The sun has set on Tartan Day in Canada for another year, but it seems it is gaining momentum across many parts of the Scottish diaspora.
Its origins are from our very own Nova Scotia aka New Scotland. On March 9, 1986, a 'Tartan Day' to promote Scottish heritage in Canada was proposed at a meeting of the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia by Jean Watson. President of Clan Lamont. Ms. Watson petitioned the provincial legislatures to recognize April 6 as Tartan Day and the first such proclamation was made by Nova Scotia in April 1987. Last year the Pictou County Saint Andrew’s Society in northern Nova Scotia paid tribute to Jean for her leadership as a builder of Scottish culture. By the 1990s Tartan Day had spread to other provinces and countries such as the US, Australia and New Zealand. And today a splash of tartan, a dance, a song, a tune, a poem, a cuppa tea, an oatcake or a wee bit of haggis or a dram were enjoyed in far corners of the world.
My DNA test tells me I have 26 % Scottish heritage and the parental breakdown suggests it came mostly from my mother’s side. Her Irish background was very dominant in her looks and manner, but she did have a great appreciation for the bagpipes and tartan.
Highland dancing brought me into the world of beautiful kilts and sashes, a kaleidoscope of velvet dancing vests/ jackets along with tightly fit black laced slippers, and of course bouncing ringlets, intricate braids or coifed buns which my mom had a gift for creating. Life was filled with a sea of tartans in my closet and during tattoos, concerts, Highland games and other unique events where pipe bands were front and centre. It is a most stirring moment to experience a massed band performance or the pipes and drums on parade of tartan and the poignancy as the lights fade from the parade to the lone piper in the rafters.
As a little girl starting Highland Dancing at six years old, my mother picked out Dress Royal Stewart for me because she thought the predominantly red and white pattern accompanied by a red velvet vest would suit my colouring but also because the name Stewart was in her family tree. To this day, I am told red is my colour, which leads me to – your mother knows best. Keep
in mind - she had taken me to sign me up for tap dancing but I had my little mind made up; it had to be Highland!
Across my social media feed there have been posts paying tribute to tartans and to the history or meaning behind them, as a symbol of the spirit and history of the Scots. With these come clan mottos that give insight into the characteristics of the clans and often with revealing insights.
To me, Tartan Day stands for a wealth of memories and experiences. As a dancer one is exposed to many tartans as your fellow dancers choose a multitude of tartans. They range from those to which they have a family connection to those that quite simply look gorgeous on them. And you learn to recognize them and become familiar with the meaning behind them. They are so precious to the Scots. Dress Stewart, Campbell, Thompson, MacDonald, Macquarrie, Glasgow, New Glasgow, Muted Dress Culloden, Red Dress Menzies, MacKenzie, Pictou County tartan, the Ship Hector tartan, the StFX tartan, the Nova Scotia and Canadian tartans are ones that hold special meaning to me.
Tartans not only trigger my memories of Highland Dancing, but also of days celebrating Scottish heritage, traditions and ceremony through positions with St. Francis Xavier University, Pictou County Tourist Association and the Town of New Glasgow. With the tartans comes the skirl of the pipes, both uplifting and haunting, the sound of the fiddle and the beat and intricacy of dance - Highland, step and Scottish Country.
I have worn my fair share of tartan. First as a dancer from six until 22 years old (Dress Stewart, Muted Dress Culloden, Red Dress Menzies), then as dance teacher and finally 10 years as first a dancer and then a choreographer with the Scotia Highland Dancers.
Highland Dancing and wearing of tartans has been such an important part of my life. I have been given endless opportunities and countless memories. There has been exposure to other cultures, achy muscles, sprains, sore feet, thunderous applause, and even standing ovations. There have been nerve wracking exams, missed steps, medals, trophies and exhilarating performances. There have been gales of laughter, a few tears, as well as great love and lasting affection. There have been role models, inspirations, mentors, and best of all, life-long friends. And there was special time spent with my mom as she travelled to 99 percent of every competition, recital and performance with me. She was the chaperone all the dancers wished for - protective, loving and generous, yet so much fun!
Campbell is the last name of my husband, our son and the wonderful people who entered my life 33 years ago and since, who are a most loving, loyal and kind-hearted family. Their primarily deep green tartan bears the motto, Forget Not. Dickson is a sept of the Keith clan whose motto is Truth Conquers, while the Dickson’s motto is Fortune Favours the Brave. I find that the mottos seem to fit us quite well and describes at least in part what makes us tick. With the Campbells came the Thompsons, the family of my mother-in-law, proud of its Scottish roots and characterised by integrity and strength.
