Today, marks the 274th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, the last ever pitched battle to be fought on British soil, which took place on 16th April 1746. Below follows a description of the Battle from the National Trust for Scotland: It was here that the Jacobite army took theirRead More →
April 6, 2020 marks the 700th Anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath which is widely seen as Scotland’s most iconic document. It evokes the sentiments of sovereign independence which gives is special distinction not only for Scotland but throughout the world. The Declaration is a letter written to the PopeRead More →
The bad news is that a recent cold snap has prevented me from getting back into a regular cycling routine (I’ll need to get some heavy gloves for winter I suppose – its only my fingers that get cold…). The Kilted Kid and I have done a couple of briefRead More →
I recently returned from a trip to Georgetown, Kentucky for the Annual Gathering of the Clan MacNicol Society of North America. I just thought I’d share a little bit about my trip. I live 11 hours drive time away from Georgetown and about 5 hours flying with layovers. However gas,Read More →
Beltane or Beltain is the Gaelic May Day festival most commonly held on 1 May 1st, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Mann. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals along with Samhain (NovemberRead More →
Pipe and drum bands have become a popular symbol of Scottish ethnicity, as they are seen as “an extension of the Victorian ideal of the fighting romantic Highlander.” Few would argue that bagpipes are as uniquely Scottish and any other symbol of the nation, and I doubt there is anyoneRead More →
March seems to be a good time for recycling some classic posts and today is the perfect day for one of them. In honor of Pi Day, or what we call Scotch Pie Day here at the Kilted Dad, I bring you a short post on the Scotch Pie. ScotchRead More →
Burns Night is a recognition of the life and poetry of Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796), Scotland’s National Bard and the author of many Scots poems and songs. The day is typically celebrated with a Burns Supper on or near the poet’s birthday, with most celebrationsRead More →
Scotland’s’ Bard and a Festive Tradition Born in Alloway, Scotland, on January 25, 1759, Robert Burns was the first of William and Agnes Burnes’ seven children. His father, a tenant farmer, educated his children at home. Burns also attended one year of mathematics schooling and, between 1765 and 1768, heRead More →
November 30th is the traditional feast day of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Although he never visited Britain, his traditions have become forever ensconced in Scottish Culture. Who was St. Andrew St. Andrew was a fisherman from Galilee who became one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus.Read More →