Information

Submit your Cleveland Scottish jobs, classes and other opportunities.


Cleveland Scottish Feedback and Memories

Submit your Cleveland Scottish Feedback and Memories.


Scottish History and Culture


Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make the Scottish so special.



A History of the Kirkin' o' the Tartan
by Tony Sumodi on behalf of SHANO (Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio)


Scottish Toast

May the best ye hae ivver seen be the warst ye'll ivver see.
May the moose ne'er lea' yer girnal WI the tear-drap in its ee.
May ye aye keep hail an hertie till ye'r auld eneuch tae dee.
May ye aye juist be sae happie as A wuss ye aye tae be.

translation:

May the best you have ever seen be the worst you will ever see.
May the mouse never leave your grain store with a tear drop in its eye.
May you always stay whole and hearty until you are old enough to die.
May you still be as happy as I always wish you to be.



Auld Lang Syne by Scottish poet Robert Burns
Original and Translated words and music

Painting of Robert Burns

Painting of Robert Burns at SHANO event


Robert Burns, National Poet of Scotland

Flower of Scotland lyrics (Unofficial National Anthem)

Ode to A Haggis


Map of Scotland


Submit your Cleveland Scottish cultural items.


Profiles of Scots in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Tony Sumodi - Mischievous youth becomes iconoclast engineer

Tony and Ron Sumodi at the 250th Robert Burns Banquet

Tony and Ron Sumodi at the 250th Robert Burns Banquet




If you know of a Cleveland Scot who should be profiled,
please let us know.
ClevelandPeople.Com - Scottish Ambassadors

Margaret Frost
Margaret Frost

Read more about the Scottish and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Scottish Community please contact us.




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