Campbell is also the name of my dance teacher- Betty Campbell Smith- an incredible teacher and choreographer who was an award-winning dancer. She was a major influence, literally opening the world to her dancers as we would often perform side by side with performers representing many other cultures, provinces and nations. Our Moms loved her too, viewing her as part of a big dancing family and her family shard her with us. From bringing world class Scottish examiners to NS, to guiding us to opportunities to perform at once in a lifetime events such as the first NS International Tattoo before the Queen Mother, dancing for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip; performing at the Nova Scotia Pavilion at Expo 67, dancing at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Village, performing at
Place d’Arts and at the Canadian Folk Festival, during International Gathering of the Clans celebrations, concerts under the stars, at local festivals and so much more.
She was a leader and a nurturer giving us life lessons and broadening our perspectives, teaching us humility in victory, grace in defeat, and to create a keen sense of community. So many friendships were forged within my dance circle, at home and across the Maritimes and often our paths still cross!
During my teenager years many dancers were among my very closest friends and there was such a strong bond between us. So strong that years later when I was engaged two wedding showers were hosted by dancing friends, one in Pictou County at the home of Betty Kennedy, mother of another beloved dancing teacher, (Maureen Kennedy) Greene and in Antigonish at Gerarda’s home. My mom and I also gained and shared many cherished friendships with other dancing mothers and daughters such as the Greens, MacKays, the Mathesons, the Robsons, the MacDougalls and the Wilkes. Dancers who I admired and aspired to be like included Gerarda MacDonald, Janice Macquarrie, Debbie Robson, the Cook sisters, the MacAdams, Shannon Shymco, Eileen Pottie Forrester, and Sharon MacIntyre. Their styles were varied but all accomplished and lovely to watch. Another outstanding teacher that comes to mind was Pat Murray Dickie who was a natural born teacher as well as impressive fellow competitors and friends Judy (MacMullin) Smith (a whisp of thistle down with great feel for the music), Laureen MacKay, (graceful and exacting), Jane Dunnett (poised and precise), Susan Wilkes (graceful and defined) and Elizabeth MacDonald (strong and elegant). Another standout was my younger friend Sheri Greene, a powerful, charming and smooth dancer. Several of those mentioned also went on to become successful Highland Dancing teachers and judges.
The lovely MacDonald and Macquarrie tartans represent two of my longest standing friends from Highland dancing and from StFX. Gerarda and Janice were among the absolute best Highland dancers, teachers, and choreographers ever produced by Nova Scotia and Canada. Janice is also a respected judge and examiner internationally. They both made my world and t
hat of hundreds of dancers grow larger and brighter. From looking up to Gerarda as a dancer a couple of age groups ahead of me to having her as my teacher during the last chapter of competitive days while still attending StFX. Gerarda guided me to medal at the Canadians, keeping me motivated and at the top of my game. Janice was an extraordinary competitor you only tried to emulate and an exceptional teacher. She was the epitome of a champion, defined by talent, polish and modesty. Gerarda was lithe, willowy and graceful with an undefinable and unique musicality; Janice was smooth as silk; elegant yet with power and precision. Both are creative masters, inspiring, highly regarded instructors and colleagues, sharing their great love of this combination of art and athleticism. Both have exceptional work ethics, leading by example.
MacDonald is also the family name of one of my closest StFX friends- actually, it is the last name of many of my friends. Despite the historical stories, we Campbells and MacDonalds get along more than fine! The talented Verna MacDonald who I worked with at StFX Advancement and became close friends with, has the voice of an angel. Verna is also an expert storyteller and lights up a room with her lovely aura. She would perform in numerous venues, at galas and other momentous university occasions with her pretty MacDonald tartan sash adorned with a beautiful brooch. Often, she was accompanied by the late Jimmy MacPherson, a shy man, yet a clear musical genius.
The Scotia Highland Dancers, proudly wearing the Nova Scotia tartan, along with a multitude of other tartans, outfits and styles. The troupe boasted incredible performances across Canada, into Florida and across the pond. As the troupe’s choreographers Gerarda and Janice and I shared great dancing experiences, but our friendship extended far beyond the dance world and does to this day. Doing choreography and instructing as a team with Gerarda and Janice was so exhilarating. On one trip we made to Scotland many of the dancers medalled at competitions and two were among the first to bring runner up titles from the World Championship home to Nova Scotia. Trips to perform at Epcot at Disneyworld, Florida and in the Saint John Festival by the Sea were also amazing and unforgettable experiences. As were the concerts in our home region. In the group were so many amazing dancers from northern and eastern Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, each with a beautiful style and equally impressive a strong sisterhood among them. Many of these dancers were award winning champions and went on to become stellar teachers, judges and chorographers.
