Richard Stewart,
Mayor of Coquitlam

The United Scottish Cultural Society is honoured to announce that Coquitlam mayor Richard Stewart is our 129th British Columbia Highland Games Chieftain of the Day.

Coquitlam-born Richard Stewart has made major contributions to both his community and province as an MLA, cabinet minister, city councillor and mayor. A proud Scot, the bilingual mayor (English & French) has been a great supporter of the highland games in Coquitlam since being elected to council. The mayor was involved in the early days of the Games relocation to its present venue beside Lafarge Lake; supporting the construction of the Plaza Main Stage and redesign of the area from a former gravel pit into a jewel of the city, used by citizens and for public events like ScotFestBC. He has been an honoured guest at the Games for years and has been vocal in his support of our event.

The Chieftain-of-the-Day title is an ancient custom where Scottish clans arriving for a Highland Games appointed one person to be the overall “Chieftain of the Day”. That tradition continues today at games around the world, including ours. In return for his support, we are honoured to recognize Richard Stewart as he retires after serving 18 years as mayor.

Historically, a ‘games day’ was held within each Scottish highland clan or region to establish the fastest, strongest and ablest man in athletics, music and dance. With so many Clan chiefs in attendance, one was chosen as ‘Chieftain of the Day’, an honour we continue to practice today.

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, usually “Highland Laddie” in recognition of the British Columbia Highland Games Chieftain of the Day.