Tartan Day 2025
ScotCanBC was thrilled to again organize Tartan Day 2025 for the team from the Scottish Government Office in Canada. John Devine, Lesley Gray and Bianca Santullo joined us from Ottawa.
Let the celebrations begin!
We started with our yearly get-together to enjoy some in-person conversation after months of video calls and plenty of emails.
This year’s dinner was held at the historic Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver’s English Bay.
A gift from our Scottish friends was a @ScotGovtCanada hockey puck!
The Next Day Was The Big Event
The official Tartan Day 2025 Reception was a return to the Seaforth Armory in Vancouver.
This historic building is the perfect place as we mark a week when so many Scottish people, the world over, come together to celebrate the customs, culture, and character that connect us through a common heritage.
Those sentiments were the theme of the evening.
We were welcomed on this land by Councillor Jordan Point of Musqueam Nation, and in the building by Seaforth CO Lt Col Kent Wickens and RSM CWO Mark Lundie.
John Devine, Head of Scottish Govt in Canada, gave an inspiring speech about the connections between BC and Scotland and how important they are in the world right now. John always brings a thought-provoking message as he weaves words of wisdom.
Then it was time for our special guest, Constanza Ordaz. After hearing her speak I think we can all agree Constanza is a person to watch… hard to believe she is only 10 years old! We met Constanza through the First Tee program the Scottish Govt in Canada supported last year. A superb blend of comedy and a touching tribute, her inspiring message and engaging personality won over the crowd.
Our ScotCanBC President, Jason Roberts, finished off the official part of the event by reminding us of the benefits of connections, coming together, and cooperating.
We are fortunate for the continued work of Tricia Barker, Past President and now Government Liaison for ScotCanBC. Her tireless efforts and connections have gotten ScotCanBC where it is today, and she raised the bar again. She did the heavy lifting in organizing and managing this event. From all the pre-planning, to sending out the invitations, ironing the flags, and writing a speech for 10 year old, Tricia never drops the ball.
Many VIP’s and ScotCanBC members attended this event, and the room was filled with conversations about the deep connections between Canada and Scotland.
A special thanks to Tom Codington (British Consul General), Richard Stewart (Mayor of Coquitlam), Evaleen Jaager Roy (Hon. Consul of Estonia), Dr. Amy Parent (SFU Chair, Indigenous Gov/Ed) and the many others that joined us.
We would also like to thank the ScotCanBC Board Members that joined us at the events. Jason Roberts (Men In Kilts), Tricia Barker, Graeme Menzies, Hannah Mondiwa, Mike Redmond, Kumi Kimura (Musqueam Golf), and Ollie Campbell.
We are already planning our next events so stay tuned!
Our Tartan Day celebrations were able to happen because of the support and funding from the Scottish Government and the team from the Scottish Govt in Canada! Thank you.
Video!!!
ScotCanBC is growing, and we would love you to be a part of it. If you are Scottish, or have Scottish roots, or just have a love of the Scottish culture and people, this is the group for you.
Here‘s a link to join us! Or email: [email protected]
Additional Tartan Day 2025 Pictures
