SCOTS NEWS
magazine
February/March, 2020
LEARN TO PLAY THE PIPES or take up Scottish Country Dancing
HIGHLAND GATHERING at Brisbane Boys’ College, Toowong
THE GETTING OF FEATHERS Volume 9 Number 5
for The Buchanan
GLENCOE MASSACRE Remembering honourable soldiers
FRONT COVER PHOTO
FROM THE EDITOR
THE Sound of Jura (An Linne Rosach) is a strait in Argyll and Bute, and home to some of the most fascinating and diverse marine life in Scotland. According to the Friends of the Sound of Jura organisation, the Flapper Skate (which looks rather like a sting ray) is on the critically endangered list, along with the Sumatran rhino and mountain gorilla. They are the world’s largest skate, with the females growing up to three metres in length. Other rare animals living in the Sound of Jura include the northern sea fan which is related to coral. Each polyp in the colony looks like a small anemone, using its tentacles to trap food passing in the current. In the Sound, sea fans often grow alongside a rare community of sponges, including the ‘prawn cracker’ sponge. The Sound is also part of the Inner Hebrides and Minches Special Area of Conservation for harbour porpoises. The north end is filled with small islands and strong tidal currents. The Gulf of Corryvreckan contains the third largest whirlpool in the world. In contrast, the south end is much wider and more open. Most of Jura’s population lives on the east coast, overlooking the Sound. It is believed that George Orwell lived there while writing Nineteen Eighty-Four.
WITH the festivities of Hogmanay and (most of the) Burns’ Nights celebrations now behind us, yet with the horrors of the bushfires still firmly in mind, there is much to look forward to on the Scottish calendar in 2020. Our cover photo shows Scotland in winter, in stark contrast our own summer landscape. As we enter a new year and a new decade, it always feels like time to start something different. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to play the pipes and drums, or have a go at Scottish country dancing (see pages 6 and 7). Maybe you’re more of a spectator than a participant, so you will be looking forward to the many upcoming gatherings. BBC Pipe Band will host its annual Gathering in March, and after the great success of the inaugural Gathering in Ipswich last year, it will be bigger and better in May. I hope to be able to attend both events, and Tartan Day in Brisbane in July, and am looking forward once again to talking to readers of both the magazine and my books. It is always a pleasure to meet so many lovely people. Also in March we have International Bagpipe Day and International Whisky Day, so there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate our Scottish culture. Stay safe, and I hope you enjoy this issue.
PUBLISHING AND CONTACTS
SCOTS NEWS magazine is an independent publication for Scots in Queensland. The magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed on the first of the month. EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Carmel McMurdo Audsley COPYRIGHT: All stories appearing in the magazine are written by the editor unless otherwise stated and are subject to copyright laws. Stories may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the editor. COMPETITIONS: See page 8 for competition prizes and entry details. CONTACT: We welcome emails and would love to hear your news and views. Advertising enquiries are also welcome. EMAIL: scotsnews@iinet.net.au DEADLINE FOR APRIL/MAY ISSUE: March 10. 2
Carmel
CONTENTS Highland Gathering at Toowong International Bagpipe Day Whisky and Cheese Night in Brisbane Getting of Feathers for The Buchanan Learn to Play Pipes and Drums Learn Scottish Country Dancing Prize Give-Away Glencoe Massacre Scottish Quiz Directory of Goods and Services Calendar of Events Scottish Books
3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12
WINNERS in our CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAY are:
Aileen Cosgrove, Bev McCoy, Jim Bell, Andrea Aimes, Lachy Reardon, Dennis McGregor, Leah Casey, Deb Fox, Cathy Delaney, Bill Devereaux, Marie Jones, Tom Lock Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
EVENTS
PIPE BAND COMPETITIONS
WARWICK Mini Band Competition will be held at Scots PGC College, Oxenham Street, Warwick on Saturday BRISBANE Boys College Pipe February 29 from 12pm to 4pm. Band will host its annual Highland Gathering at Miskin REDLANDS Gathering and Oval Toowong on Sunday Band Competition will be held March 29 from 10am. The free event will include on Sunday March 22 at entertainment from massed pipe Redlands Sporting Club from bands, drum majors and 11am to 5pm. Highland dancers as well as medieval re-enactors. Food and For further information visit Scottish stalls will operate https://pipebandsqld.com. throughout the day. Patrons are advised there is Talent show looking limited parking available. Further information at https:/ for diversity TV show Australia’s Got Talent is /www.facebook.com/events/ looking for new and diverse 434130976998429.
