I am honoured to offer my first "Message from the President." First, let me thank all of the SST members who participated in the Society elections in March. It was inspiring to see so many people support the Society in such a meaningful way. Thanks also to Genene Butler for her hard work in putting the slate of candidates together and for ensuring the integrity of the election process as well. Great job, Genene!.

Thanks also to out-going president Manny Willis, as well as his wife, Robin, for their efforts during the last year. You are both valuable members of the Society, and we are indeed lucky to have you.

We have had an exciting spring so far. Our new and improved "Nessie" float made her annual appearance at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Norfolk. She really did look great! Thanks to Scott Duncan, Steven Hood, and Larry McCauley for your ingenuity and hard work in making Nessie the star of the parade. Thanks also to the members who represented the SST in the Richmond parade the following weekend.

Many of us helped to lend our support to our "Honorary Member" and Official SST Nessie Ambassador Jose MacHernan and his family at the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for children's cancer research in March. Some of our bravest members even shaved their heads to raise funds for this outstanding cause, including Steven Hood and Sandy Gilmour, father of Lynette Gilmour. In addition, following a challenge from Scott MacGregor, SST members made contributions in honour of Clans MacGregor, Ferguson, Gunn, Morrison, and Forbes. The SST Board unanimously agreed to donate $100 on behalf the SST. The WSF made a generous donation, collected at the WSF Kirking last year, to the "Yes Way, Jose!" team as well. If you wish to donate in honor of your clan, send me an e-mail.

Many of you attended our Tartan Day Ceilidh on April 8th, which was a wonderful event! It was a very meaningful and fun way of celebrating our Scottish heritage. Bob and Jeanne Rider deserve accolades for their tremendous work on this. Well done!.

We have a lot of exciting plans in the works for the Society this year. We are working to line up interesting and informative speakers at our monthly meetings. We are in the formative stages of establishing a "Celtic Council" with some of the other non-profit Celtic organizations in the area. We hope that this ad hoc group will serve as a "clearing house" for the Celtic events in our area. By increasing the support base for these events, as well as avoiding potential scheduling conflicts, we hope that this will make all of our events more successful.

Some other things to look forward to in the coming months are the Virginia International Tattoo in late April, and a concert by Natalie McMaster on May 24th at the Granby Theatre in Norfolk. Also, keep your eye out for more information on potential Society fundraising events this summer, including a golf tournament in Newport News, and a Celtic festival in Virginia Beach in mid-September.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your President. I consider it an honour and a privilege, and I will do my very best to make this a successful year for the SST.

Slainte,
Edward

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The mood was festive and celebratory at the recent Tartan Day Ceilidh sponsored by the Scottish Society of Tidewater. Ceilidh planners Bob and Jeanne Rider promised a fun event, and they certainly did deliver.

Grand Affairs in Virginia Beach hosted the event, and they accommodated us very nicely. All of the tables were beautifully decorated with thistle and heather, as well as St. Andrews flags. In fact the flag colors of white and blue were dominant throughout the room.

The food was tasty and plentiful. We enjoyed fresh salads, beef tenderloin, roast chicken, sautéed vegetables and hot rolls, as well as all the tea and coffee we wanted. The bar was well stocked, and even had a couple of decent single malts. The cost of the libations was very affordable, which was a welcome change from other venues. Our meal was nicely rounded off with a delicious "birthday cake," in honor of the Society's 26th birthday. It was beautifully decorated with the Society seal. It was almost a shame to cut it!.

Following dinner, newly elected SST president Edward Brash delivered an inspiring speech on the many contributions of Scottish immigrants in both the United States and Canada. He spoke passionately about the significance of Tartan Day, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating our Scottish heritage.

Ham Hamilton delivered a very interesting speech on the significance of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was an informal declaration of Scottish independence. It is wonderful to know that there are many of our members who are so knowledgeable about Scottish and Scottish-American history, and who are so willing to share it with us.

