2025 SPEAKERS - MORNING PROGRAM (PROGRAM ORDER)
Charles, Lord Bruce
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
Lord Bruce is on the Executive Board of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and is actively engaged in the international heritage and cultural non-profit sector. He serves as a Governor of the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland and Patron of the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies, the Japan Society of Scotland, and the Assoc
Lord Bruce is on the Executive Board of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and is actively engaged in the international heritage and cultural non-profit sector. He serves as a Governor of the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland and Patron of the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies, the Japan Society of Scotland, and the Association of Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada. Lord Bruce serves on the advisory boards of the RAF Benevolent Fund and IAFOR. In 2012, he received the Paolozzi Gold Medal for fundraising leadership.
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
William, Viscount Stormont, is the owner and strategic lead of Scone Palace & Estates, now in its 17th generation and operating across tourism, events, farming, forestry, and property. A graduate of Durham University with an MBA from Oxford, he oversees one of Scotland’s most historic sites — the crowning place of ancient kings—while adva
William, Viscount Stormont, is the owner and strategic lead of Scone Palace & Estates, now in its 17th generation and operating across tourism, events, farming, forestry, and property. A graduate of Durham University with an MBA from Oxford, he oversees one of Scotland’s most historic sites — the crowning place of ancient kings—while advancing long-term stewardship, heritage preservation, and sustainable economic growth for the communities the estate has served for centuries.
The Hon. Alexander Fraser, Master of Saltoun
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
The Hon. Alexander Fraser, Master of Saltoun
The Hon. Alexander Fraser, Master of Saltoun, is heir to the chieftainship of Clan Fraser. He holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from Columbia University and has built an international Commercial Real Estate career across Europe and China. Committed to conservation and heritage, he serves on the board of Wildlife Estates Scotl
The Hon. Alexander Fraser, Master of Saltoun, is heir to the chieftainship of Clan Fraser. He holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance from Columbia University and has built an international Commercial Real Estate career across Europe and China. Committed to conservation and heritage, he serves on the board of Wildlife Estates Scotland and is a trustee of the Duff Highlanders, as well as a managing trustee of Mar Estate in the Cairngorms National Park.
Daisy Macnab younger of Macnab
The Rt Hon. William Murray, Viscount Stormont
The Hon. Alexander Fraser, Master of Saltoun
Daisy Macnab younger of Macnab is the eldest child and heir to Jamie Macnab of Macnab and the future holder of the arms of Clan Macnab. She holds a degree in Classics from the University of St. Andrews, has established a career in sustainable infrastructure finance and currently lives in London. Daisy is passionate about Scottish culture
Daisy Macnab younger of Macnab is the eldest child and heir to Jamie Macnab of Macnab and the future holder of the arms of Clan Macnab. She holds a degree in Classics from the University of St. Andrews, has established a career in sustainable infrastructure finance and currently lives in London. Daisy is passionate about Scottish culture and heritage, and serves as a member of the Highland Society of London junior committee, helping to promote the charity’s cultural initiatives among young highlanders based in London.
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
John Cochran, FSA Scot, brings over 30 years of senior leadership across strategy, operations and intelligence integration within the U.S. Department of War. A Scottish Armiger in his own right and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, John is currently the Vice President of the Council for Scottish Clans and Associations, S
John Cochran, FSA Scot, brings over 30 years of senior leadership across strategy, operations and intelligence integration within the U.S. Department of War. A Scottish Armiger in his own right and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, John is currently the Vice President of the Council for Scottish Clans and Associations, Shennachie to the Chief of Clan Cochrane, the Rt. Hon. Earl of Dundonald, and Clan Historian to the Clan Cochrane Society of North America.
Adam W. Campbell
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
Adam W. Campbell is redefining how clans engage the next generation as a Trustee of the Clan Campbell Society in the U.S. He blends technology & tradition, with unique engagements & compelling strategies to produce a modern outreach to spark youth involvement and reimagine Scottish cultural identity for future generations to enjoy.
Ethan MacDonald
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
Emma Saggers Ph.D.
Ethan MacDonald is a Regional Commissioner for The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, President of the American Heraldry Society, President of the Kalamazoo Valley Scottish Society, and Herald to Clan Donald, USA.
Emma Saggers Ph.D.
John Cochran, FSA Scot (Moderator)
Emma Saggers Ph.D.
Emma Saggers, Ph.D. is a Regional Commissioner for The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and a Regional Representative for Clan Forsyth USA. She is a Professional Genealogist with membership to the Register of Qualified Genealogists in the UK and currently works as a Consultant Executive Director within the Non-Profit Heritage Se
Emma Saggers, Ph.D. is a Regional Commissioner for The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations and a Regional Representative for Clan Forsyth USA. She is a Professional Genealogist with membership to the Register of Qualified Genealogists in the UK and currently works as a Consultant Executive Director within the Non-Profit Heritage Sector. Emma holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Essex, England and an MA in Studies in Fiction from the University of East Anglia, England.
