11:00 The Rise of the East Coast Fiddle: Annika Wilson

Hailing from the West Coast of BC, Annika Wilson is a skilled fiddler and singer, with an inventive and lively music style that is heavily influenced by Cape Breton & Scotland. Drawing from her Scottish heritage, Annika’s interactive presentation at the Cultural Tent highlights the vibrant musical traditions of Cape Breton and Scottish fiddling, offering audiences a glimpse into the timeless tunes passed down through generations.

12:00 Olympians, Hero’s and Politicians: 128 Years of BC’s Caledonian Games: Neil MacLean

St. Andrew’s & Caledonian Society member and historian Neil MacLean looks back on the British Columbia (or Caledonian) Highland Games in Vancouver. Through photos, souvenir programs and minutes, Neil reveals the legacy of the highland games and its significance to the Scottish community that so influenced the early years of Vancouver. His research reintroduces us to famous athletes and Olympians, highland dancers and pipers who made the Caledonian games a must-attend event since 1893.

1:00 Fifty Years a Kiltmaker: Kiltmaking with Robert MacDonald

This year marks the beginning of Robert MacDonald’s sixth decade as a kiltmaker and highland tailor, but he doesn’t show the least sign of slowing down. In fact, he’s picking up the pace! Join this world-renowned kiltmaker as he reminisces about his first 50-years in the trade – from Apprentice to Master – and also shares his thoughts on what cloth he works with and his methods of construction.

2:00 Gaelic in the Glen: The Vancouver Gaelic Choir

Vancouver has been home to people singing in Scottish Gaelic for more than a century. The traditional though the generations language of the Scottish Highlands was passed on through the generations at ceilidh’s (house parties) or at concerts by individuals or groups. The Vancouver Gaelic Choir grew out of this and today they continue to sing the ancient, and not so ancient songs in the Gaelic.

3:00 History Through Song: Dr. James Acken & Son.

Exploring cultural history through song and tracking the changing memory of the Highlands through popular representations from Shakespeare to the Corries and Braveheart, juxtaposing such modern narratives with the older, medieval tradition.

4:00 Suas a’ Ghàidhlig: (Up with the Gaelic) Robyn Carrigan

Nova Scotia’s Robyn Carrigan grew up surrounded by music and Gaelic culture. Robyn is back thanks to the immense popularity of her presentation in the Cultural Tent. This presentation offers a unique and authentic window into the world of the Gaels who immigrated to Canada in the 19th century, including a milling frolic for everyone.