Vice President Rob Lockwood, our official "Channeler of Robert Burns," gave a stirring rendition of Burns' "Scots Wha Hae." Listening to Rob recite Burns is always a treat. Thanks to Rita Hamilton and Eric Newcott for the harp and fiddle music. What an unexpected surprise!

Bob and Jeanne came up with a very clever contest idea, "Name that Tartan." Each table had a numbered tartan sample. Guests were asked to correctly name as many of the tartans as possible. They weren’t easy! Congratulations to Rob Lockwood for the most correct answers! He was rewarded with a nice bottle of single malt and a wee haggis.

Bob and Jeanne also did a fantastic job of lining up door prizes. Guests had the chance to win such prizes as gift certificates, gift baskets and other treats.

Our Immediate Past President Manny Willis chose the occasion to officially recognize several SST members by bestowing upon them a "Saltire Award," which is part of the newly adopted SST Awards program. Bob & Jeanne Rider were recognized for their hard work planning this year's Tartan Day Ceilidh; Scott MacGregor was recognized for the awesome job he does for our website; Genene Butler was recognized for working so hard as our Elections Committee chair; Nancy Weller was recognized for her service to the society as the Sunshine Chair; and I was recognized for my work on the newsletter. John Wallace will be recognized at a later date for his work in putting the awards program together. Thanks, Manny!

We were thrilled to have Jose Hernandez and his family (aka, the MacHernans!) join us in the celebration. You may recall that Jose was named an honorary member of the SST last summer, and serves as our official "Nessie Ambassador." Jose looked wonderful, and we were all so pleased and thankful to learn that his cancer is in remission. His sister Anna Paula truly enjoyed the Ceilidh dancing as well! She’s a natural!

And speaking of Ceilidh dancing, what a grand night it was for that. Dozens of dancers thrilled us with such dances as "Strip the Willow," and "The Gay Gordons." The band Poison Dwarf from Williamsburg provided the musical entertainment. One would be hard-pressed to find a band more suitable to Ceilidh dancing than this one. Even those who did not participate in the dancing enjoyed this incredible toe-tappin' music.

11:00 p.m. came so quickly that many of us were surprised when the lights came on, letting us know that the event was drawing to a close. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves tremendously, and very nearly everyone stayed until the end.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Bob and Jeanne for all your hard work to make this special occasion happen. It was truly a memorable and meaningful event. Here’s hoping that we have many more such events in the future!

Military Tattoos have evolved from a European tradition dating back to the 17th century when Low Country innkeepers would cry "Doe den tap toe!" – "Turn off the taps!" as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters. The sound of the "taps" caused the innkeeper's customers to depart and return to the barracks. The word "tattoo" evolved over time, and refers to what developed as a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands today.

The largest Tattoo in the United States takes place right here in Hampton Roads. The Virginia International Tattoo is returning to Norfolk for its 10th season as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. Here you will see a spectacle of music, tradition and patriotism featuring more than 800 artists, including military bands, massed pipes and drums, Scottish dancers, acrobats, and more.

Each Tattoo is different and influenced by the culture of the country in which they are presented. Most Tattoos now include civilian entertainment as well as military bands and emphasize the inclusion of performers from nations outside of the host nation.

The following international groups will be taking part in this years show: Scotch College Pipe Band from Australia, Canada’s 2nd Mechanized Brigade Pipes and Drums, Camp Gagetown Pipes and Drums, Delta Police Pipe Band, Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums, Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, Royal 22e Regiment Band, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Display Team, Schiehallion Dancers, and the Russian Cossack State Dance Company. Represnting the United States are the Scottish Dance Theatre of Virginia, Tidewater Pipes & Drums, The United States Continental Army Band, United States Air Force Rhythm in Blues Jazz Ensemble, United States Army Drill Team, United States Marine Corps Band Quantico, United States Navy Atlantic Fleet Band, Virginia Children's Chorus, Virginia Symphony Chorus, Hampton Roads Police Color Guards, Police Emerald Society of Tidewater, United States Coast Guard 1790 Color Guard, United States Joint Services Military Color Guard, and the United States Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion.

