Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk

It was a great weather day for the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk. There were nearly two hundred units in the parade. It's such a great way to start the Yuletide season!

Happy St. Andrew's Day!

A Toast to Saint Andrew
byJim MacGregor

Most of us have heard the legends and traditions about Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. He may have been a missionary to Scotland. Saint Regulus brought a relic of Saint Andrew to Scotland. He was martyred on an X-shaped cross. We find the facts about him, however, in the Bible. Those facts allow us to surmise something about his character, and to conclude that he is a fitting patron for the Scots.

People frequently attribute certain traits to the Scottish character:

They say a Scot is thrifty. Saint Andrew lived with his brother and the family. Maybe he did so because he was single. On the other hand, maybe he was saving his pennies. (Mk 1:29)

A Scot is thought to have an independent spirit - not bound by tradition. We know that Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist who preached against the establishment and its traditions. John was not a popular figure among the ruling class. (Jn 1:40)

We Scots are said to have an open mind and to value learning. Andrew sought an interview with the Lord to hear the gospel message first-hand. He had to determine for himself whether or not to follow Him. (Jn 1:35-40)

They say a Scot has enthusiasm and the courage of his convictions. Andrew believed the Lord. He went to his brother, Peter, and told him he had found the Messiah! He introduced Peter to the Lord. Could it be that Saint Andrew was the first domestic missionary? (Jn 1:41-42)

We all know a Scot has reserve. Andrew was one of the first four apostles. He is always mentioned with, but less frequently than, the other three. Maybe he was not part of the "inner circle" -- or perhaps he was and just did not blather about it.
Scots are said to have a metaphysical bent. Andrew was one of those who inquired of the Lord about the signs of the end times. (Mk 13:3-4)

A Scot is practical, a man of action. Andrew heard the discussion of how to feed the thousands of people. He found the boy with the five barley loaves and two fish. He directed the people to be seated. Maybe he also supervised the distribution. (Jn 6:4-11)

A Scot can be a devoted, dutiful servant. The Greeks wanted an interview with the Lord. They asked Philip. Andrew took the request to the Lord. Could Saint Andrew have been the first missionary to foreigners? (Jn 12:20-22)

A Scot is loyal. Andrew was with the others in the upper room in the scary time after the Lord's ascension. (Acts 1:12-14)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I offer a toast to a true role model for us Scots -- Saint Andrew!

© Copyright James B. MacGregor 1997

Williamsburg Scottish Festival

The weather was perfect for the Williamsburg Scottish Festival. The festival had all their bases covered with; athletics, piping, Scottish fiddling, Highland Dance, Clans, vendors and great entertainment.

Fredericksburg Scottish Society members; Melissa Klanecky and Ern Malcolm

University of Mary Washington's Eagles Pipes and Drum Band

Fredericksburg Welsh Festival

We manned a table at the Welsh Festival, Saturday 9/25. It was an enjoyable day with a good turnout. The Welsh Society as always does an excellent Festival!

Upcoming Events

On Saturday, September 25th from noon to 5 PM join our Celtic cousins at the Fredericksburg Welsh Festival at the 900 block of Charles Street in front of the James Monroe Museum.

A day trip from the Fredericksburg area is the Williamsburg Scottish Festival to be held Saturday, October 2nd. Always a fun time with excellent clan representation, pipes & drums, entertainment and vendors.

William Wallace Day

We remember William Wallace excuted this day in 1305, by Edward I but who could not extinguish Wallace's passion for a free Scotland which would be realized by Robert the Bruce.

Toast to William Wallace

Come join us at The Fredericksburg Pub to celebrate William Wallace Day, this Sunday 8/22 at 6 PM to toast our great Scottish Patriot!

William Wallace Monument at Druid Hill Park Baltimore MD USA by Jim Wallace