The British Columbia Highland Games "Chieftains of the Day"
2023
Simon Scott, 91st. British Columbia Highland Games Chieftain of the Day.
Mr. Simon Scott was our 91st. British Columbia Highland Games Chieftain of the Day. This position is a time-honoured tradition reaching back 700-years when Highland clans and their chief’s attended highland games and from among them, one overall “Chieftain of the Day” was chosen to oversee the Games. Simon Scott has been a valued member of the British Columbia Highland Games for many years, running the British Car program. He is also a valued member of the local Scottish Country Dancing societies. He grew up in England where he learned Scottish dancing before moving to southern Alberta, then Vancouver Island. He returned to England for further schooling at Reading Blue Coat School and Reading University, studying architecture. He worked for Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson until his death. Simon’s vintage car collection currently numbers 12, some dating back to 1030. We were honoured to have this Scottish Country dancing teacher and BC Highland Games volunteer as our 2023 “Chieftain of the Day”.
Previous Chieftain's of the Day
2024 TBA
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.
Robert MacNeil receiving Chieftain of the Day Medal from Exec. Dir. Mike Chisholm, June 2022