Highland Gathering at Toowong
acts to feature in the 2020 series, including pipe bands. To register visit https:// auditions.australiasgottalent.com.au.
Scots News Magazine editor and author Carmel McMurdo Audsley will be signing her SCOTTISH BOOKS at the Highland Gathering. Come along and say hello.
SCOTTISH EVENTS SUPPORT BUSHFIRE APPEAL
RAIN, hail, shine or bushfires can’t stop the Bundanoon Highland Gathering (when Bundanoon becomes Brigadoon) to take place on Saturday April 4. Residents of the New South Wales Southern Highlands had little warning before homes were surrounded by a large bushfire in the dead of night. President of The Bundanoon Highland Gathering Inc, Peter Rocca, said the organisation had donated $1,000 to the local Rural Fire Service in recognition of their outstanding and exemplary service to the NSW community during the recent fires. A further ten per cent of all ticket prices will also be donated. “They deserve our wholehearted and undying admiration for the difficult and sometimes very dangerous tasks they do as volunteers, heroes one and all,” Mr Rocca said. Visitors to the gathering, which is celebrating its 43rd anniversary, can expect all the usual excitement of massed pipes and drums, Scottish Country and Highland Dancing, the Fiddlers’ Tent, caber and stone tossing, a Ceilidh, Scottish stalls and the kilted dash. Visit https://www.brigadoon.org.au.
THE City of Ipswich Pipe Band has announced that The Gathering, to take place on May 23 and 24, will be a Bushfire relief fundraiser. The event aims to raise $25,000 to support fellow Aussies facing hardship this summer. The Gathering brings the wider community together in Ipswich, to celebrate Celtic music, culture and performance. https://www.facebook.com/ TheGatheringIpswich
SUNSHINE Coast Caledonian Pipes and Drums will perform at a bushfire fundraiser on Sunday February 9. For further information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2543492089235145. Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
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EVENTS Cheesemonger whisky pairings in Melbourne
INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE DAY
SINGLE Malt Whisky Society will host a Cheesemonger Whisky Pairing event at the Blackbird Restaurant, Riverside Centre Brisbane on Wednesday February 12 from 6.30pm. Queensland state manager Scott Mansfield said he was working closely with a local cheesemonger in preparing and pairing single origin cheeses with single cask whiskies, to create a ‘flavour explosion’ event like no other in Australia. The society was established in Edinburgh in 1983, and now has more than 27,000 members around the world with branches in 28 countries. Tickets for the Brisbane event are $99 for members and guests, and $129 for non-members. Visit http://www.smws.com.au. BUY a bottle of something special or order your favourite tipple at your local bar to c e l e b r a t e International Whisky Day on March 27. The first International Whisky Day was announced in March 2008, then officially launched in 2009 at the Whisky Festival Northern Netherlands. www.internationalwhiskyday.org. 4
ON Tuesday March 10 pipers across the world are invited to go out and play your pipes anywhere, anyhow to anyone. At noon, local time on International Bagpipe Day, wherever you may be just start playing your pipes, get someone to take a photo or video and post it on the Bagpipe Society’s Facebook page. Continuing on from the success of the first International Bagpipe Day in 2012, the day is now a well established event. Organisers have received reports ranging from a pipe band performance in an underground cavern in South Africa to a party on an Athenian hill in Greece. The day was even celebrated in Nigeria, a country not often associated with piping. According to organisers of the event, the Bagpipe Society in the UK, there are over 130 different kinds of bagpipe played worldwide. For further information and to post your photos on the day, visit https://www.facebook.com/ internationaldayofthe bagpipe.
A team of dedicated Australian Outlander enthusiasts who have travelled across the world to meet the Outlander cast and mingle with other fans, have banded together to create the Ozlander Fan Gathering at the Melbourne Museum Theatre on Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15. Guests include Richard Rankin who plays Roger MacKenzie, Sophie Skelton (Brianna Fraser), Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) and Ed Speleers (Captain Bonnet). The Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon has amassed a huge following via the highly popular television series. Organisers say it will be an immersive and engaging experience. For more information, visit www.ozlanderfan.com.
