Previous conferences - 2020

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Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil gives his keynote speech and presentation, 'Co Leis Thu', which explores the very nature of identity, who we are as Scots and as descendants of Scots all over the world.

Keith MacGregor, Dr. Maurice Gleeson, Dr. Robin Spencer and Sue Miller take us on an exciting journey in tracing DNA and ancestry at the Scottish North American Community Conference.

Entitled 'Revealing The Make Up Of Scotland's People' this presentation gives a valuable insight into the journey of tracing genetics and ancestry. Dr. Durie gives his expert insights and personal advice on how best to proceed with tracing your ancestry and heritage.

Gus Noble welcomes attendees to the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020 and provides reflection on the importance of community and the bonds of friendship between Scotland and North America. 

Joni Smith, Scottish Affairs Counsellor to USA, Scottish Government gives greetings to Conference on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Keynote speech from Charles, Lord Bruce: 

'What the Declaration of Arbroath is to Scotland'.

Charles, Lord Bruce, direct descendent of Robert the Bruce, reflects on the 200th anniversary of The Declaration of Arbroath in 2020.

In this panel discussion the speakers focus on the enduring resonance of the Declaration of Arbroath and what it means not only to Scots but as an ever relevant symbol of independence, resistance and the right to freedom.

Panel Discussion featuring:

 Charles, Lord Bruce, 

John King Bellassai, President of COSCA

Professor Donna Heddle (UHI)

Graeme Mackenzie (Association of Highland Clans & Societies)

Keynote speech from Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish:

'Scotland's Influence on North America'

In his speech, Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish reflects on the history of Scotland's contributions to the foundation of North America as well as providing some political insights in the modern day.

 A former First Minister of Scotland, Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish holds a visiting professorship shared between the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

A fascinating look at the contributions of Scotland to North America historically and on key figures who influenced the foundations and development of both the USA and Canada.

Presentations from: 

Ken McGoogan - Canadian History Writer and Author

Sergio Villavicencio - Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society

John King Bellassai - Council of Scottish Clans and Associations

Sir Malcom MacGregor shares with us his expert insight into the craft of photography and talks us through his process and approach to photography with examples of his photography.

Sir Malcolm MacGregor is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography. 

Camilla Hellman MBE presents the results of the Conference survey questionnaire in which we invited our attendees to share their experiences and perspectives on a wide range of areas including their own personal study of their family heritage, whether they had traced their family tree or taken a DNA test. 

The results were hugely interesting and we thank all those who took part in the survey questionnaire!

This panel brings organizers of leading Scottish societies and festivals together to share how they have used innovative means to keep their organizations visible and to engage with others during a year which brought very specific challenges as a result of COVID 19.  

The panelists share how they have been using online technology to engage with current audiences as well as attracting new audiences and building awareness online this year.  

The panelists for Our Virtual Presence - The New Normal:  

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation  Bob Creighton, Chair of NHSCOT's Council of Advisors 

Kyle Dawson, President, National Tartan Day NY 

Kimberlee Bradford, President, St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles 

Jane Torrance, The Scottish Society of Ottawa, 

Cheryl Gowing, President, Association of Scottish Games and Festivals 

Deb Dalziel, Board, Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games Heather MacLeod Theoret, The Scottish Society of Ottawa 

Presentation of The Tartan Day Award to Bob Creighton. 

Presented by and representing The Scottish Coalition USA:

Camilla Hellman, MBE, The American Scottish Foundation

John King Bellassai, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations

Cheryl Gowing, Association of Scottish Games and Festivals

Peter Wilson, Scottish Heritage USA

A panel discussion exploring how musicians and creatives are continuing to develop their craft, teach and learn in 2020.

The panelists in this discussion are:

Maggie McEwan, 

Jamie McGeechan, 

Susie Petrov, 

Mara Shea, 

Rory 'Gus' Sinclair 

Terry Miller.

The panelists discuss their experiences and insights into online learning, the value of building and developing networks and the importance of education and best practice for education.  

The panelists in this discussion are:  

William Petrie, Chair, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada Professor Kevin James, Chair Scottish Studies, University of Guelph 

Professor Frank Rennie, University of the Highlands and Islands Julie Bond, Gaelic Society of Toronto 

Bob Creighton, Founder & CEO of Mentorshop

Kenneth C. Donnelly, Chairman of the American Scottish Foundation gives a toast and thanks to the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020.

Camilla Hellman, MBE welcomes attendees to Conference

Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms gives an update from the Lyon Court at the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020.

Joni Smith, Scottish Affairs Counsellor to USA, Scottish Government provides response to questions from the Scottish North American Community Conference Executive Team.

 Joni Smith shares insights from the Scottish Government  to Scottish North American organizations as well as key messaging from the Scottish Government.

In the presentation entitled 'Sir Walter Scott, the strangeness of Scotland and the idea of America', Professor McCracken-Flesher gives a stimulating account of the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott and his works.

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish Clan System.

In this film montage we share highlights from some of Scotland's premiere cultural events, projects, locations and festivals including:

The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo

Edinburgh Fringe Festival  
Celtic Connections

Abbotsford House

Spirit of the Highlands Project

Culloden Visitor Centre - National Trust for Scotland

Jennifer Coutts Clay is the author of Jetliner Cabins: Evolution & Innovation, still the only comprehensive guide to aircraft-cabin design, covering trends from the 1970s to the present day.  

With an immense wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for aviation, Jennifer Coutts Clay provides an in-depth presentation looking at all aspects of aviation and travel. 

The panelists discuss 'timelines for tourism' in Scotland, looking at events that are coming up in Scotland as well as celebrating some success stories in Scotland in 2020. 

Panelists share their insights into future tourism in Scotland as well as highlighting their experiences of being involved in tourism, culture and learning in Scotland.

The panel are:  

William Petrie, Chair, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada 

Kristen Bridier, Exec Director, National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA 

Prof. Donna Heddle, University of the Highlands and Islands 

Prof. David Worthington, University of the Highlands and Islands 

Lord Jamie Sempill 

Gordon Boag, Glasgow Life 

Jamie McGeechan, American Scottish Foundation