THE scottish NA community conference
About the Conference:
The 21st Annual Scottish NA Community Conference will once again be taking place over the weekend of December 1 - 2. This year's theme is "A Scottish North American Conversation: The Power of our Vibrant Community."
The conference looks to build upon the greater audience joining in 2023, encouraging and hoping that you will add your voice to the conversation...
The Conference, organized by founders the Chicago Scots and the American Scottish Foundation together with the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA), The Scottish Studies Foundation, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC), and The University of Guelph, are delighted to display the highest pride in Scottish Heritage at the British Embassy in Washington DC.
We are excited to share more details as they come.
Friday speaker profiles
John King Bellassai, JD
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
John King Bellassai, JD
President, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations.
John Bellassai is Vice President of The National Capital Tartan Day Committee, Inc. (NCTDC) and Secretary of The Living Legacy of Scotland, Inc. - a founding member of the Scottish Coalition, USA.
A longtime member of the American Clan Gregor Society, John is a graduate of Georget
President, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations.
John Bellassai is Vice President of The National Capital Tartan Day Committee, Inc. (NCTDC) and Secretary of The Living Legacy of Scotland, Inc. - a founding member of the Scottish Coalition, USA.
A longtime member of the American Clan Gregor Society, John is a graduate of Georgetown University's College of Arts & Sciences and the Georgetown University Law Center. His maternal grandfather, John King, after whom he is named, emigrated from Killearn, on Loch Lomondside, to America in 1910. John lives and works in Washington, DC where he practices law.
Viscount Dunrossil
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
John King Bellassai, JD
Andrew Morrison, 3rd Viscount Dunrossil was born in London in 1953. Educated at Eton and Oxford, he came to the US in 1981. He has made San Antonio, Texas his home for the last 30 years being engaged in the banking and financial services industry. Professionally, he served as the former Chairman of the American Financial Services Associat
Andrew Morrison, 3rd Viscount Dunrossil was born in London in 1953. Educated at Eton and Oxford, he came to the US in 1981. He has made San Antonio, Texas his home for the last 30 years being engaged in the banking and financial services industry. Professionally, he served as the former Chairman of the American Financial Services Association.
Very active in his clan society, Andrew is cousin to the Chief of the Morrisons and a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC). He was recently described by "The Times of London" as an expert on the subject of clans and clan chiefs.
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
Keith MacGregor is the North American Representative for the Clan Gregor Society of Scotland, having served on the Society’s Council for twenty six years. He is co-administrator of the MacGregor Surname Project/FTDNA and tour director/guide for the clan’s International Gathering 2022 in Scotland.
He has organized and led eight years of p
Keith MacGregor is the North American Representative for the Clan Gregor Society of Scotland, having served on the Society’s Council for twenty six years. He is co-administrator of the MacGregor Surname Project/FTDNA and tour director/guide for the clan’s International Gathering 2022 in Scotland.
He has organized and led eight years of professional archaeological outings in Glenorchy and Glenstray, the original MacGregor homelands, which uncovered a trove of information about the early clan’s medieval settlements and were published for the Society during “The Year of Archaeology – Scotland 2017”. He is currently involved in the preservation of the carved stone monuments of the MacGregor chiefs, discovered at Dalmally church in Argyll.
Keith’s professional career in media spans decades as Executive Director for the Fox Broadcasting Networks, New York
Susan Miller
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Keith MacGregor (Moderator)
Susan R. Miller is the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Director of Programs; editor of the NYG&B’s New York Researcher magazine; a managing editor of the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer.
She has researched her New York and New England families for more than twenty five years. Susan organizes the New Yor
Susan R. Miller is the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Director of Programs; editor of the NYG&B’s New York Researcher magazine; a managing editor of the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer.
She has researched her New York and New England families for more than twenty five years. Susan organizes the New York State Family History Conferences and has presented genealogical lectures at national and regional conclaves. Beyond genealogy, Sue is a life-long sailor (racing and cruising) and Past Commodore of the Manhasset Bay and Frostbite Yacht Clubs.
Dr. Rob Spencer
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Dr Robin Spencer is a Family Tree administrator for two Surname Projects and author of SNP Tracker and other genetic genealogy tools. Following degrees in physics and biochemistry (B.A. Williams, Ph.D. MIT), Rob was a Senior Research Fellow with Pfizer for twenty nine years, then a software developer at Imaginatik for eight years. Now r
Dr Robin Spencer is a Family Tree administrator for two Surname Projects and author of SNP Tracker and other genetic genealogy tools. Following degrees in physics and biochemistry (B.A. Williams, Ph.D. MIT), Rob was a Senior Research Fellow with Pfizer for twenty nine years, then a software developer at Imaginatik for eight years. Now retired, he's found that genetic genealogy perfectly suits his skills and interests.