The spirit of Sassenach THE actor who play Jamie Fraser in the television series Outlander, Sam Heughan, will soon release a limited edition Sassenach whisky through his newly-formed company. The whisky gives a nod to the affectionate name he has for his English wife Claire in the series, and will be available in the US in March, followed by EU and Canada. No word when it might hit Australian shores. The term Sassenach originated in the Highlands and was first used in Gaelic-speaking circles to describe the English.
Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
NEWS WHEN the announcement was made in April last year that The Buchanan (official title of the Chief of Clan Buchanan) would be making his first visit to Australia for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, his Australian Commissioner, Stephen Buchanan, put a call out to the Clan Buchanan Oceania Regents (clan co-ordinators based in Australia) that he was looking to obtain three eagle feathers for the Chief to wear in his balmoral. As international bio-security laws require lengthy quarantine periods, it is not practical to bring eagle feathers from Scotland to Australia so many chiefs are opting to have a set of feathers held in the countries that they are visiting, and leave their original set in their country of origin. There are tight restrictions on the acquisition of eagle feathers in Australia as they are a protected species. I immediately replied to Stephen stating I would really like the opportunity to provide three wedge-tailed eagle feathers, and would like to present them to The Buchanan when we arrived for the rehearsal for the Tattoo on Friday October 18. Stephen agreed this was a reasonable request, but we said we would still encourage the other Regents to search for eagle feathers in case I was not able to acquire three. My first step was to contact Billabong Sanctuary and Fight 4 Flight Birds of Prey Rescue (both in Townsville in north Queensland), to ask if they would mind collecting any suitable feathers dropped by their wedgetailed eagles. Both organisations were happy to oblige, but I was advised that healthy eagles rarely drop a large feather and when they do they often shred it very quickly! Although we had six months until the feathers were needed, a little 5
The getting of feathers for The Buchanan by MARIE GIBSON
As international bio-security laws require lengthy quarantine periods, it is not practical to bring eagle feathers from Scotland to Australia, so many chiefs are opting to have a set of feathers held in the countries that they are visiting, and leave their original set in their country of origin. warning bell was telling me that this was not going to be as simple a task as I had thought. The feather-catching net needed to be spread wider than I had anticipated. I contacted Daniel, my nephew in the Northern Territory, and Tiki, a friend from Clan MacNicol, who has a cattle property west of Brisbane, to ask for help. Late in May, Tiki contacted me to say they had found one feather under a tree in which there was an eyrie. It looked lovely and at just over 30cm seemed to be perfect. Months went by with no leads on other feathers until I had a call from Debbie from Fight 4 Flight saying she had several feathers for me. I was very excited and went out to collect them but they were not a good match for the feather from Tiki. Late in June Tiki again contacted me to say that a wedge-tailed eagle had been killed by a vehicle and she was having some feathers collected for me. Some weeks later a large box arrived with a wonderful selection of feathers! I sent photos of the best feathers to John Nicolson, Chief of Clan MacNicol, for his chiefly opinion on which would be best to use. John recommended the narrow wing feathers as each of the three feathers would be distinctly visible, showing that the wearer is a Chief.
Each feather is 52cm long and very impressive. The Buchanan was very surprised with this presentation, and Lady Buchanan kept saying how beautiful they were. Thanks to Tiki and John’s efforts, we achieved our secret mission.
Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
NEWS Is it time you learned to play the PIPES or DRUMS? IF your new y e a r ’ s resolution is to try something new, why not learn to play the bagpipes or drums? City of Brisbane Pipe Band can teach you to play - you don’t even need to have a musical background or Scottish heritage. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ brisbanepipeband. If you live in the Ipswich area, the City of Ipswich Pipe Band, through the Greater Ipswich College of Piping and Drumming is specifically designed and targeted to the Ipswich community for young people who may wish to learn to play and ultimately become part of a band. Visit www.facebook.com/ ipswichpipeband. Perhaps Scottish Country Dancing might be more your style - see story on page 7.
