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THE MONTREAL HIGHLAND GAMES

The Highland Games began as athletic competitions for clan warriors in which they displayed feats of strength and honed their battle skills. Over time, this activity developed into opportunities for members of various clans to gather for social as well as athletic interaction.

Today, the modern Highland Games are still an opportunity for members of Scottish families and people of Celtic origin in general, to meet in a social environment. Through gatherings such as these, traditional cultural arts can be encouraged and perpetuated. The games are also a venue for musicians, dancers and athletes to practice their art. While this is taking place, people of other cultures have a valuable chance to explore traditional Scottish music, dance, and athletic competition.

In Montreal, Scots, and other interested citizens meet in early August (currently on the grounds of the Douglas Hospital, in Verdun). They are treated to all the pageantry and tradition of old Scotland. In addition to competitions in music, dance, and athletics, visitors will hear Scottish fiddle demonstrations, taste traditional and modern foods, learn a few words of Gaelic, and enjoy the entertainment and the camaraderie in one of the best beer tents on the Highland Games "circuit".

CONTACT: Kirk Johnstone, President,
2005 O'Brien
St-Laurent, Quebec, H4L 3X1
Tel: (514) 332-4252
Fax: (514) 332-8730
E-mail: info@montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca
www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca


 
ASSOCIATION FRANCO-ECOSSAISE

In 1295, France and Scotland signed a joint alliance and established a close international relationship, including the reciprocal exchange of citizenship. This alliance has profoundly affected the social, intellectual, ecclesiastic and military life in the two countries, even to this day.

Consequently, it is not surprising to find that a large number of French/Scottish families were established in France through the centuries, and that many Franco-Ecossais were part of the history of New France from the time of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain.

The last census reveals that 45% of the Scots in Quebec have French as their mother tongue, that more than 50% are Catholic, and that more than 75% were born in Quebec. While two fraternal associations exist in Scotland and France for the maintenance and cultivation of the multiple facets of this "Auld Alliance", each group in Canada has pursued its own culture, traditions, genealogy and history. As a result, it was decided to revive l'Association Franco-Ecossais, which had existed in Montreal from 1929 to 1939, but which became inactive during the war. The Association offers to all francophones with Scottish roots the means to discover their genealogy, their traditions and their past, and to meet with others of similar background.

French is the language of communication in the Association. An extensive programme of genealogical and historical research, conferences, film presentations, newsletters and many other activities are envisioned. The subscription fee is $20.00 per year and all requests for registration and information should be addressed to the Association at the address below:

CONTACT: Association Franco-Ecossaise
Romeo Vezine, President
1032 Laurier Avenue West
Suite 200
Outremont, Québec H2V 2K8
Tel: 514-287-1485
Fax: 514-287-7575
 

 

     

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