SNP Tracker, his new British-Irish mapping tool combines Y DNA haplogroup analysis with comprehensive 19th century census data, bringing more detail and resolution to those with Scottish, Irish, English, or Welsh paternal ancestry.
Explore his website at http://scaledinnovation.com/gg/gg.html
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Dr. Maurice Gleeson
Dr Maurice Gleeson is a genetic genealogist in Ireland, and runs Surname DNA Projects for the following: Spearin, Farrell, Gleason, Boylan, O'Malley, and Ryan. As a founding member of Genetic Genealogy Ireland, Maurice organizes the Genetic Genealogy Ireland Conference and serves as Education Ambassador for ISOGG. He maintains his blog an
Dr Maurice Gleeson is a genetic genealogist in Ireland, and runs Surname DNA Projects for the following: Spearin, Farrell, Gleason, Boylan, O'Malley, and Ryan. As a founding member of Genetic Genealogy Ireland, Maurice organizes the Genetic Genealogy Ireland Conference and serves as Education Ambassador for ISOGG. He maintains his blog and a YouTube Channel, both called: DNA and Family Tree Research.
See the following links:
- Genetic Genealogy, Irish family history, adoptee research, surname project blogs for Commemorating the Missing/Gleeson Clan Gathering 2016/iCARA/DNA and Family Tree Research/Gleeson, O'Carroll, Hart, Union family tree/Farrell DNA Project/Spearin Surname Project/Genetic Genealogy Ireland/The Gleason / Gleeson DNA Project/* Ryan DNA Project/O'Malley DNA Project
Dr. Bruce Durie
Dr. Bruce Durie
Dr. Bruce Durie
Dr. Bruce Durie is a Scottish genealogist, broadcaster and author.
In 2016, he was awarded the Fulbright Senior Scottish Studies Scholarship, and spent most of that year researching Scottish migrations to Colonial America, primarily at St Andrews University, Laurinburg, Scotland Co., North Carolina
.
Durie has Right of Audience at the Cour
Dr. Bruce Durie is a Scottish genealogist, broadcaster and author.
In 2016, he was awarded the Fulbright Senior Scottish Studies Scholarship, and spent most of that year researching Scottish migrations to Colonial America, primarily at St Andrews University, Laurinburg, Scotland Co., North Carolina
.
Durie has Right of Audience at the Court of the Lord Lyon, Scotland. The majority of his private work concerns Coats of Arms and issue around inheritance and Chiefship. He was a founder of the Register of Qualified Genealogists and the post-nomial QG, and of the scholarly peer-reviewed journal Genealogy.
In 2017, Bruce Durie was elected an Academician of the Académie Internationale de Généalogie and in 2018 was accorded Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) in recognition of his long-standing work in the public understanding of genetic genealogy.
He is the author of over 30 published books.
SATURDAY MORNING speaker profiles
Joni Smith
Gus Noble
Charles, Lord Bruce
Joni Smith is the Counselor for Scottish Government USA.
With 15 years’ experience in the UK Civil Service, Joni has worked in various roles across the Scottish Government – the majority of which were at the centre of the organization working directly for members of the Scottish Cabinet.
Prior to her work in the civil service Joni was a bro
Joni Smith is the Counselor for Scottish Government USA.
With 15 years’ experience in the UK Civil Service, Joni has worked in various roles across the Scottish Government – the majority of which were at the centre of the organization working directly for members of the Scottish Cabinet.
Prior to her work in the civil service Joni was a broadcast journalist.
A native of Arbroath, Scotland Joni holds an MA in Politics and International Relations from the University of
Aberdeen and an MSc in Communications and Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University.
Charles, Lord Bruce
Gus Noble
Charles, Lord Bruce
Charles Bruce studied economic history at the University of St Andrews. He is involved in the conservation of Scottish heritage both at home and overseas. He chairs a charitable trust restoring a Scottish cemetery in India.
Charles is a council member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, representing his father,Andrew Bruce, Earl of
Charles Bruce studied economic history at the University of St Andrews. He is involved in the conservation of Scottish heritage both at home and overseas. He chairs a charitable trust restoring a Scottish cemetery in India.
Charles is a council member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, representing his father,Andrew Bruce, Earl of Elgin, 37th Chief of the Name of Bruce.
He is a patron of CASSOC.
He recently contributed a chapter to a new history of the Declaration of Arbroath, Conquered by No
One.
Gus Noble
Gus Noble
Gus Noble
Gus Noble is President of The Chicago Scots and CEO of Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care in Chicago which has been providing quality care for over 100 years now at The Scottish Home.