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Prize money increases for BAND championships Clan Donald Lands Trust to be ongoing sponsor PRIZE money for the Pipe Bands Australia Diamond Jubilee year Australian Pipe Band Championships in Maryborough Victoria, now totals more than $14,000 after an agreement with the Clan Donald Lands Trust to be an ongoing sponsor of Grade 4A, beginning in 2020. The agreement between the Trust and Pipe Bands Australia, together with the re-allocation of prize money to other grades by championship host the Maryborough Highland Society, will see the champion band in each of Grades 1 through to 4B collect a prize cheque for $1,000. Second and third place prize money in each grade will be $500 and $250. With trophies valued at more than $3,000 also on offer for the Diamond Jubilee year championships, the total prize pool in 2020, inflation adjusted, exceeds the reward for successful bands at the first championships in 1961, also hosted by the Maryborough Highland Society. The High Commissioner of Clan Donald in Australia, Neil Macdonald, said the Trust was delighted to cement a firm and ongoing partnership with Pipe Bands Australia, to support and reward bands in the nation’s premier championship. “We look forward to a long relationship in our shared promotion of the great cultures of Scotland,” Mr Macdonald said. Pipe Bands Australia president Chris Earl said the Diamond Jubilee year was a fitting time to establish firm links with kindred organisations in their support of the pipe band movement. “The generosity of the Clan Donald Land Trust and the commitment of the Maryborough Highland Society to making our championships a great celebration, will enable bands to compete for prize money and trophies of more than $17,000 in 2020. “We are delighted to share the journey of promoting Scottish culture and thank the Clan Donald Lands Trust sincerely for the opportunity to work together.”
Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
NEWS
If you have managed to get a driver’s licence
you can master Scottish Country Dancing
NO you don’t need a sword You may have resolved to get fit in 2020 or try something new, but (that’s Highland dancing) or January’s come and gone and you are still sitting on the couch special clothes or even a partner. watching television. BRYAN HACKER from Royal Scottish Country All you need is a basic ability to Dancing Association says you’re never too young or too old to learn. follow directions and understand the difference between left and right (even if sometimes you might get them around the wrong way). If you’ve managed to get a driver’s licence, you’ll be able to master our dancing! As with learning to drive, a sense of humour helps too. And don’t worry - you’re never too old or too young. We have dancers aged from 14 to 84. Once you try it you’ll be hooked and you’ll have another reason to travel. There are dancing groups all around Australia and the world who will welcome you. Or you can go to a dancing ‘boot camp’ like the week-long summer they need to reacquaint beginners or those who only schools in St Andrews (Scotland) themselves with the basics. We dance occasionally - there’s or New Zealand, or winter schools also offer intermediate and something for everyone. in Pitlochry and Australia. advanced classes on Monday The repertoire includes Dashing The other good thing is you nights. White Sergeant (a great way to won’t have to worry about We are also starting a Reelers start an evening), Postie’s Jig (a keeping to your resolutions next Group for families in the Mt really fun dance), Machine year if you simply resolve to keep Gravatt area in March 2020. Without Horses and Inverness dancing. Those dances will be on the Country Dance (Speed the Now to get started. The second Saturday of each month Plough). Queensland Branch beginner (except for April which happens For further information contact classes start at 5.30 pm on to coincide with Easter). There is Bryan Hacker on 07 3374 1468, or Monday, March 4 2020 at Love more information about this on check out the website for classes Street, Spring Hill in Brisbane. our website and Facebook or dance groups that may be Our eight-week course is $60. [Brisbane Reelers] pages. closer to you. Otherwise we’ll see This class is for those who’ve The same dances will be danced you on a dance floor soon! never danced or those who feel each month, so it will be great for See link below. https://rscds.org.au/main/page_main_menu_rscds_branches_queensland.html TOWNSVILLE Scottish Country Dancing will host a beginners course From February 10 to March 30 at the Townsville Suburban Bowling Club hall. Learn basic steps and formations and simple fun dances. Contact Margaret Silke on 0431 434 579 . THE DUN BEAR ERECTED IN DUNBAR ANDY Scott, the sculptor who gave Falkirk the 90ft high Kelpies, has created a 16ft high steel bear in honour of John Muir who was born in Dunbar in 1838. Muir emigrated to America in 1849 and is famous for petitioning the US Congress for the National Park bill establishing Yosemite National Park. He went on to play a key role in the development of America’s national parks. The bear sculpture has been erected off the A1 in close proximity to the Spott Roundabout at Dunbar, as a symbol of the travels through the far-off wilderness of America’s west, by one of East Lothian’s most famous sons. The bear will be illuminated by lighting using renewal energy. Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
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GIVE-AWAY WIN one these great gifts. All you have to do is email scotsnews@iinet.net.au by Friday February 7 with ‘competition’ in the subject line, to go into the draw. You can even nominate which gift you would like to win.
