"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation" -- Voltaire
2025
Scottish Tartan Day at Cleveland Public Library
In 2024, the local Scottish communities gathered in the Scottish Cultural Garden to celebrate Scottish Tartan Day. In 2025 they celebrated at a different venue. Wade Mitchell reports, "On April 5 members of the Scottish Heritage Association of NE Ohio, the Ohio Scottish American Society, and the Scottish Cultural Garden Society gathered at the Cleveland Public Library to celebrate National Tartan Day with a tour of the Library's extensive collection of books, objects, and artifacts related to Scotland and things Scottish.
In this episode of Fun with Maps we look at three Caledonia's! First, of course, is the original Caledonia - Scotland. Scotland was called Caledonia by the Roman Empire and it is still a romantic or poetic name for Scotland. The folk song "Caledonia" written by Dougie MacLean in 1977 is considered as an unofficial national anthem of Scotland. We touch on Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall as well.
The second Caledonia is in what is now British Colombia in Canada. New Caledonia was a fur-trading district of the Hudson Bay Company (HBC). Simon Fraser of HBC thought the terrain reminded him of the Scottish Highlands so he named it New Caledonia.
The third Caledonia is a group of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean about 750 miles east of Australia. When explorer James Cook sighted the land on his second voyage in 1774 he, like Fraser in Canada, thought it was reminiscent of Scotland so he named it New Caledonia. In 1853 under orders of Emperor Napoleon III France took possession and so it is part of the Republic of France. They sent 22,000 convicts and political prisoners there in the late 1800's. There have been three referendums so far to vote on independence from France and possibly become the Kanak Republic. The Kanaks are the indigenous people of the islands and make up a little over 40% of the population. All three referendums have failed so far.
New Caledonia was an important Allied base in World War II. As you will see the main South Pacific Fleet of the US Navy moved to New Caledonia's capital of Noumea in 1942 and turned back the Japanese Navy in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
In this video we touch on some popular songs, shout out to Sheldon Cooper of the Big Bang Theory and learn why Tesla agreed to a partnership with the Goro Mine on the island. (Hint: the mines are full of nickel which is needed for lithium-ion batteries.)
Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio Sip of Scotland
The Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio (SHANO) held its "Sip of Scotland" Scotch Whisky Tasting event October 17, 2024 at Pine Ridge Country Club in Wickliffe. Wade Mitchell sent us these photos and said "It was a great evening of sampling five single malt Scotch whiskies, with discussion of each whisky, and food pairings, with tartan, kilts, and bagpipes".
Cleveland and Akron's Scottish communities were well-represented at the 78th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 25, 2024. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946.
The Scottish community participated in the Parade of Flags and after, Scottish groups had displays in the Scottish Garden for visitors to learn more.
Scottish Garden in the Parade of Flags at One World Day 2024
Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival - June 21 and 22, 2024
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.
The Grand Parade featured lots of bagpipe units, many Clans in their namesake tartans, Irish wolfhounds, knights in armor, Clydesdale horses and more.
Athletes gathered to compete in a variety of Highland Games such as the Caber (Gaelic for tree) Toss, Stone Put, Weight Over Bar, Heavy and Light Weights for Distance, Hammer Throws and the Sheaf Toss.
There were Birds of Prey, Clydesdale Horses, Border Collies, Highland Cattle and other animals. Did you know that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog with its own tartan!
One of the most interesting parts of the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival is seeing the different clans that are represented and watching the interesting people.
Members of the Scottish Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio hosted their first annual Tartan Day celebration on April 6, 2024.
Tartan Day group photo
There were games (versions of golf, tam throwing, caber toss, etc.), food and of course bagpipe music. Watch this short video of Scotland the Brave by Bruce Greig.
The Ohio Tartan was designed in 1983 by Mary Jayne McMichael Fischbach in consultation with the Scottish Tartan Society and adopted by the Ohio Scottish Games Board of Trustees on March 18, 1984. Design is based on the colors of Ohio's flag and state seal. The widths of the stripes in each color are based on the date Ohio was admitted to the Union. The tartan first went on display at the Ohio Scottish Games in June 1983.
Tartan of the state of Ohio
Scottish at St. Patrick's Day Parade
The Scottish community was well-represented at the 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Cleveland. The Scottish American Cultural Society marched as did the Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival. Can you believe they carried a caber along the entire parade route?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Then, Scottish groups had displays in the Scottish Garden for visitors to learn more.
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 groups had displays in the Scottish Garden for visitors to learn more.
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
Alex Murray and Bill Kennedy representing Scotland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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)
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