Professor Donna Heddle
Professor Donna Heddle
Gus Noble
Professor Donna Heddle is Director of the award winning University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies. Her research interests are Scottish and Northern Isles cultural history, Renaissance language and literature, and cultural tourism.
Graeme Mackenzie, MA
Professor Donna Heddle
Rt Hon. Henry McLeish
Graeme Mackenzie is a Scottish historian and genealogist with over thirty years’ experience researching and writing about the Highland clans.
Graeme is President of the Association of Highland Clans & Societies (AHCS) and operates Highland Roots, a professional genealogical firm.
He studied history at Cambridge University and worked initia
Graeme Mackenzie is a Scottish historian and genealogist with over thirty years’ experience researching and writing about the Highland clans.
Graeme is President of the Association of Highland Clans & Societies (AHCS) and operates Highland Roots, a professional genealogical firm.
He studied history at Cambridge University and worked initially as a rock music writer and broadcaster, developing an interest in country and bluegrass music whilst helping organize the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival.
Rt Hon. Henry McLeish
Professor Donna Heddle
Rt Hon. Henry McLeish
Rt Hon. Henry McLeish served as the second First Minister of Scotland, from 2000 to 2001.
Former Scottish Labour Party politician, now author and academic. Formerly a professional football player, McLeish was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Fife from 1987 to 2001 and the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Central Fife from 1999 to 2003.
Ken McGoogan
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor
Sergio Villavicencio
Ken McGoogan is the bestselling author of fifteen books, among them three that treat the Scottish influence in Canada: How the Scots Invented Canada; Celtic Lightning: How the Scots and the Irish Created a Canadian Nation; and Flight of the Highlanders: The Making of Canada.
Sergio Villavicencio
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor
Sergio Villavicencio
Sergio Villavicencio is the Vice President of the Alexander Hamilton Awareness (AHA) Society –the official partner of the Hamilton Grange National Memorial.
Sergio is also the Chair of the New York City Semiquincentennial Committee; and a content, programming, and diversity & inclusion consultant to several history-related entities.
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor
Sir Malcolm MacGregor was born in London in 1959 and is based in Scotland. He served for 17 years with the Scots Guards and the Gurkhas.
He is 24th Hereditary Chief of Clan Gregor, a Past Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC), and a Past President of the Scots Guards Association.
In 2000 he began photographing for his b
Sir Malcolm MacGregor was born in London in 1959 and is based in Scotland. He served for 17 years with the Scots Guards and the Gurkhas.
He is 24th Hereditary Chief of Clan Gregor, a Past Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC), and a Past President of the Scots Guards Association.
In 2000 he began photographing for his book ‘Wilderness Oman’ made over a two year period concentrating on the eclectic mix of desert, mountain and coastal landscapes. His genre is wilderness landscape photography, searching out aspects of nature that are off the beaten track. He is well travelled throughout Scotland and has held three photography exhibitions related to the Highlands and Islands in London. He has carried out numerous photographic features on historic houses and castles for Scots Heritage Magazine.
In addition to landscape photography, he has worked on a major documentary
project with the HALO Trust, a humanitarian mine-clearance charity. This took him to Africa, SE Asia, the Balkans and Afghanistan. In 2010 he returned to Afghanistan to photograph the Scots Guards in Helmand Province. In addition to Wilderness Oman, he has privately published Light Over Oman and Oman: Eloquence and Eternity.
Other published work includes the Outer Hebrides, and Mull, Iona and Staffa.
He is currently working on a book of landscape photography of Scotland and a
photographic project in Namibia.
As well as being Chief of Clan Gregor, he is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic
Society and the Royal Geographical Society, and an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photographers. He is married to Fiona and they live in Dumfriesshire.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON speaker profiles
Camilla G Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
William Petrie (Moderator)
William Petrie (Moderator)
Camilla G Hellman MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation and also the ASF representative to The Scottish Coaliton USA and National Tartan Day New York Committee.
Camilla also serves as a member of the boards of The Foreign Press Association and Make Music New York.
Camilla's career has been in the promoting of British
Camilla G Hellman MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation and also the ASF representative to The Scottish Coaliton USA and National Tartan Day New York Committee.
Camilla also serves as a member of the boards of The Foreign Press Association and Make Music New York.
Camilla's career has been in the promoting of British and US relations and in 2006 she received the MBE for her work in transatlantic relations.
William Petrie (Moderator)
William Petrie (Moderator)
William Petrie (Moderator)
William Petrie – Chair, Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada (CASSOC)
William combines his paternal Scottish heritage of MacGregors through roots back to Edinburgh in the early 1800s with United Empire Loyalists (Merritts and Hamiltons) on his maternal side. He is a member of the Clan Gregor Canada Council and co-editor of the MapleLeaf MacGregor newsletter
Bob Creighton
William Petrie (Moderator)
Bob Creighton
Bob Creighton has been involved in the Scottish North American community for many years.