ANNIVERSARIES IN SCOTTISH HISTORY February February 4 1818 Honours of Scotland put on display in Edinburgh Castle after re-discovery by Sir Walter Scott. February 6 1685 King Charles II, the “merry monarch” died. His last words to his brother James were “Don’t let poor Nellie starve” - a reference to his favourite mistress, Nell Gwynne. February 7 1603 Battle at Glenfruin when the MacGregors slaughtered a number of Colquhouns - the origins of the banning of the MacGregor name. February 8 1587 Mary Queen of Scots beheaded at Fotheringay Castle. February 11 1895 Coldest temperature ever recorded in Scotland, -27.2C at Braemar.
Stories of enchantment from Scotland, Ireland and Wales book (Value $AUS23)
February 14 1876 Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone (Patent 174461). Two hours after it was lodged, his rival, Elisha Gray, applied for a similar patent. Bell’s was granted. February 17 1688 James Renwick, last Covenanter to be executed. February 23 1303 Battle of Roslin in which a Scots army of 8,000, led by Sir Simon Fraser, Sinclair of Rosslyn and the Red Comyn, surprised an English army of 30,000 led by Sir John Seagrave and defeated them. February 27 1545 Battle of Ancrum Moor - Scottish forces, led by Earl of Douglas, defeated an English army twice their size.
March Scottish terrer wall calendar (Value $AUS25)
March 5 1790 Flora Macdonald, who helped to save Prince Charles Edward Stewart during his flight after the defeat at the Battle of Culloden, died in Kingsburgh, Skye (in the same bed in which Bonnie Prince Charlie had slept during his escape). March 9 1770 Haggis was served on board Captain James Cook’s ship “Endeavour”, anchored off New Zealand, in celebration of the birthday of a Scottish officer who was on board. (Captain Cook was born in Yorkshire of Scottish parents). March 16 1309 King Robert the Bruce convened his first parliament, at St Andrews. March 17 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh between King Robert I and Edward III which recognised Scotland’s independence, ending the 30 years of Wars of Independence. March 19 1813 David Livingstone, missionary and explorer, born Blantyre.
Hardcover cook book featuring food from television series Outlander (Value $AUS23) 8
March 30 1406 King James I captured by English near Flamborough Head on his way to France.
Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
QUIZ KAY McMEEKIN from the CUMNOCK HISTORY GROUP in Ayrshire has sent us their annual quiz to test Scots News Magazine readers on their Scottish history. See if you can guess these famous Scots. Next issue we will be quizzing on Scottish islands. Subject: Famous Scots, Lievin or Deid Deid 1. Author of Kidnapped 2. Ayrshire engineer and road builder 3. Athlete who won 2 gold medals at Paris Olympics in 1924, aka “the Flying Scotsman” 4. Ayrshire-born discoverer of penicillin 5. Female Scottish missionary who went to Nigeria in 1879 Living 6. Female curler from Dunlop, Ayrshire who skipped the winning team at 2002 Winter Olympics 7. Cyclist who built his own bike and broke the world velodrome record on it in 1993. Also known as The Flying Scotsman” 8. Female crime writer, author of the Garnethill Trilogy 9. Female forensic anthropologist, anatomist and academic who pioneered the forensic identification of war crime victims in Kosovo 10. Female footballer from Stewarton, Ayrshire who played 10 times for Scotland and 22 times for Italy.
