Scot of the year awards 2009

[McMurdo]

A grand celebration of the talents and achievements of Scots at home and abroad was held at the 17th Annual Scot of the Year Award Presentation on Tuesday April 7, 2009 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at The St. Andrews Club 27th Floor, 150 King Street West Toronto, ON M5H 1J9



On Tuesday April 7, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Toronto's prestigious St. Andrews Club was the venue for this year's Tartan Day and our 17th Annual Scot of the Year Award Presentation.

The evening was a celebration of Scotland's business and cultural ties with Canada and was hosted by the Government of Scotland in conjunction with Scottish Development International and we are delighted that we have been invited to participate in this event which was also a fundraiser for the Scottish Studies Foundation.

Michael Russell, MSP, the Scottish Government's Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution was there to represent the Government of Scotland and make the official address. Peter Lederer, Chairman of Visit Scotland was also on hand and was talk about Scotland's plans for "Homecoming 2009" and other matters.

Throughout the night, award winning Scottish Chef Tom Lewis was using great Scottish ingredients to make some fabulous dishes in live cooking demonstrations and in a once only performance in Canada, Scottish musician Roddy Hart was there to perform some of the works of Burns in special interpretations he's created for the year of Homecoming.

Also, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Glenfiddich, guests were able to sample some of the finest Scotch available and the Glenfiddich team was run 'Mini Mentor' session where guests can learn about and taste Glenfiddich 12, 15, and 18 Year Old malt whisky.

This year's Scot of the Year Award went to Flora MacDonald, the former cabinet minister who served in the Canadian federal government in the 1970s and 80s. Flora MacDonald may not be foreign minister any longer, but you wouldn't know it from her itinerary. At 82, she is still adding to a travelogue that includes at least 100 countries in her concern for the plight and progress of women in developing countries.

Named after the Scottish Jacobite heroine of Bonnie Prince Charlie fame, Flora MacDonald was born in North Sydney, NS, a sixth generation Canadian whose forebears came to Canada from the Scottish Highlands in the 1790s. She was educated in public schools and Business College in Nova Scotia. Later she became the first woman enrolled in the National Defense College’s year-long graduate course in international relations.

She was first elected to the Parliament of Canada in October 1972 and served as MP for Kingston and the Islands until November 1988, holding three cabinet posts: Secretary of State for External Affairs, the first woman in Canada to be named to the prestigious Foreign Affairs Minister portfolio; Minister of Employment and Immigration; and Minister of Communications and Culture.

Prior to her election, Flora was administrative assistant and tutor in the political studies department at Queen’s University, and was also employed at the national headquarters of the PC Party of Canada becoming acting national director.

Since leaving politics she has held numerous national and international posts and has served on the board or advisory councils of many organizations. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Companion of the Order of Canada, and a member of the Order of Ontario. She has received the Jordanian El Kawkab Medal by King Hussein for significant contribution to public service; the Pearson Peace Medal; the Churchill Society’s award for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary Democracy; and was the first Canadian to receive the Padma Shri Award (India’s highest award to civilians) from the President of India for distinguished service in the field of public affairs. She holds honorary degrees from universities in Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.

Unlike previous Tartan Day Dinners there was no entrance fee so in lieu of this donations which went to support the Foundation in the funding of the Chair of Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph, the acquisition of significant materials for their library and bursaries for Canadian students studying in Scotland. At last year's event they were successful in raising close to $50,000, a truly wonderful accomplishment and tangible proof of the importance Scots-Canadians attach to their heritage.

Here are my photos from a wonderful evening, there is also some video of Roddy Hart

Me at the Awards


John A McDonald First Prime Minister of Canada was in attendance, (or at least a reasonable facsimile)


Hendry was there again this year, it was Cathrine's first year there.


Flora McDonald receiving the award from last years winner Donald Stewart

[McMurdo]

Roddy Hart








Catherine even found someone else who was born in North Carolina

More to come

[McMurdo]

My first SCD teacher was there as well


more to come

[McMurdo]

more to come

[McMurdo]

Here are the videos of Roddy Hart

[McMurdo]

[McMurdo]

Well that's about it for photos and videos. I'm not sure what was raised last night, but a great time was had by all who were in attendance.

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

Looks like a wonderful evening! Makes me want to live in your area so I could also enjoy! Not much kilted fun in Dillsburg, PA other than what our regiment and the local Scottish Society make it into!

Malcolm

[Macman]

That looks like a great event, Glen. Flora MacDonald is a very worthy recipient of the award. I like the tartan shoes on your SCD teacher!

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

I was wondering if any of the rabble attended.
The Sir John A MacDonald is a Brockville school teacher (I think he is retired now). His name is Brian Porter and he is also a member of the Brockville City Pipe Band. He does classroom visits and other festivals as Canada's first Prime Minister and sometimes as Robert Burns.
All of you look splendid indeed!
Sara
who must now really get back to work!