Bob’s company, MentorShop, has supported many of the more prominent Scottish organizations and institutions in the US including the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, and Visit Scotland.
Bob is the immediate past President of New Hampshire’s NHSCOT.
Kyle Dawson
Cheryl Gowing
Bob Creighton
Kyle Dawson is the President of the National Tartan Day New York Committee which organizes the New York Tartan Day Parade each April.
Kyle also serves as Treasurer to the New York Caledonian Club and is a keen bagpiper.
Deb Dalziel
Cheryl Gowing
Cheryl Gowing
Deb Dalziel is the Tourism Coordinator for Elora & Fergus Tourism and the Township of Centre Wellington.
Deb has served as the General Manager of the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games from 1996-1998, a Festival Board member and as President.
Cheryl Gowing
Cheryl Gowing
Cheryl Gowing
Cheryl Gowing is the Secretary for the Association of Scottish Festivals & Games, dedicated to providing its member organizations with a platform to share resources, ideas, and best practices in support of Scottish/Celtic events throughout North America. Cheryl also serves as President of the Scottish American Society of South Florida,
Cheryl Gowing is the Secretary for the Association of Scottish Festivals & Games, dedicated to providing its member organizations with a platform to share resources, ideas, and best practices in support of Scottish/Celtic events throughout North America. Cheryl also serves as President of the Scottish American Society of South Florida, currently planning for their 38th annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. She is the Associate Dean for Library Information Systems & Facilities at the University of Miami, where she’s been a member of the faculty since 1987.
Jane Torrance
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
Jane Torrance, BA, MA, has been a member of The Scottish Society of Ottawa for 7 years, and has served for 2 years on the Grand Committee as Communications Director.
Jane is the Principal of a busy consulting firm, specializing in strategic planning, community safety and well-being, team building, and public consultation. She served 3 term
Jane Torrance, BA, MA, has been a member of The Scottish Society of Ottawa for 7 years, and has served for 2 years on the Grand Committee as Communications Director.
Jane is the Principal of a busy consulting firm, specializing in strategic planning, community safety and well-being, team building, and public consultation. She served 3 terms on municipal council in Mississippi Mills, and worked for many years in non-profit community and service organizations. She is skilled in network building and management, social media management, and group facilitation.
Jane has served in leadership positions on a wide variety of boards. She is passionate about her Scottish heritage with deep McKay roots in Lewis, and Morris roots in Largs. Jane lives in Almonte with her husband Michael Kehoe, is mother to four and grandmother to two, and is a piper in the Almonte Legion Pipe Band Branch 240.
Jane can be reached via e-mail at chair@ottscot.ca.
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
I’m so happy that you are taking time to engage with the SSO and read my bio! In my professional life, I am a Protocol Advisor, Office of Protocol and Intergovernmental Affairs with the City of Ottawa, responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the City of Ottawa's ceremonial, protocol and diplomatic activities in a politica
I’m so happy that you are taking time to engage with the SSO and read my bio! In my professional life, I am a Protocol Advisor, Office of Protocol and Intergovernmental Affairs with the City of Ottawa, responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the City of Ottawa's ceremonial, protocol and diplomatic activities in a politically and culturally sensitive manner.
My key responsibilities include a portfolio of events hosted by the Mayor including large-scale community gatherings, high-level ceremonial events, as well as intimate dinners and receptions. I also lead activities and services that benefit, promote, celebrate or enhance the City of Ottawa and its residents.
I have a strong interest in fostering and building communities of trust-based business relationships that support and create high performing teams. As such, one of the highlights of my career, when working in Advancement at Carleton University, was expanding the national and international Alumni Chapters network from 18 to 44 chapters.
My work with the SSO began in the fall of 2012, when I joined the dedicated volunteer committee that presented the very first Hogmanay celebration in Ottawa. To say I was hooked would be an understatement! I served on the Executive Board as Secretary from January 2013 to May 2019, a period of substantial growth for the SSO, and remain an avid builder and advocate. With my Glengarry County roots, I was privileged to be immersed in Scottish culture from a very young age. My MacLeod ancestors arrived in Glengarry in 1793 directly from Glenelg, and the Macdonells on my mother’s side were United Empire Loyalists. MacLeods, Macdonells, McBeans, McIntoshes, MacCrimmons are all in my lineage – my Scottish roots are broad and deep! Increasing the awareness of Scots’ contributions to the fabric of Canadian society, both historically and present-day, in addition to building the SSO community and expanding my knowledge of Scottish culture is a passion and relates directly to family and pride of heritage.
