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Quick recap
This meeting was a virtual event organized by Scots of Canada to celebrate Tartan Day, featuring presentations and performances. The event began with Jim Miller presenting on the Declaration of Arbroath and the history of Arbroath Abbey, followed by musical performances from the Atlantic First Scottish Dance Band. Charles Grant then spoke about Clan Grant connections to Canada, including the history of Cuthbert Grant and the Monymusk Reliquary. Emily was scheduled to discuss the Tartan Day Parade in Scotland and the Global Tartan Network, but the transcript ended before she could deliver this portion of the program. The meeting included technical difficulties with some participants' connections and audio/video issues, but overall the event proceeded with presentations from multiple speakers and musical performances.
Summary
Event Technical Setup Preparation
The meeting focused on technical preparations for an upcoming event with 45 registered attendees. Bill and the team tested audio, video, and screen sharing capabilities in Zoom while setting up a live stream on YouTube. Jim prepared to present a PowerPoint presentation, and the team provided guidance on how to share it during the meeting. Several participants joined, including Emily who was invited to discuss the Tartan Parade in Scotland, though the main presentation was postponed due to technical issues and waiting for additional attendees.
Declaration of Arbroath Presentation Meeting
The meeting began with an update that Kirsten was unable to attend due to a car accident in Red Deer, Alberta. The agenda for the day was outlined, including presentations by Jim Miller on the Declaration of Arbroath and Clan Grand Charles Chick on his plan grant presentation, followed by a musical interlude and open forum discussions. Emily introduced Jim Miller, highlighting his background and the significance of the Declaration of Arbroath in Scottish history. Jim began his presentation by discussing the context leading up to the Declaration, including the murder of Thomas Becket and the subsequent conflict between King Henry II of England and King William the Lion of Scotland.
Arbroath Abbey History Overview
Jim provided a detailed overview of the history of Arbroath Abbey, including its founding by William, the generous endowments it received, and its role in Scottish history. He discussed the Treaty of Falley, the Declaration of Arbroath, and its significance in asserting Scottish sovereignty. Jim also shared local legends about the abbey, including the origin of the "Red Lichtie" nickname for Arbroath residents and their football team, associated with Abbot John Geddy.
Arbroath Abbey History Presentation
Jim presented the history of Arbroath Abbey, focusing on the Declaration of Arbroath and its local recognition. He discussed the conflict between Abbot Geddy and Prior Walter Panitor, and the eventual appointment of Panitor as abbot. The presentation also covered the UNESCO Memory of the World status awarded to the Declaration in 2016 and local celebrations. During the Q&A, Jim shared information about visiting the abbey, including its visitor center and ghost stories, and explained how the abbey fell into ruin after the Reformation in 1530.
Arbroath Abbey Management Discussion
The group discussed the history and current state of Arbroath Abbey, including its surroundings and management by Historic Environment Scotland rather than the National Trust of Scotland. Jim explained that the Friends of Arbroath Abbey group was established about 2-3 years ago with a focus on restoring community pride and making activities inclusive and free. The discussion touched on challenges facing historic monuments in Scotland, including funding constraints and debates about preservation versus restoration, with Jim noting that Historic Environment Scotland may have to decide which monuments to maintain or abandon due to limited resources.
Atlantic First Band Introduction
Caron and Alastair MacDonald from Scotland introduced their band, Atlantic First, to the meeting attendees. They performed several Scottish tunes and shared details about their music career, including a recent sellout show in Ottawa celebrating St. Andrew. The duo discussed their upcoming summer road trip across Canada, where they plan to visit various Scottish country dance clubs and perform at events like the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle competition in Alberta. They invited attendees to connect with them on Facebook and reach out if their band visits their area.
Scottish Music and Performance Plans
Karen and Alastair performed Scottish music and discussed their upcoming participation in the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCO) in Aberdeen, Scotland, where Karen will teach a fiddle workshop, perform in a lunchtime recital, and play for a dance workshop. They explained technical challenges with recording music on Zoom and discussed solutions, including adjusting Windows settings to prevent interference with audio. Karen and Alastair also mentioned their upcoming tour across Canada in August and September and invited listeners to connect with them on Facebook for potential house concerts or jam sessions.
Clan Grant's Canadian Historical Connections
Charles Grant discussed the historical connection between Clan Grant and Canada, focusing on Cuthbert Grant Senior's role in establishing a Metis settlement in what is now St. Francis Xavier. He explained how Cuthbert Grant Jr. became a leader after his father's death and was involved in the Pimican Wars and the Battle of Seven Oaks. Charles noted that Michael Grant, the new Chief, is interested in reviving the Clan Grant Society in Canada.
Clan Grant History Discussion
Charles and Paul discussed the history of Clan Grant, focusing on key figures and events. They covered the transition of leadership from Scottish to French-speaking Metis, the significance of the last spike in the Canadian Pacific Railway driven by Donald Alexander Smith, and the 2016 visit to Rome by 21 Grants from around the world. The discussion also included details about the Moni Mascara cream reliquary, its origins, and its eventual sale to the Grants before being auctioned and preserved in the National Museum of Scotland.
Clan Grant History Discussion
Charles discussed the history of Clan Grant, highlighting its Viking origins and connections to various historical figures and events, including the Pemmican Wars and the North West Rebellion involving Louis Riel. He mentioned the upcoming Clan Grant Gathering at Nethy Bridge in August and noted the significant historical ties between Scots and Aboriginal peoples, including marriages and the formation of the Metis community. Charles also expressed plans to share more detailed information about Clan Grant's history on their website and to invite Sir Archibald Grant to present a complete history of the clan.
Edinburgh Tartan Parade Planning
Emily explained the origins and development of the Edinburgh Tartan Parade, which began last year as a celebration of Scottish heritage inspired by the success of Tartan Day celebrations in North America. She described this year's parade, scheduled for the second Saturday of May, which will feature over 20 pipe bands, local community groups, and international performers like the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Emily also mentioned the formation of the Global Tartan Network, an informal collaboration between parade organizers in Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New York, with plans to share resources and potentially showcase young designers' work across different countries.
Tartan Day Parade Planning Meeting
The meeting focused on planning and promoting Tartan Day events, particularly the National Tartan Day Parade in Scotland. Emily discussed plans for the second-year parade, including a Tartan-wrapped double-decker bus on Waverly Bridge with Gail Porter as MC, and confirmed that 35-40 Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs would participate. The group discussed streaming options, with Charles suggesting YouTube as an alternative to Facebook to reach a wider audience. Scott announced his new role as head of the Committee for Clans for the Calgary Highland Games, scheduled for July 4-5, and requested help reaching out to clans. The conversation ended with a poll about session satisfaction, which most participants found met expectations.