ANSWERS 1. Robert Louis Stevenson; 2. John Loudon McAdam (“Tar” McAdam); 3. Eric Liddell, (Chariots of Fire film); 4. Sir Alexander Fleming; 5. Mary Slessor; 6. Rhona Martin (nee Howie); 7. Graeme Obree; 8. Denise Mina; 9. Professor Sue Black (Dame Sue Black); 10. Rose Reilly (Mrs Peralta)
Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
Lives saved by honourable soldiers at Glencoe Massacre February 13, 1692 is a date indelibly etched into Scottish history with the treacherous slaughter of members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe by soldiers under Archibald Campbell, 10th earl of Argyll. The High Chief of Clan Donald, the Right Honourable Godfrey James Macdonald, is calling clan members on the event’s 328th anniversary to mourn the lives lost, but also to acknowledge that lives were saved by honourable Highland soldiers who warned many of the MacIains of the impending attack. “In the nearly 900-year history of our great Clan, there have been numerous magnificent victories, too many bloody tragedies, and unfortunately not a few betrayals,” High Chief Macdonald said. “(But) the Glencoe Massacre stands as an historic example of the betrayal of the sacred rules of hopitality, perpetrated by soldiers operating as instruments of the government of the day.” Some of the soldiers knew that what they were about to do was shameful, and quietly warned many of the MacIains to flee. If not for their actions, the tragedy would have been even more complete. “The Glencoe Massacre was the result of a deliberate decision on the part of the government to manufacture a reason to punish the MacIains of Glencoe, to serve as an example to all Highlanders of what would happen to them if they continued in their fealty to King James. It was, in fact, a coldblooded, dispicable government operation designed to sacrifice an entire branch of our Clan to achieve a government objective. It is hard to believe that a mere 300-odd years ago, any British government could devise and implement such an appalling plan.” Because of the warning by a few good men, so many members of Clan MacIain of Glencoe struggled through the snow and mountain passes to escape the slaughter. Their descendants are now spread across the globe. On the anniversary date, members of Clan Donald will gather at the Memorial in the village of Glencoe to lay wreaths and offer prayers. “We will remark on the beauty of the glen that betrayal has not and cannot dim, and we will remember Clann Iain Abrach. I encourage you to commemorate this important anniversary together with your Clan family.” 9
DIRECTORY OF GOODS AND SERVICES PIPER
CLANS
PIPER JOE
DONALD
AUSSIE-SCOT EVENTS
Clan Donald Society of Queensland
Bagpipes for all occasions.
Contact Neil Macdonald - Ph 0412 090 990
Phone 0412 785 216 Email joe@piperjoe.com.au Visit www.piperjoe.com.au
clandonaldqld@optusnet.com.au http://www.clandonaldqld.org
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING
SOCIETY
FUN FOR ALL AGES
AUSTRALIAN SCOTTISH COMMUNITY QLD INC
A Club or Class near You No need to dress up or bring a partner
visit www.aussie-scots.org.au email president@aussie-scots.org.au Promoters of International Tartan Day Phone 3359 8195
Email queensland@rscds.org.au or phone 07 3374 1468
SOCIETY
RECRUITMENT
Lynch Doc Staffing Pty Ltd
TOWNSVILLE
Labour Hire and Recruitment Services – Trades, Warehouse/Office Staff.
See Facebook or email mlg7@optusnet.com.au to receive newsletter.
Call Phil Docherty 0404 005 527
SWEETS
SCOTTISH COMMUNITY Inc.
SWEETS
EVENTS
Historic Boondooma Homestead presents
SCOTS IN THE BUSH August 13, 14, 15, 16
A sweet treat for any occasion. contact.whynotcupcakes@gmail.com
and follow on Instagram and Facebook @why.not.cupcakes. Delivery in Brisbane only.
The cakes that are always a hit! Made for any occasion. Fully customisable inside & out! Search Brisbane Smashcakes on Facebook and Instagram.