Hold Fast!
Heather can be reached at: vicechair@ottscot.ca
Kimberlee Bradford
Heather (MacLeod) Theoret
Kimberlee Bradford
Kimberlee Bradford is the first female President of the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles. She is also an FSA Scot, a
Mayflower descendant, and is a graduate of USC and holds certifications from Stanford and Yale in both business and
marketing.
Kimberlee's professional career spans three decades as a
film agent in the entertainment i
Kimberlee Bradford is the first female President of the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles. She is also an FSA Scot, a
Mayflower descendant, and is a graduate of USC and holds certifications from Stanford and Yale in both business and
marketing.
Kimberlee's professional career spans three decades as a
film agent in the entertainment industry representing some of Hollywood's elite actors, writers and directors.
After retirement, she began her involvement with the Scottish community in Southern California to bring more exposure and visibility to Scotland's talented and creative artists, and to the contributions that Scotland has made to
America.
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Kevin James holds the Scottish Studies Foundation Chair and is Professor of Modern Scottish History at the University of Guelph.
Kevin is a prolific author who has held many grants and fellowships. Kevin is also Director of the University’s Centre for Scottish Studies.
Susie Petrov
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Susie Petrov graduated from the Peabody Conservatory with a degree in Applied Piano and quickly abandoned classical music for a performing, researching and teaching career centered on Scottish music and dance. She has gone on to perform for and teach Scottish dancing in the USA, Canada and Europe.
Rory Sinclair
Professor Kevin James (Moderator)
Rory Sinclair
Rory ‘Gus’ Sinclair has been doing music in one way or another all his life. To begin with, there was a piano in the family home in Deep River and he noodled on the instrument almost daily till
he left home for University. While in Deep River he took lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Saxophone. In addition, he played clarinet
Rory ‘Gus’ Sinclair has been doing music in one way or another all his life. To begin with, there was a piano in the family home in Deep River and he noodled on the instrument almost daily till
he left home for University. While in Deep River he took lessons on the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Saxophone. In addition, he played clarinet and ukulele in two folk groups –self taught on both. While at University he took up guitar – learning on his roommate’s instrument.
Rory has composed over 20 original pipe tunes and has produced 4 CD’s of pipe music
Mara Shea
Jamie McGeechan
Rory Sinclair
Mara Shea has been playing with violins since her mother decided her child
had a really good sense of pitch and enrolled her in music school in New
Haven, Connecticut. After studying classical violin for 10 years and then
taking a 15-year break, Mara discovered folk and dance music.
She has been happily playing for dancers since the 1990s—va
Mara Shea has been playing with violins since her mother decided her child
had a really good sense of pitch and enrolled her in music school in New
Haven, Connecticut. After studying classical violin for 10 years and then
taking a 15-year break, Mara discovered folk and dance music.
She has been happily playing for dancers since the 1990s—various styles of English,Scottish, contra, ceilidh—and her fiddle has taken her to balls, dance
weekends and concerts throughout the US, Canada, England, Scotland, and
Europe. She has served on the music staff at many dance camps including
Pinewoods, TAC Summer School, Berea Christmas School, Ramblewood,
Scottish Weekend, Stone Mountain, Unicoi, and the John C. Campbell Folk
School, in Brasstown, North Carolina. In 2018-19 Mara lived for a year in Scotland, where she earned an MLitt in Ethnomusicology from the Elphinstone Institute at the University of
Aberdeen.
Back home in North Carolina, Mara lives in Raleigh, where she
teaches Celtic fiddle and frequently plays for dances. For more on Mara, and
to listen to some of her music, visit her website: www.MaraShea.com.
Maggie McEwan
Jamie McGeechan
Jamie McGeechan
Maggie McEwan is a Director of the Scottish Studies Foundation and is a past President of the Foundation, Canadian Convener for the Clan MacEwen Society and a volunteer for Fergus Highland Games.
Jamie McGeechan
Jamie McGeechan
Jamie McGeechan
Jamie McGeechan is a Scottish singer-songwriter and poet who was born in Falkirk and grew up in Ayr.
As a musician he has released two albums of original material with his most recent album being nominated for Scottish Album of The Year. He has toured with Joan Armatrading, Damien Rice, Dougie MacLean, Eddi Reader and Capercaillie.
He made
Jamie McGeechan is a Scottish singer-songwriter and poet who was born in Falkirk and grew up in Ayr.
As a musician he has released two albums of original material with his most recent album being nominated for Scottish Album of The Year. He has toured with Joan Armatrading, Damien Rice, Dougie MacLean, Eddi Reader and Capercaillie.