Over 22,000 people attend the Virginia International Tattoo every year including over 6,000 area students at the annual student matinee.

We hope to see you there!

Carol, Dave, Megan & Ian Amorosi
Robert & Mary Ann Bromley - Clan: McClean
Jacqueline A. Campbell
Lisa Hunt
John McGlynn
Erin Morrissey
John & Thelma Tweed
Sherry K. Vogel

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CMC Mark Butler recently received notification that he has been selected as a finalist for the Presidential Management Fellowship. Mark & Genene will be traveling to DC this month to finalize the selection process. We are proud of you, CMC Butler!

Edward Brash will be competing in the Gaelic Mod at the Grandfather Mountains Highland Games in July. Fortan math, Eidard! [Good luck, Edward!]

Robin Willis is the new Sunshine Director for the Society. She will be in charge of sending get well cards to those society members who are ailing or recuperating. Robin replaces Nancy Weller, who has decided to step down. Thank you both for your willingness to serve the Society!

The Peninsula Daily Press recently ran a wonderful article on our own Arthur Korff, highlighting his role as a piping instructor, and specifically recognizing his role in helping the Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps. Way to go, Arthur!

A heartfelt "get well" to Russell Darden, who had a scare recently with clots in his legs. The doctors say he’s on the mend, and he felt well enough to attend the Tartan Day Ceilidh (though he didn't dance).

George MacRae was looking fit as a fiddle at the April SST meeting. Great to see you back, George!.

A hearty "Hail and Farewell" to Byron & Betty Scott, who have been transferred to Vendenberg AFB in Califorinia. We will miss you both, and wish you the best of luck in your new home.

Sorry, ladies! Don Fraser will soon be off the "eligible bachelor" list. Don and Ruth Smith plan to marry at the end of April. Best wishes to you both, and a warm welcome to Ruth into the SST family!.

Do you have interesting news to share with the SST membership?
For example, are you planning a trip to Scotland? Is your Clan holding a gathering soon?
Do you have a new addition in your family?
Are you or someone you know in the SST recovering from surgery or illness?
Have you recently moved to a new home?
WE WANT TO SHARE YOU NEWS!

If so, please send it to Marcey at marcey9@cox.net.

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On April 6th, 1320, at Arbroath Abbey on the east coast of Scotland, the nobles, barons, and freeholders, together with the "whole community of the realm of Scotland," subscribed a letter to Pope John XXII asking him to recognize the country's political independence under the kingship of Robert the Bruce and declaring the independence of Scotland from English domination following the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

This inspirational document became known as The Declaration of Arbroath. In part, it reads:

"But if our King were to abandon the cause by being ready to make us, or our kingdom, subject to the King of England or to the English, we should at once do our utmost to expel him as our enemy and the betrayer of his own rights and ours, and should choose some other man to be our king, who would be ready to defend us. For so long as a hundred of us shall remain alive, we are resolved not to submit to the domination of the English. It is not for glory, wealth or honour that we are fighting, but for freedom and freedom only, which no true man ever surrenders except with his life."

Since that time, Scotland has been a sovereign nation.

The Canadian writer John Prebble has described this event in Scottish history as being unequalled in its eloquent plea for the liberty of man. "From the darkness of medieval minds it shone a torch upon future struggles which its signatories could not have foreseen or understood."

On December 19th, 1991, in response to action initiated by the Clans & Scottish Societies of Canada, the Ontario Legislature passed a resolution proclaiming April 6th, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, as Tartan Day, following the example of the other Canadian provinces.

America followed suit on March 20th, 1998, when Senate Resolution 155 was passed unanimously. This tribute to our shared heritage could not be more fitting. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said of the Scots, "Every line of strength in American history is a line colored with Scottish blood."