Aliana Shepard
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Aliana Shepard is the President of the Scottish American Women's Society of Washington DC. She is also heavily involved in the American Clan Gregor Society, serving both as the Virginia and DC Area Deputy Chieftain and on the ACGS Council. A life-long Alexandria native, Aliana is also a teacher, farm manager, and equestrian.
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation, and 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
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation, and 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.
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil serves as Vice Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and holds leadership roles with Scottish Heritage USA, the Society of Scottish Armigers, COSCA, and the American-Scottish Foundation. He received the 2024 National Tartan Day Award and was appointed to the Scottish Government’s Scottish
Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil serves as Vice Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs and holds leadership roles with Scottish Heritage USA, the Society of Scottish Armigers, COSCA, and the American-Scottish Foundation. He received the 2024 National Tartan Day Award and was appointed to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Connections Advisory Panel that same year. He is also a poet whose book, Connected
Works, is available from The Twig bookstore in San Antonio. A second
book, The Making of a Scottish Chief: Shakes and the Morrisons of
Ruchdi, is due out from Elm Grove Publishing in the spring.
Rory Hedderly
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
The Rt. Hon. Viscount Dunrossil (Moderator)
Rory Hedderly is the Head of Business Development (USA), Entrepreneurial Scotland Team, at the Saltire Foundation USA. He joined the company following a 15-year career with the Scottish Government, including serving as Deputy Head of the Scottish Government USA from 2018–2023. His work has focused on strengthening Scotland’s global reputa
Rory Hedderly is the Head of Business Development (USA), Entrepreneurial Scotland Team, at the Saltire Foundation USA. He joined the company following a 15-year career with the Scottish Government, including serving as Deputy Head of the Scottish Government USA from 2018–2023. His work has focused on strengthening Scotland’s global reputation and strategic networks across business, policy, and cultural sectors. Rory volunteers with The Washington Tattoo and resides in Washington, D.C. with his family.
Mart Martin
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Mart Martin
Mart Martin is the U.S. Ambassador for The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity. An Atlanta resident, Mart served 20 years in PR at Coca-Cola and 13 as creative director and brand strategist for the marketing firm Jackson Spalding. Rich with Scottish blood, he’s still searching for his direct link – but getting close.
Brian Smith
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Mart Martin
Brian Smith graduated from Strathclyde University in Business Administration and
worked in International Banking in the UK and Switzerland before moving to the USA. He led operations and technology organizations at American Express and Citibank and spent the last 10 years as a Partner at Alvarez and Marsal, a global management consulting f
Brian Smith graduated from Strathclyde University in Business Administration and
worked in International Banking in the UK and Switzerland before moving to the USA. He led operations and technology organizations at American Express and Citibank and spent the last 10 years as a Partner at Alvarez and Marsal, a global management consulting firm. He is a Director of the University of Strathclyde USA Foundation and the American Scottish Foundation.
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Dr. Jessica Beymer calls herself a New World Scot and a Burn's Baby. It's her way of honoring her mother's birthplace in Nova Scotia and her impeccable timing, having Jessica on January 25th. She is a Veterinarian, specializing in Critical Care. Jessica credits the St. Andrew's Society with giving her a social life to balance the science brain.
Fiona Newton
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Dr. Jessica Beymer
Fiona Newton, MSc is an experienced nonprofit leader and strategist. As a consultant, she represents the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in North America. Her leadership experience was gained at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine in Baltimore and, in the UK, at St John Ambulance, NSPCC, and the Royal Academy of Music.
Susan Bryant Thomas
Susan Bryant Thomas
Susan Bryant Thomas
Susan Bryant Thomas recently joined Scottish Heritage USA as the Administrator, and is excited to help lead an expansion of their reach in supporting Scottish-American heritage and cultural programs throughout the US and Canada. She previously served as CMO for Visit Huntington Beach, CA and Sr. Vice President
of the Hilton Head Island Ch
Susan Bryant Thomas recently joined Scottish Heritage USA as the Administrator, and is excited to help lead an expansion of their reach in supporting Scottish-American heritage and cultural programs throughout the US and Canada. She previously served as CMO for Visit Huntington Beach, CA and Sr. Vice President
of the Hilton Head Island Chamber's Visitor & Conversion Bureau. Her favorite Scottish proverb: "Listen to the Silence. Be still and let your soul catch up."