He made a world first recording as the first person to record the songs of Robert Burns inside Burns Cottage in Alloway.
In 2020 Jamie has been working with the American Scottish Foundation to produce online monthly music concerts and the Sounds From Scotland album.
Jamie is an Ambassador for World Peace Tartan, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Tamfest and The American-Scottish Foundation.
Dr Terry Miller
Professor Frank Rennie
Professor Frank Rennie
Dr. Terry E. Miller was born and raised in Dover, Ohio. Part of his family lineage is to the McDermott family of Scotland. Dr. Miller earned a B.M. in Organ at the College of Wooster in 1967, an M.M. in Musicology at Indiana University in 1971 and the Ph.D in Musicology at Indiana in 1977.
From 1975 until retirement in 2005 he was a fa
Dr. Terry E. Miller was born and raised in Dover, Ohio. Part of his family lineage is to the McDermott family of Scotland. Dr. Miller earned a B.M. in Organ at the College of Wooster in 1967, an M.M. in Musicology at Indiana University in 1971 and the Ph.D in Musicology at Indiana in 1977.
From 1975 until retirement in 2005 he was a faculty member in Kent State University’s School of Music where he taught Ethnomusicology and Musicology.
His primary specialization is in the music of Thailand, Laos, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but he has done extensive research in American folk hymnody, including the lined hymn/psalm traditions of the United States, the English-speaking Caribbean, and Scotland.
In 1982 and 1987 Miller did extensive field work and library research in Edinburgh, Scotland, and field work in Edinburgh, Skye, Lewis, and Harris.
Professor Frank Rennie
Professor Frank Rennie
Professor Frank Rennie
Frank Rennie is Professor of Sustainable Rural Development at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland and Head of Research at Lews Castle College UHI.
Initially a geologist and natural scientist, he tutors on Sustainable Rural Development and also the MSc Digital Pedagogy, as well as supervising research students. His main
Frank Rennie is Professor of Sustainable Rural Development at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland and Head of Research at Lews Castle College UHI.
Initially a geologist and natural scientist, he tutors on Sustainable Rural Development and also the MSc Digital Pedagogy, as well as supervising research students. His main research interests lie in new approaches to online education and the potential benefits of digital networking for sustainable rural development. He has been an advisor to several government bodies and is a Fellow of six learned societies.
Frank has been involved in developing and delivering various combinations of distributed learning and Open Educational Resources (particularly networked digital solutions for rural areas) with a wide range of international partners. He has published a diverse range of resources related to rural issues, including over 30 books and e-textbooks.
Julie Bond
Professor Frank Rennie
Kenneth C. Donnelly
Julie Bond currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Gaelic Society of Toronto, one of Canada’s oldest Societies dating back to the late 1800’s.
Comunn Gàidhlig Thoronto / The Gaelic Society of Toronto was formed in 1880 to connect Gaelic-speaking persons who had emigrated from the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Kenneth C. Donnelly
Kenneth C. Donnelly
Kenneth C. Donnelly
Kenneth C. Donnolly is a native born Scot from Lanarkshire, Scotland. Now an American citizen, Kenneth came to the USA in 1982 to work for Pan American Airways.
Kenneth is the Chairman of The American-Scottish Foundation and the President of the Robert Burns Society of New York which was founded in 1871.
Kenneth is Member, International Ad
Kenneth C. Donnolly is a native born Scot from Lanarkshire, Scotland. Now an American citizen, Kenneth came to the USA in 1982 to work for Pan American Airways.
Kenneth is the Chairman of The American-Scottish Foundation and the President of the Robert Burns Society of New York which was founded in 1871.
Kenneth is Member, International Advisory Board of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Member, International Advisory Board of the University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland.
Peter Wilson
Kenneth C. Donnelly
Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson is the founder of Great Scot International, The Scottish Weaver and The Scottish Grocer.
Great Scot International Inc was
Founded and Incorporated in 1997. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company was initially involved with the supply of Scottish food products and unique gift-ware and then evolved into weaving and supp
Peter Wilson is the founder of Great Scot International, The Scottish Weaver and The Scottish Grocer.
Great Scot International Inc was
Founded and Incorporated in 1997. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company was initially involved with the supply of Scottish food products and unique gift-ware and then evolved into weaving and supplying tartan plaid fabrics and merchandise in worsted wool and non-wool fabrics.
