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More than five million Canadians (15%) claim Scottish heritage, representing the third largest ethnic group in Canada. In the early 1800s, Scots helped settle Eastern Ontario and build vibrant communities named after the places they left behind – Glengarry County, Perth, and Renfrew. Ottawa-Scottish heritage traces its roots back over 180 years, with the first mention of a St. Andrew’s Day celebration in 1838. It’s estimated that 20% of communities and neighborhoods in the National Capital Region are founded on place names in Scotland or based on Scottish or Ulster Scots family names. Emigrants brought their love of Scottish music, dance, history, sport, cuisine, language and literature.
Scots have made a unique contribution to Eastern Ontario’s social, infrastructure, political and economic history. Scottish-Canadian descendants have provided many of Canada’s leading justices, statespersons, clergy, business and scholars. A walk through Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery reveals this enduring legacy.
The Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) was founded in 2012 to revive, rejuvenate and sustain those historic links. Through special events and educational programs, the SSO wants to expose more Canadians to our shared history, connections and promote the story of Scotland in the 21st century – a modern nation state.
Our goal is to create and support events of interest to many areas of the Celtic arts is supported by a suite of activities, executed thanks solely to the dedication of our volunteer committees, and includes the Great Canadian Kilt Skate, the Gala Burns Supper & Ceilidh, packaged into the OttScot Festival.