Betty Johnson
Susan Bryant Thomas
Susan Bryant Thomas
Betty Johnson is a Texas native and University of Houston alumna with extensive leadership experience in media and advertising, including serving as Director of Advertising at NAPA Headquarters. She is the Creator and Director of the successful Scottish Cultural Village at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, promoting education and i
Betty Johnson is a Texas native and University of Houston alumna with extensive leadership experience in media and advertising, including serving as Director of Advertising at NAPA Headquarters. She is the Creator and Director of the successful Scottish Cultural Village at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, promoting education and interest in Scottish culture and lore. Betty is a member of the Chestatee Artists Guild, the Dahlonega Arts Alliance, Scottish Heritage USA, and the Knights Templar. She is the Scholarship Committee Chair on the Scottish Heritage USA Board of Directors.
2025 Afternoon PROGRAM (Program SPEAKER ORDER)
Eilidh MacKinnon
Eilidh MacKinnon
Eilidh MacKinnon
Eilidh MacKinnon has served as Deputy Head of the Scottish Government in the USA since June 2023, having moved to DC from Edinburgh where she focused on renewable energy policy and economic development. The Scottish Government in the USA works to strengthen the cultural, economic and political ties between Scotland in the USA and works wi
Eilidh MacKinnon has served as Deputy Head of the Scottish Government in the USA since June 2023, having moved to DC from Edinburgh where she focused on renewable energy policy and economic development. The Scottish Government in the USA works to strengthen the cultural, economic and political ties between Scotland in the USA and works with partners at home and across the country to promote Scotland as an excellent place to live, work, study and do business.
Paul Anderson
Eilidh MacKinnon
Eilidh MacKinnon
Paul Anderson was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and is the current Vice Chair of the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee, following in his mother's footsteps. He of Scottish descent via the Anderson and Harper families, last visiting Scotland for the V&A Dundee opening. As a local real estate agent, Paul specializes in historic homes.
Anne Cant
Eilidh MacKinnon
Anne Cant
Anne Cant is a retired business professional with over 30 years’ experience in global product realization, software, services, and strategic partnerships. After retiring, she consulted for an American manufacturing organization before spending a decade in the education sector securing funding and delivering international projects across E
Anne Cant is a retired business professional with over 30 years’ experience in global product realization, software, services, and strategic partnerships. After retiring, she consulted for an American manufacturing organization before spending a decade in the education sector securing funding and delivering international projects across Europe, the USA, and China. She now serves as Vice Chair of the Dundee–Alexandria Twinning Association, supporting cultural, educational, and business connections.
Gus Noble
Eilidh MacKinnon
Anne Cant
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.
The Rt Hon Henry McLeish
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
The Rt Hon Henry McLeish began his political career as an elected member in local government in 1974, and was leader of Fife Regional Council for five years. In 1987 he was elected as a member of the UK Parliament and acted as Minister for Devolution and Home Affairs in the Labour Government from 1997 to 1999. In the first Scottish Parlia
The Rt Hon Henry McLeish began his political career as an elected member in local government in 1974, and was leader of Fife Regional Council for five years. In 1987 he was elected as a member of the UK Parliament and acted as Minister for Devolution and Home Affairs in the Labour Government from 1997 to 1999. In the first Scottish Parliament he was Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning from 1999, and in 2000 he became First Minister of Scotland until 2001. Retiring from politics in 2003, he is now an adviser, consultant, writer, author and broadcaster and lectures in the USA and elsewhere on the European Union and politics.
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation, and 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
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE is the President of the American Scottish Foundation, and 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.
John King Bellassai (Moderator)
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
John King Bellassai (Moderator)
John King Bellassai, Attorney and Management Consultant, is President of the Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA). A Georgetown College and Law School graduate who practices Law in Washington DC, he has long championed Scottish Heritage in America, serving as a past President and current Trustee of the St. Andrew’s Society of
John King Bellassai, Attorney and Management Consultant, is President of the Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA). A Georgetown College and Law School graduate who practices Law in Washington DC, he has long championed Scottish Heritage in America, serving as a past President and current Trustee of the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington DC, Vice President of the National Capital Tartan Day Committee, and is active in his clan society, The American Clan Gregor Society, Inc.
Bob Giles
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE (Moderator)
John King Bellassai (Moderator)
Bob Giles is past president , former trustee and games chair of the St.
Andrew’s Society of Detroit and a proud descendant from the Isle of Eigg in
Scotland. Bob is retired broadcast journalist and a member of the
Michigan Journalism Hall of fame. He is the recipient of numerous awards
including a national Emmy. For the Society, he recently h
Bob Giles is past president , former trustee and games chair of the St.
Andrew’s Society of Detroit and a proud descendant from the Isle of Eigg in
Scotland. Bob is retired broadcast journalist and a member of the
Michigan Journalism Hall of fame. He is the recipient of numerous awards
including a national Emmy. For the Society, he recently headed a
committee to raise nearly $50K to restore a huge 1905 painting of Robert
Burns. Bob has been a supporter of the SNACC almost from the beginning
and has appeared on our panels in previous years.