To cite the contributions of just one Scottish immigrant to America, John Witherspoon left Scotland in 1768 and became president of the College of New Jersey (later known as Princeton University) for eight years. Witherspoon tutored American luminaries and founding fathers, including James Madison, imparting to them the cornerstone beliefs of the Scottish Enlightenment, such as the separation of church and state. Witherspoon later became involved in American politics and served in Congress from 1776-1782. He was also one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Declaration of Independence is modeled in part on the Declaration of Arbroath. Scholars claim that Thomas Jefferson, who is reported to be a direct descendant of one of the original signers of the Declaration of Arbroath, relied heavily on a handful of eighteenth-century Scottish philosophers, notably Francis Hutcheson, for many of the key ideas. In fact, almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, the Governors in 9 of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry, and Scottish-Americans successfully helped shape the nation in its formative years and guide it through some of its most troubled times.

The same story is the echoed in Canada. The first two Canadian Prime Ministers were both native-born Scots. Since the Confederation of 1867, eight men and one woman of Scottish ancestry have been Prime Minister of Canada. Agnes Campbell McPhail, the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1921, and Cairine MacKay Wilson, the first woman appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1930, were both of Scottish descent.

In America, while people of Scottish descent account for less than 5% of the total population, more than 75% of all American presidents can claim Scottish heritage. Almost half of all the astronauts who have walked on the moon were Scottish Americans.

Tartan Day is, at its heart, our way of celebrating Scotland's rich history. In 1999, at the opening of the new Scottish Parliament, the late Donald Dewar said: "The Past is part of us…it's part of every one of us…but today there is a new voice in the land…the voice of a democratic Parliament."

Of course, he was right. The past is a part of us. For it is through history that we have identity and from history that we learn lessons for the future. By wearing the tartan, we honor the history of the family. We forge a connection with the kindred spirits of our ancestors. We remember their sacrifices in the name of freedom, and we celebrate the ties of kinship, heritage, and history that bind America, this great country which I now call home, my great country of Canada, and Scotland, the great country of my forbears, together.

As our ancestors would have said, "Is ann den aon chlò an cathdath" - the tartan is all of the one stuff.

Thank you.

Congratulations to the new officers of the Scottish Society of Tidewater.

Edward Brash was elected to a one-year term as president. Rob Lockwood was elected Vice President, Jeanne Rider was elected as Treausrer and Marcey Hunter was elected as Secretary. Their terms are for one year as well.

New members of the Board include Mark Butler, Tom Crouch, Dave Montgomery, and Trish Young.

Weel done, lads & lassies!

Mark Allen recently resigned his position on the Board of Directors. Linda Lucas was appointed to fill out Mark’s term. Some of you may remember that Linda was a candidate for the Board during the March elections, and came in a close fifth.

Congratulations, Linda! And thank you, Mark, for your service to the Society.

On May 24th, international fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster will deliver her energetic take on traditional and contemporary Celtic melodies in a one-time-only performance at the Granby Theater in Norfolk.

Natalie MacMaster has been hailed as a fiddling sensation since she broke onto the scene in the early 1990s. She is the niece of famed Cape Breton fiddler Buddy MacMaster, but is a legendary fiddler in her own right. She received two Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy) for Best Instrumental Album and several Canadian Country Music Awards for Fiddler of the Year.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $25.

"MacMaster's a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable foot-tapping energy, and ballads with irresistible, keening passion." – Los Angeles Times

HUNDREDS of years of military history were consigned to the dustbin yesterday as the new Scottish "super-regiment" was formed.

The move sees the six existing Scottish infantry regiments - The Royal Scots, The Black Watch, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Highlanders and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders - merged into one.

For Royal Scots serving in Iraq, it was a day of high emotion as they marked the passing of the oldest infantry regiment in Europe.

One soldier at their desert base said the end of their 373-year-old tradition was like the death of a loved one.

Another said his great-grandfather, who also served with the regiment, would be turning in his grave.

Many Royal Scots feel stabbed in the back by Army top brass.

Some claim the new Royal Regiment of Scotland was deliberately formed while they were posted abroad to avoid an even greater outcry.

The Royal Scots - who fought Napoleon - marked the event at the Shaibah base in southern Iraq on the anniversary of the very day their old regiment was founded.

