The British Columbia Highland Games "Chieftains of the Day"
2024
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”. This is a time-honoured position recognizing the contributions made to the Scottish community over many years.
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.
Previous Chieftain's of the Day
2023 Simon Scott
2022 Robert MacNeil
2020 (Games Cancelled)
2019 Heather Jolley
2018 Stewart Cunningham
2017 Andrew Bonar
2016 Stewart Johnson
2015 Andrew Petter & Leith Davis
2014 John Fraser, PC, OC, OBC, CD, QC
2013 Peggy Askew
2012 Ken Rogerson
2011 Angus MacPherson
2010 Bill & Sharyn Elder
2009 Donna Cooper
2008 Lew Ross
2007 Maureen Lyon
2006 Harvey & Ella Gallaher
2005 Ron MacLeod
2004 Jack Lee
2003 Duncan MacKenzie
2002 Isla Robertson
2001 Archie MacKay
2000 Jim Bain
1999 Lew Ross
1998 Mary Murray
1997 Mike Paul
1996 Mary MacKinnon
1995 Don MacDonald
1994 Marge Ferguson
1993 Allan Cameron MacNeill
1992 Ishabel Ross
1991
1990 Don Bellamy
RCMP E. Div. Pipe Band Drum Major Mike Guillemin saluting the Chieftain of the Day, BC Highland Games, 2018.
History of "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.
2023 ScotFestBC Chieftain of the Day Simon Scott
Robert MacNeil receiving Chieftain of the Day Medal from Exec. Dir. Mike Chisholm, June 2022