For my generation we had quality instruction across Nova Scotia with respected names such as Florence MacMillan in Antigonish, Betty Smith in Pictou County and Joe Wallin in Halifax - all stalwarts. I am sure there were also others renowned that I am less familiar with. Each of these teachers had their own styles and each made an incredibly significant impact. We also advanced from the extraordinary ability of the father of Highland Dancing - the great James L. MacKenzie from Aberdeen, Scotland, who came to teach us at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton and as an examiner to our hometowns. He was a super star, winning World titles into his forties. James L. was firm, yet kind and you never wanted to disappoint him.
Other standouts visiting us were Sandra Bald Jones, Elsbeth Strathren, Jean Pringle, Gladys Forrester- all icons in Highland Dance. I can remember being very shy dancing before them and worried that we could not understand their beautiful Scottish brogues.
A great loss came to the Highland dancing world in our province in the late seventies with the passing of Debbie Robson at the tender age of 23 and an annual competition now bears her name. Debbie was another role model and good friend who gave Highland dancing her all.
She spread her love of this art form and was a powerhouse of a dancer herself. She wore the Dress Nova Scotia tartan as a little girl, a postcard picture with long golden ringlets and the MacBeth tartan as a more seasoned dancer- both with bases of brilliant blues to match her eyes and dynamic style.
The gauntlet continues to be passed from generation to generation. I was fortunate to share a dance studio with my friend Laureen MacKay for several years, many years ago. One of our students Holly MacDonald Bent is an amazing instructor and several went on to join the Scotia Highland Dancers. We had a wonderful group of dancers from age five to late teens. Nova Scotia boasts a high standard of dancers, instructors, choreographers and judges with many accolades to their credit. Marielle Lespérance of our province is currently an eight-time World champion and holds 15 Canadian titles. And she won the World’s in 2022 as the first Mom to do so! Young women I knew as little girls and teenagers dancing are now respected, highly effective teachers, and/or choreographers – Dale MacDonald, Jennifer (Richardson) Worthen, Shelley (Grant Rovers), Holly MacDonald Bent. Michelle MacGillivray Dobin and Janet Smith, to name only a few. These dancers have grown up to be successful educators, dentists, doctors, lawyers, public relations professionals, entrepreneurs, entertainers, accountants, travel agents, sales management, artists, writers and many more interesting careers.
Times spent at StFX or with the Town of New Glasgow, often featured a piper to mark a special occasion. Representatives of the university with names such as MacDonnell, MacLellan, MacKinnon, MacIsaac, Chisholm, MacLeod, MacPherson, MacDougall, Fraser, MacCulloch, Boyd, Grant, and a multitude of others would often sport their tartans. Antigonish itself was like a Scottish directory and the Highland Games a masterful celebration of the pipes, drums, dance and heavy events of the Scots, and the Hall of the Clans is a classic within the Angus L Macdonald Library. New Glasgow celebrates its Scottish roots through many street names, the Festival of the Tartans, a kinship to the City of Glasgow and being home to the Pictou County Roots Society. While Pictou is home to a replica of the Ship Hector and the MacCulloch House Museum and Genealogy Centre. The architecture throughout these two towns also reflects Scottish influences such as the majestic New Glasgow Town Hall and the former Consulate in Pictou.
Scottish Canadians have a strong bond with their ancestral roots and take immense pride in celebrating the history, stories, songs, music, dance, tartans, courage, tenacity of their ancestors. It makes sense to me that Tartan Day is not celebrated as an event in Scotland itself, because it is the source - the inception. The history stares at them each day at every corner and crevice- the raging sea, the rolling hills ablaze with heather, the towering mountains, the timeless castles, stone lions and other architectural gems, the folklore of Loch Ness, the mystique of standing stones to the symbols of everyday life such as a Scottish brogue, lovely stone homes, lush forests, Highland cows, red deer gazing in the glens, pristine lochs and winding paths.
How can one not admire and love a nation where tartans are symbols of the soul, mottos define an indomitable spirit, the national dessert is shortbread, and the national animal is the unicorn!
A Few Scottish Clan Mottos Boyd - I Trust
Campbell - Forget Not
Chisholm- I am Fierce with the Fierce
Dickson - Fortune Favours the Bold
Fraser - I am ready.
Grant - Stand Fast
Keith- Truth will Triumph
MacCulloch - My Strength and Courage
MacDonald- By Sea and By Land
MacDonnell- The Raven’s Rock
MacDougall - Victory or Death
MacIsaac - My Hope is Constant in Thee
MacKinnon - Fortune Favours the Bold
MacLean - Virtue is the Mark of My Honour
MacLellan - Think On
MacLeod - Hold Fast
MacNeil: Victory or Death
MacPherson- Catch Not the Cat but a Glove
Macquarrie- God is a Strong Tower to Me
Stewart - Courage Grows Strong at the Wound
Thompson - Know Thyself
I learned so very much from your write Miss Kim . My hubby has the MacNeil symbol tattooed on is arm ❤️