SCOTTISH HERITAGE USA was founded in 1965 by Ward Melville “to recognize and enhance the original bonds of ancestral and national character among the peoples of Scotland and North America; and to disseminate knowledge of their respective cultural heritages; and in furtherance of such purposes to support the preservation of historic sites, the maintenance of centers of artistic and literary endeavor and such other activities as may be appropriate”.
sunday morning speaker profiles
Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
CHIEF OF CLAN MACLAREN
OF BALQUHIDDER AND STRATHEARN
Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine is the twenty-fifth
head of the Clan since Labhran, name forefather of the MacLarens
(MacLabhruinn) eight hundred years ago. The Clan is one of the most
ancient of the Gaelic kindreds and its line of chiefs descends from King
Lorn Mor of the 6 th cen
CHIEF OF CLAN MACLAREN
OF BALQUHIDDER AND STRATHEARN
Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine is the twenty-fifth
head of the Clan since Labhran, name forefather of the MacLarens
(MacLabhruinn) eight hundred years ago. The Clan is one of the most
ancient of the Gaelic kindreds and its line of chiefs descends from King
Lorn Mor of the 6 th century. Donald succeeded his father in 1966.
He became Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs in 2018.
Donald was educated at the Dragon School in Oxford; Trinity College
Glenalmond in Perthshire, where he learned to play the pipes; and
Edinburgh University, where he graduated in Classics and English and
played rugby for the combined Scottish Universities XV.
He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1978. After
postings in Berlin, Moscow, Havana, Caracas and Kiev he served in
Tbilisi, Georgia as Her Majesty’s Ambassador.
He left the FCO in 2008
and is now a political adviser to UK businesses operating in Eastern
Europe; and is a partner in Perfect Pitch, training people to speak
persuasively.
Donald married Maida Jane Aitchison in 1978. Of their five children, two
chose the army for their career (Donald serving as a Commando with
four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan; and Louis, formerly with the Scots
Guards, now in the Parachute Regiment); Florian runs his own company
as a tree surgeon; and Iona and Marina have recently graduated from
respectively Stirling and Glasgow Universities.
The Chief’s home is at the Kirkton, Balquhidder in the heart of the
ancient dùthchas, the patrimony of the Chiefly House of Clan Labhran.
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso, is Chairman of VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organization (appointed in 2016), and has enjoyed a distinguished career in a variety of senior roles in the tourism industry. He sat in the House of Lords from 1995 to 1999, and from 2001 to 2015 he was M
The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso, is Chairman of VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organization (appointed in 2016), and has enjoyed a distinguished career in a variety of senior roles in the tourism industry. He sat in the House of Lords from 1995 to 1999, and from 2001 to 2015 he was Member of Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross.
The Lord Sempill
John Thurso, The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso
Lt. Governor John Cherry
Lord Sempill is currently engaged in promoting ancestral tourism. He also hosts his own historical tours in Scotland.
Over the last 15 years he has been an active member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and is credited for building stronger links between the Council and the international clan community. He conceptualised and di
Lord Sempill is currently engaged in promoting ancestral tourism. He also hosts his own historical tours in Scotland.
Over the last 15 years he has been an active member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and is credited for building stronger links between the Council and the international clan community. He conceptualised and directed The Gathering 2009, which was the centrepiece of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme.
Lt. Governor John Cherry
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Lt. Governor John Cherry
John Cherry became Michigan's Lt. Governor in 2003 when he was elected along with Governor Jennifer Granholm. Together, they served as Michigan's Executive leaders for the constitutionally allotted eight years. Before that Lt. Governor Cherry served the people of Michigan for more than 20 years as a State Representative and as State Sena
John Cherry became Michigan's Lt. Governor in 2003 when he was elected along with Governor Jennifer Granholm. Together, they served as Michigan's Executive leaders for the constitutionally allotted eight years. Before that Lt. Governor Cherry served the people of Michigan for more than 20 years as a State Representative and as State Senator.
For six of those years, he served as the Senate Democratic Leader. During his nearly three decades of state public service, John Cherry developed a reputation as a fair-minded legislator who forged relationships with other legislators regardless of political party. During his service, John authored and co-sponsored several Michigan laws dealing with political reform, environmental protection and conservation.
The Cherry Commission on Higher Education & Economic Growth brought higher education into the larger discussion of creating and retaining jobs in Michigan. It was also recognized nationally as a road map for higher education policy, and it won praises from President Obama when he came to Michigan to unveil his National Community College Initiative. During his tenure as Lt. Governor, John Cherry was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Saginaw Valley State University, an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Central Michigan University and a gubernatorial appointment to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
The Very Reverend Canon Dr. Joseph John Morrow, KStJ, QC, DL is the current
Lord Lyon King of Arms.
He was appointed to the role on 17 January 2014 and sworn in on 27 February 2014 before the Lord President of the Court of Session. As such, he is both a judicial officer and a member of the Queen’s Household for Scotland.
