On April 5th Patricia, Rob and I attended the Scottish Studies Society's 22nd Tartan Day celebration and Scot of the Year Award for 2014, which was held at Massey College (4 Devonshire Place) on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto. Both the presenter and the recipient of this year's award have an association with the college. Director Maggie McEwen and her committee for this event may take credit for a very successful evening.

Stewart Bennett had the premier role throughout the evening as the Master of Ceremonies and vocalist. As usual the quiet split-second management of Maggie McEwan (new President of the Scottish Studies Foundation) kept things moving. The "Address to the Haggis" was performed by Past-President David Campbell, who outlined the purpose of the Foundation and Society. Our speakers included Roger Mason, Professor of History at St. Andrews in Scotland, who included details about the progress of research in Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph. Thanks to all for your efforts at making the evening a success.

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Director Mary Vigrow and Director Pearl Grieve-Nixon were in charge of the entrance to the reception area. Everyone appreciated their cheery greeting to commence the evening. Photos captured the arrival of the Richard Wernham group.

Many arrived early in order to socialize. During this period, people could visit a cash bar in the reception room. Occasionally there were small groups where some identification was possible. The first photo was taken by my son, Rob Ross.

Senator David Smith, The Hon. Roy MacLaren, Chief Justice Heather Forster Smith, The Hon. Hal Jackman


(Left): Senator David Smith, The Hon. Roy MacLaren, Chief Justice Heather Forster Smith, The Hon. Hal Jackman
(Centre): David Campbell, David Hunter, Jeanne Isley


Both photos by Rob Ross. (Left): David Campbell and Chief Justice Heather Forster Smith. (Centre): Reception Guests. (Right): Piper John Wakefield, David Hunter, Doug Ross and Bill Davidson.

(Centre): Duncan Campbell and _?_


(Left): The Hon. Hal Jackman and William Dimma?
(Right): David Hunter, Bill Davidson, Maggie McEwan and David Campbell


(L-R): David Hunter, David Campbell, Bill Davidson, Maggie McEwan, The Hon. Hal Jackman, The Hon. Roy MacLaren, John McMillan


(L-R): David Hunter, David Campbell, Bill Davidson, Maggie McEwan, The Hon. Hal Jackman, The Hon. Roy MacLaren, John McMillan. This photo was taken by Rob Ross.

Entertainment was provided in both the reception room and the Ondaatje Dining Hall by a string group, Highland dancers and piper. Our vocalists appeared later in the programme, where videos may be enjoyed.

Guests at Table 1 were piped in when all other tables were occupied according to the assignment list posted at the entrance to the reception area. We are advised that some rearrangement of the placecards always occurs. However, the preliminary guest lists (as provided) will be shown for each table.

Master of Ceremonies, Stewart Bennett, welcomed everyone to Tartan Day 2014 and asked all to stand for the National Anthem. Past-President David Campbell then described the activities of the Scottish Studies Foundation and the Scottish Studies Society, and he explained the concept of the Scot of the Year. Former recipient of the award in 1997, The Hon. Hal Jackman, was called upon to introduce this year's Scot of the Year and to make the presentation of the Silver Quaich to The Hon. Roy MacLaren.

More Photos by Rob Ross of the Presentation

Stewart Bennet asked guests to stand for the arrival of the Haggis. John Wakefield piped the ceremonial Haggis in. The Haggis was carried in by Director and Director Bill Davidson. Maggie McEwan followed with a tray of glasses containing whisky. David Campbell delivered the Address to the Haggis after which he asked everyone to stand for the Toast to the Haggis. Following applause led by Stewart Bennett, the Haggis was carried off, and John McMillan was invited to give the Selkirk Grace before the Dinner.

Yum! Once again there were may positive comments about the food and the service. My wife, Patricia Ross, added some photos of the meal, but noted that the haggis plate was placed on the table before the main course was served. She said that she was so hungry that she neglected to photograph the delicious beef tenderloin and trimmings.

Roger Mason, Professor of History at St. Andrews in Scotland spoke about ties between Scotland and Canada in addition to current progress at the University of Guelph. Sandy MacIntyre and the string group played intermittently during the dinner.

After the speech, guests were entertained by songs from Stewart Bennett and Pearl Grieve-Nixon.