Join us for a full afternoon of cultural information and entertainment.
From bagpiping workshops to a look back on the changing image of the Jacobite movement. Proudly sponsored by the Scottish Cultural Centre Society. Hosted by Jim McIntyre, this is a great afternoon of history, music and culture.
2026 Schedule – All presentations in the Cultural Tent (far end of the big parking lot.)
11:00 TBA
12:00 The Great Highland Bagpipe – Zephan Knichel, Piper
A chance to get up close to a Great Highland Bagpipe and see how it ticks. SFU Pipe Band member Zephan Knichel will expertly guide you through the uniqueness of this instrument and the nuances that draws people towards it. He’ll talk about the history, the music and the mystique of an ancient instrument that continues to thrive in today’s world.
1:00 Olympians, Hero’s and Politicians: 129 Years of BC’s Caledonian Games: Neil MacLean
A photographic look back on the history of the British Columbia (or Caledonian) Highland Games in Vancouver with St. Andrew’s & Caledonian Society member and historian Neil MacLean. 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.
2:00 The Vancouver Archives Scottish Heritage Records: Jana Grazley & Kira Baker
Join City of Vancouver Archivists Kira Baker and Jana Grazley for a unique insight into the Archives’ holdings that relate to the almost 150 year-old Scottish community in Vancouver. Going back to 1886, the archivists will highlight particular society, business and personal papers documenting the local Scottish history up to 2024. This is a great follow-up to the 1:00 pm presentation on the historic Caledonian Games. Jana Grazley is a Digital Archivist responsible for managing, preserving, and providing access to analogue and born-digital records at the City of Vancouver Archives. Kira Baker is an Archivist providing reference services in the Reading Room as well as providing access to private-sector and City government records.
3:00 Rediscovering the Jacobites – Dr. Leith Davis, SFU Centre for Scottish Studies
The Battle of Culloden (April 16, 1746), marked the effective end of the Jacobite cause and was followed by the violent suppression of Jacobites through mass transportation and execution, and official attempts to eradicate Scottish Highland culture. Despite the fact that Jacobitism was so pervasive in the British archipelago and that it posed such a danger to the government, its impact has been altered over time. Join Dr. Leith Davis, Professor in the Department of English and the Director and co founder of the Centre for Scottish Studies at Simon Fraser University for a fascinating look back on Highland and British history.
4:00 Suas a’ Ghàidhlig: (Up with the Gaelic) Robyn Carrigan
Nova Scotia’s Robyn Carrigan grew up surrounded by music and Gaelic culture brought over to the New World by Scottish Highland settlers. Robyn has returned to ScotFestBC 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, and specifically north eastern Nova Scotia in the 19th century, including a milling frolic for everyone.