Aliana Shepherd
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Aliana Shepard is the President of the Scottish American Women's Society of Washington DC. She is also heavily involved in the American Clan Gregor Society, serving both as the Virginia and DC Area Deputy Chieftain and on the ACGS Council. A life-long Alexandria native, Aliana is also a teacher, farm manager, and equestrian.
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Michael Reid has helped with SNACC planning for about five years. He has been on the Board of the American-Scottish Foundation for quite awhile and prior to that served on the boards of Scotia Dancers and New York Caledonian Society. He is an Executive Assistant, having supported leaders in both healthcare and education. Michael has also
Michael Reid has helped with SNACC planning for about five years. He has been on the Board of the American-Scottish Foundation for quite awhile and prior to that served on the boards of Scotia Dancers and New York Caledonian Society. He is an Executive Assistant, having supported leaders in both healthcare and education. Michael has also performed with a variety of orchestras, opera companies and on television with Dave Brubeck, the Muppets, Renee Fleming and Philip Glass among countless others.
Alex Duncan
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Alex Duncan
Alex Duncan, President of the Virginia Scottish Games Association, is a longtime member of the Clan Donnachaidh Society. With nearly 30 years of leadership within VSGA, she began her involvement with Scottish festivals at the New Hampshire Highland Games before relocating to Virginia. She now administers Mid-Atlantic Scottish Athletics (M
Alex Duncan, President of the Virginia Scottish Games Association, is a longtime member of the Clan Donnachaidh Society. With nearly 30 years of leadership within VSGA, she began her involvement with Scottish festivals at the New Hampshire Highland Games before relocating to Virginia. She now administers Mid-Atlantic Scottish Athletics (MASA) and judges athletic events, and has also been a judge at several Masters World Championships. She also serves with the Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington, D.C. When not at Highland games, she works in the legal field in Washington, D.C.
Jay Higle
Michael Reid (Moderator)
Alex Duncan
Jay Alexander Higle (Jay) lives with his wife Kathleen in Saratoga Springs, New York. Retired, Jay is active in the community. He is 1st. Vice President of the St. Andrew’s Society of Albany, a private trust founded in 1803 for ‘Good and Benevolent Purposes in the City of Albany. Jay is a member of the Dean’s Roundtable of the Cathedra
Jay Alexander Higle (Jay) lives with his wife Kathleen in Saratoga Springs, New York. Retired, Jay is active in the community. He is 1st. Vice President of the St. Andrew’s Society of Albany, a private trust founded in 1803 for ‘Good and Benevolent Purposes in the City of Albany. Jay is a member of the Dean’s Roundtable of the Cathedral of All Saints and a trustee of the Hoosac School in Hoosick, NY. Jay is Finance Chair of the Clan Campbell Society, North Americas.
Gerrard McStubi
John H. Blankley
Gerrard McStubi
Gerrard McStubi is a Grade 4 bagpiper living in New York City and the organizer of the Brooklyn Games (NYC). The event for solo piper and drummers and bands took place for the second time in September.
Jessica Beymer
John H. Blankley
Gerrard McStubi
Dr. Jessica Beymer calls herself a New World Scot and a Burn's Baby. It's her way of honoring her mother's birthplace in Nova Scotia and her impeccable timing, having Jessica on January 25th. She is a Veterinarian, specializing in Critical Care. Jessica credits the St. Andrew's Society with giving her a social life to balance the science brain.
John H. Blankley
John H. Blankley
John H. Blankley
John Blankley is the 105th President of the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the oldest charity in New York. A member for over 30 years, he proudly voted to open membership to women. Educated at Oxford and a chartered accountant, John held senior leadership roles with BP before founding Flagship Networks, an IT Consulting
John Blankley is the 105th President of the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the oldest charity in New York. A member for over 30 years, he proudly voted to open membership to women. Educated at Oxford and a chartered accountant, John held senior leadership roles with BP before founding Flagship Networks, an IT Consulting Business. He is active in civic leadership in Greenwich, serving on boards, environmental initiatives, and in local politics.
Chris Humphreys
John H. Blankley
John H. Blankley
Christopher (“Chris”) Humphreys is the President of the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., where he has been an active member for eight years, serving on the Board of Managers and chairing the Tartan Ball, a leading D.C. celebration of Scottish-American heritage that supports scholarships and cultural programs. A member of the Clan
Christopher (“Chris”) Humphreys is the President of the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., where he has been an active member for eight years, serving on the Board of Managers and chairing the Tartan Ball, a leading D.C. celebration of Scottish-American heritage that supports scholarships and cultural programs. A member of the Clan Bell Society and a direct descendant of the Scottish Beall's of Georgetown, Chris is also affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg, First Families of Maryland, Washington Assembly, the Society of Colonial Wars, Masonic lodges in Virginia and D.C., and the Scottish Rite.