Cilla Bachop, 2024 Chieftain of the Day.

The United Scottish Cultural Society (USCS) is honoured to have a valued member serve as our 2024 British Columbia Highland Games “Chieftain of the Day”.

Cilla Bachop emigrated from Edinburgh, Scotland in 1959 to Vancouver, a hotbed of Scottish cultural life and activities, including the highland games. She was one of the founding members of the St. Andrew’s Saltire Society of Vancouver in 1982, and that same year, joined the St. Andrew’s & Caledonian Society of the City of Vancouver, eventually serving as the first woman president of that society. Cilla is a member of the SFU Centre for Scottish Studies Advisory Committee and a member of the SFU Oral History Project. Outside of her involvement with the Scottish community, Cilla has spent 35-years in the newspaper and printing business.

Cilla has been a member of the USCS for many years and is currently a member of the board of directors. She has made major contributions to the highland games through her work promoting Scottish culture from arranging workshops that entertain and inform attendees or encouraging Scottish activities for children attending the Games. Cilla’s experience and organizing skills have made her an invaluable member of our society and the USCS is thrilled to have her as our 2024 Chieftain of the Day.

Historically, a “games day” was held within each Scottish highland clan to establish the strongest and ablest man in strength, music and dance. The Chieftain, as head of the clan, held a position of honour at the gathering.

In keeping with this tradition, highland games today invites a leader in the community to act as our “Chieftain” of the day. In recognition of this honour, the duty band is asked to give the salute. Then, during the massed pipe band performance, the assembled pipers and drummers will play a tune in recognition of the Chieftain of the Day.