Corporal Mal Griffiths, 37, of Edinburgh, who joined up 19 years ago, said: "It is devastating. We are losing our identity. It's like they have sent us out of the public eye to change us. They have hidden us away. It was like watching someone in your family die. You see it coming but you can't prepare for the actual day."

Four of the six regiments will retain their names as battalions within the new Royal Regiment of Scotland. But The Royal Scots lose even that when they are merged with the KOSBs. From August 1 they will be known as 1st Battalion The Royal Scottish Borderers and based at Edinburgh's Dreghorn Barracks.

Most were grim-faced as they lined up at Shaibah to don their new caps. A 65-strong Royal Scots unit 15 miles north in Basra held a separate ceremony.

Lance Corporal John MacPherson, 34, of Edinburgh, was proud to join the regiment his family had served in since the Boer War when he signed up 18 years ago. But he said his great-grandfather - also John Alexander - would "turn in his grave" if he knew it was being scratched. He added: "I am a soldier first and foremost and we stay focused. But personally I'm sad and that goes for most of the guys."

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bruce urged his men to look to the future as he addressed them across a dusty parade ground. He said: "The best way to cherish and respect the memory of The Royal Scots will be to carry this honour forward with pride into the new regiment."

A piper played the lament Reid Retreat as the tattered regimental standard was lowered for the last time. In its place the new Royal Regiment of Scot and flag, bearing the Lion Rampant on a Saltire, was raised to the strains of reveille.

Brigadier Robbie Scott Bowden, a Royal Scot for 32 years, read out a letter from Princess Anne, the regiment's colonel-in-chief, as armoured vehicles thundered past and helicopters flew overhead.

He said: "The future will be different but the lineage will continue and the history and service that the men of The Royal Scots have created will live on. Britain and Scotland owe them a great debt of gratitude."

The changes will see the new battalions lose their traditional tartans in favour of a universal cloth called Government 1A - which could be produced in the Far East. And all battalions will wear a lion-and-saltire shoulder badge.

Lance Corporal Chris Norton, 24, of Stoneyburn, West Lothian was unimpressed. He said: "We don't like the new tartan, it's bland. I'm not keen on the badge either."

"But out here you don't have time to think about patches and badges. The Iraqis are not bothered what patches and what badges you wear."

Distillery makes 'strongest' dram
A distillery on a west coast island is preparing to produce the "world's most alcoholic single malt whisky"
From he BBC News, February 26, 2006

Managers at Bruichladdich on Islay will use an ancient recipe to distil the whisky four times and produce an alcohol content of at least 92%.

Managing Director Mark Reynier said the distillery was doing it as a bit of fun and it was unlikely to be repeated.

He said: "We are doing this because we have this ancient recipe and therefore we can."

"It is unlikely that we will ever produce any more quadruple distilled malt again, so we expect it to become much sought after."

Bruichladdich believes it will be akin to a drink described 300 years ago by travel writer, Martin Martin.

In his 1695 travel book, The Western Islands of Scotland, Martin Martin refers to a quadruple distilled whisky known as "usquebaugh-baul" and wrote what is probably the world's oldest whisky tasting note.

He said: "The first taste affects all the members of the body: two spoonfuls of this last liquor is a sufficient dose; and if any man should exceed this, it would presently stop his breath, and endanger his life."

The secret lies in the drink being distilled four times - usually malt is only distilled twice.

Master Distiller Jim McEwan said: "The whisky produced will be around 92% alcohol" (Editor’s note: That’s 184 proof, people!).

"It should be very similar to the whisky tasted by Martin when he came to the island. It will be very floral, but most importantly it will take your breath away!"

Whisky usually has an alcohol content of between 40% and 63.5%. Just twelve barrels will be made.

Bruichladdich distillery was mothballed by the American multi-national Jim Beam in 1994.

It was purchased in December 2000 by a group of private investors.

The distillery was built in 1881 by William Harvey and his brother.

The original Victorian machinery, painstakingly restored over six months, is still used.

Bruichladdich means the 'brae by the shore'

Watch the Bruichladdich distillery in action. Live webcams: www.bruichladdich.com/web_cam.htm

Slainte!