It's Tartan Week!

April 6 marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. In North America, this is commemorated by Tartan Day. A day for those of Scot's Diaspora to indulge in their heritage, pay homage to their forebears and generally just enjoy themselves. Celebrations take place for a full week leading up to and including April 6. While I won't have the chance to partake in any of the celebrations, or enjoy any of the parades, my week is full of Scottish heritage. 

Today was the first of these. I attended the Oor Club meet and greet of the Scottish Studies Foundation. This is a monthly gathering, a bit of a fundraiser, always an informative speaker and some great craic. Today's speaker was Jo Ann Tuskin. I know Jo Ann from the Clans and Scottish Societies of Canada, where she is the secretary. She is also the secretary for the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada and she is the secretary of Clan Munro. Jo Ann gave a fantastic talk about the Loyalists in the Toronto Area. Jo Ann is a teacher by profession, but she is also a teacher by birth. She has an amazing gift for sharing information in a way that brings the story to life. She adds in little tidbits of curiosity that tie our world into the talk and suddenly we are hooked and desperate to hear more. 

Jo Ann Tuskin, UE 

Tomorrow, I get to host the monthly webinar for the Scottish Special Interest Group (Scottish SIG) of the Ontario Genealogical Society. Our presenter is Dr Irene O'Brien, Senior Archivist at the Glasgow Archives. 

Monday is the VisitScotland Breakfast at the University Club in Toronto. Always a great place to network. 

Thursday I am presenting a webinar for the Ontario Genealogical Society. 

Friday, I head to Manitoba where a number of Selkirk Settlers started their lives in Canada. Saturday is a full day of talks on Scottish Genealogy at the Henderson Library in Winnipeg. Then I head to BC where I will be giving a full day of talks for the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society.

How will you be celebrating?