Professor Caroline McCracken Flesher
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Dr. Joseph Morrow, QC, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Professor Caroline McCracken-Flesher is a past Convenor of the International Association for the Study of Scottish Literature, an honorary fellow of the Association for Scottish Literary Studies, and holds the Order of the Stag from the Clan Scott Society.
Dr. McCracken-Flesher teaches English at the University of Wyoming.
Kirstin Bridier
Professor David Worthington
Jennifer Coutts Clay
Kirstin Bridier is the Executive Director for The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA.
NTS USA encourages Americans to connect with the things that make Scotland unique – from coastlines to castles, from art to architecture, from wildlife to wilderness – and to protect them for future generations.
Jennifer Coutts Clay
Professor David Worthington
Jennifer Coutts Clay
Jennifer Coutts Clay is one of the leading experts on aviation and airline travel in the world.
The author of Jetliner Cabins: Evolution & Innovation, Jennifer Coutts Clay has a great deal of experience of working within the aviation industry.
In 1979, she was appointed Head of Operations and Sales for Western USA, the first woman to be ap
Jennifer Coutts Clay is one of the leading experts on aviation and airline travel in the world.
The author of Jetliner Cabins: Evolution & Innovation, Jennifer Coutts Clay has a great deal of experience of working within the aviation industry.
In 1979, she was appointed Head of Operations and Sales for Western USA, the first woman to be appointed to such a position in the airline.
Since the 1990s, as Principal of J. Clay Consulting, Jennifer has worked with a broad range of organizations, including short-haul and long-haul airlines, aviation suppliers, legal firms and design specialists.
Born in Scotland and educated in Britain, France and the US (she was a Fulbright Scholar at Cornell University), Jennifer is now an American citizen and resides in New York City.
Professor David Worthington
Professor David Worthington
Professor David Worthington
Professor David Worthington is an historian of Scottish (and wider British and Irish) connections with central Europe (c.1500-c.1700).
He researches and publishes also on the history of mainland northern Scotland from within a coastal history context. He completed his PhD in the Department of History, University of Aberdeen, in 2000, and,
Professor David Worthington is an historian of Scottish (and wider British and Irish) connections with central Europe (c.1500-c.1700).
He researches and publishes also on the history of mainland northern Scotland from within a coastal history context. He completed his PhD in the Department of History, University of Aberdeen, in 2000, and, prior to taking up his position at UHI, lectured at universities in Poland and Ireland.
He arrived at the Centre for History as a lecturer in July 2008, became its head in 2011, and was awarded his professorship in 2020. Currently, he chairs the UHI-HLH sub-group for the 'Inverness Castle Project' the largest heritage development in the Highlands for over a century, and sits on the overall Castle Project delivery group, chaired by Fergus Ewing MSP. This is the aspect of his work that will be the focus of his presentation
Gordon Boag
Gordon Boag
Professor David Worthington
Gordon Boag – Marketing and Communications Business Partner, Glasgow Life.
I’ve worked for the charity delivering Culture and Sport on behalf of Glasgow City Council for almost 14 years with a particular focus on Culture.
I’ve been involved in some of the biggest events the city has hosted, including the Culture Programme for the Glasgow 2
Gordon Boag – Marketing and Communications Business Partner, Glasgow Life.
I’ve worked for the charity delivering Culture and Sport on behalf of Glasgow City Council for almost 14 years with a particular focus on Culture.
I’ve been involved in some of the biggest events the city has hosted, including the Culture Programme for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and I work across many of the events in Glasgow every year including the brilliant Celtic Connections and the unforgettable World Pipe Band Championships.
FRIDAY SESSION ( Subject to Change )
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION (Subject to Change)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
THE SCOTTISH COALITION USA (TSC)
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY AWARD
This Year's Awardee is Gus Noble
PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO RECOGNIZE AN EXCEPTIONAL SCOTTISH AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADER - EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR.
GUIDELINES FOR AWARD BACKGROUND, PROCESS, AND CRITERIA. BACKGROUND:
The Scottish Coalition USA has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining a national platform for the Observance of Tartan Day in the USA - now observed in various ways from San Diego to Charlotte, to Washington DC and New York City.
Recognizing the efforts of those that help to sustain and grow the Scottish American Diaspora, TSC USA is increasing the nomination outreach this year. We are inviting leading Scottish American organizations, organizers of Games and Festivals, leading Clans, and individual National Tartan Day Coordinators (employing the TSC USA Members outreach) to provide a clear path in submitting their nominations.
Organizations that comprise The Scottish Coalition USA are:
American-Scottish Foundation (ASF) Association of Scottish Games & Festivals (ASGF) Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA) The Living Legacy of Scotland Scottish-American Military Society (SAMS) Scottish Heritage USA (SHUSA)