Enquiries to Homestead 07 4168 0159 or Judy on 0427 364 026 www.boondoomahomestead.org.au
SOCIETY SCOTTISH BUSINESS NETWORK AUSTRALIA Michael J Reid - Qld Chairman michaeljreid@mail2me.com.au www.scottish-business-network-australia.com
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Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
CALENDAR OF EVENTS WHAT’S ON in FEBRUARY and MARCH February 1 - Burns at Carlyle in Townsville. February 1 - Burns Supper hosted by Toowoomba Caledonian Society and Pipe Band Inc. February 12 - Scotch Malt Whisky Society will host a Whisky Tasting at Blackbird Bar in Brisbane. www.smws.com.au
WHAT’S COMING UP April 11 and 12 - South Queensland Regional Committee of Highland Dancing Inc Championships of Australia at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre at Carrara. Visit www.sqrchdi.com Apr il 2 8 to 30 - Cap ercailli e performance in Brisbane at Old Government House (28th), Newstead House (29th) and Bankfoot House in the Glasshouse Mountains (30th) as part of the inaugural Scottish Towns and Grand Houses tour.
February 29 - Scots PGC Solo and Mini Band Competition May 23 - Queensland Pipe Band Championships at Ipswich Mar ch 1 0 -I nter national Bagp ipe Day May 24 - The Gathering to be held at Ipswich Turf Club. March 21 - Redlands Pipe Band Competition Jun e 7 - Townsville Tartan Day March 27 - In ternation al Whisky Day March 29 - Bri sban e Boys’ Coll ege High land Gat heri ng including Australian Highland Dancing Competition
June 27 - Tennents Tartan Day Tattoo at Fox and Hounds Country Inn at Wangawallan in Gold Coast Hinterland July 1 - Tartan Day
Small Pipe learning and playing held at Milton on the first Tuesday of each month from 7pm. Contact Malcolm on 3820 2902 or Ken on 3279 4093.
July 25 - Tartan Day celebrations in King George Square Brisbane
Gaelic classes are held each month in Brisbane. Visit www.facebook.com/BrisbaneGaelic for details.
August 22 - Best of Briti sh C oncert presented by Qld Pops Orchestra at QPAC
INTERSTATE IN 2020 NSW April 4 - Brigadoon: Bund anoon Highland Gath ering
July 25 - Mackay Scot tish Bluewater Fling
Sep temb er 1 9 - Brisbane Boys’ C ollege S olo Pipi ng and Dr ummi ng C ompetiti on October 10 - Sounds of Scotland Concert presented by Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band
April 10 to 1 1 - Maclean Highl and Gath ering
October 13 - Celtic Grandeur Concert presented by Qld Pops Orchestra at QPAC Brisbane
April 30 to May 3 - Australian Celtic Festival Glen Innes
November 1 - Celtic Festival of Queensland at Helidon
Jul y 4 - Aberdeen Hi ghlan d Games
November 30 - St Andrew ’s Day
VICTORIA
TBA - The Celtic Sea at Newstead House Brisbane
March 14 to 15 - Ozlander Fan Gathering in Melbourne. Apr il 4 and 5 - Austral ian P ipe Band Championshi ps to be held at Princes Park Maryborough Victoria.
SCOTTISH TUNES AND CONVERSATION ON THE RADIO Join Ron Tannock every Thursday night from 7pm to 9.30pm and every second Saturday from 9am to noon for the Sounds of Ireland (and Scotland), on Burnett River Radio 91.5FM broadcasting to Gayndah and Central Burnett region. Colin Nightingale hosts Acoustic Harvest every second Thursday night at 8pm on bayFM100.3. Enjoy ‘A wee bit o’ Scotland on Thursday’ on 4EBFM98.1 from 2.15pm to 4.30pm. Scottish Program on Global Digital Radio (4EB) each Sunday from 2pm to 3pm. Triple T 103.9 Townsville Community Radio’s Scottish Program each Sunday from 3pm to 5pm with Don MacDonald. Scots News Magazine February/March 2020
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BOOKS SET IN SCOTLAND and AUSTRALIA Have you read them yet? Email
author Carmel McMurdo Audsley at scotsnews@iinet.net.au.
LATES T REL EASE ! 5-STAR REVIEWS FOR SEVEN DEADLY SINNERS: *Great character development. *Very Agatha Christiesque *Wonderful whodunnit *Intriguing plot, interesting characters *Compelling descriptions of the outback *Suspenseful thriller *Kept me guessing till the end!
Carmel will be SIGNING BOOKS
The Highland Gathering at Miskin Oval Toowong on
st
Sunday March 29.
All books also available as ebooks from https://tinyurl.com/gwu93n6