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From BITES on TODAY
Ode to a Haggis: Bring out your inner Scot with a Burns Supper
January 25, 2012
By Lisa Granshaw
. Extracts:
"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!" -- Robert Burns
At TODAY.com, we wax poetic about food every day, so we can really appreciate classic wordsmiths who emphasized eats, like Scottish poet Robert Burns, who dedicated an entire poem to the uniquely Scottish dish haggis. The poet, perhaps best known to Americans for writing "Auld Lang Syne," heard frequently around New Year's, would have turned 253 years old today. Around the world, fans will celebrate with plenty of food, including haggis, along with dancing, bagpipes and poetry.
Why honor Burns? Lesley MacLennan Denninger, chieftain of the New York Caledonian Club, told TODAY.com it's because he wrote songs and poetry that was relatable to all classes.
"A few years after his death at the age of 37, a group of his friends got together in his honor. They drank a toast to the 'Immortal Memory' of Robert Burns. People have been gathering together around the anniversary of his birth, January 25, ever since," Denninger said.
The haggis being piped in for the ASF Burns Night held Friday, January 20
Haggis is an integral part of the celebrations and is usually served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). The subject of Burns' "Address to the Haggis," the dish involves sheep offal mixed with oats, onions and spices, usually encased in a sheep’s stomach and simmered together.
Read the full article at NBC online here.
Scottish Independence - The American perspective
January 24, 2012
By Brian Wheeler, BBC News, Washington - an extract:
'Mixed feelings'
No polling has been done on the subject so far, but the New York-based American-Scottish Foundation® canvassed opinion from some of its members for the BBC.
A spokesman said: "It appears that Scottish-Americans here in the US have mixed feelings regarding the issue.
"While most people are intrigued by the 'notion' of independence, they express a great need to know or understand more exactly what independence will ultimately mean for Scotland in real terms - economically, politically, internationally, and so forth.
"People seem keen to watch the events closely as they unfold, without actually supporting either position at this point in time."
If Alex Salmond really is planning to mobilise the Scottish diaspora ahead of a referendum, he may have his work cut out inspiring the troops.
Time, perhaps, to dig out the Braveheart DVD.
Read the full BBC article here
St. Andrew's Day Celebration
November 29, 2011
The scene at the St. Andrew's Day Ceremony
The Scottish Government held its annual St. Andrew's Day ceremony last week. The event was held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a perfect setting for the occasion as noted by the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop. Hylsop served as the host of the evening.
Guests listened to bag pipes play and sipped on samples of Scotch whiskey, the most popular spirit and the USA's largest single export. In the spirit of the holiday, many guests dressed in highland wear, celebrating their heritage like many other Scots worldwide.
"Our history is your history," said Hyslop in her opening speech as she discussed the connection between the USA and Scotland.
— report and photographs by Monica Stern-Morales
L: Gregory Robison, Fiona Mackay and Chris Zapirain. R: Douglas and Angus Kelly
L: Allison J. Rose and Shejana Andjelkovic. R: Eric Mcaleer and Chris Wang
L: Multiple speeches were given in celebration of the event. R: Stuart Cameron and Cindy Forbes Cameron.
Camilla Hellman, Heather Bain and Anne Kennedy
US Department of State - Scotland's St. Andrew's Day
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 29, 2011
Statement by Secretary Clinton
On the Occasion of Scotland's St. Andrew's Day
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Scotland as you celebrate St. Andrew's Day this November 30. In Caledonian Societies and Scottish clubs from New York to Chicago, across America and the world, people of Scottish origin will be celebrating with you.
The United States has been enriched by Scottish influences since its founding. For more than two centuries, we have enjoyed strong ties of kinship, commerce, culture and discovery. We are proud to count many of our Founding Fathers among the trail-blazing Scottish-Americans who have helped shape and enrich our country. From Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Graham Bell to David Dunbar Buick and Ginger Rogers, Scottish-Americans have strengthened our bonds of friendship and cooperation. Today, we are working together to develop scientific breakthroughs, promote business, encourage energy security and expand educational opportunities.
As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. I wish the people of Scotland and those of Scottish descent around the world a happy St. Andrew's Day celebration.
Big Apple Award Winner to play at Tartan Clef Awards
November 2011
Congratulations to Song of Return who walked off with the Big Apple Award after an amazing live play-off featuring Woodenbox with A Fistful of Fivers, Finding Albert, Wrongnote and Leki Mera, who all put in fantastic performances. A great night was had by all.
Song of Return will now play live at The Scottish Music Awards – The Tartan Clefs in November and will next year be flown to New York City to perform during Scotland Week 2012.
Read more about Song of Return and the Big Apple Clef award within our own site here. More info on the group can also be found on their own site at www.songofreturn.com
Thanks to all the acts who entered the competition.
Learn more about the Scottish Music Awards here:
http://www.nordoffrobbinsscotland.org.uk
Who Will Pay for the Green Economy? New York Talks to Scotland on Energy Challenges
October 30, 2011 (PRWEB)
The American-Scottish Foundation® has brought together senior energy decision-makers and thought leaders who will gather at the SUNY Global Center on Monday, October 31, for the first American-Scottish Foundation Energy Forum.
Who Will Pay for the Green Economy? New York talks to Scotland on Energy Challenges
The future of energy in America and Scotland will come under the spotlight a high-level forum in New York presented by the American-Scottish Foundation® in New York.
Senior energy decision-makers and thought leaders will gather at the SUNY Global Center on Monday, October 31, for the first American-Scottish Foundation® Energy Forum.
David Bragdon, appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg last year to lead New York City’s sustainability agenda, and one of Scotland’s leading industrialists Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman, Scottish and Southern Energy and The Weir Group are among the speakers.
Heather Bain, the Foundation’s Chairman, said the forum will use Scotland and New York City and State as ‘critical laboratories’ to explore the challenges and the opportunities.
Topics will include who will pay for the green economy, how energy leaders will fuel the future, and creating smarter cities.
Other speakers at the one-day event will include Pete Grannis, First Deputy Comptroller, New York State, and former New York State DEC Commissioner, and Carl Arnold of the Sierra Club, New York on the role of environmental advocacy.
David Wilson, Director of Energy at The Scottish Government will discuss why Scotland wants to the renewable energy leader of Europe, and Khalil Shalabi will talk about how the New York Power Authority (NPYA) is helping deliver cleaner power across the State.
Ernest Tollerson of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will focus on the greening of transportation in New York City.
The forum will be chaired by Alan Capper, President of the Foreign Press Association of New York, Ed Crooks, US Energy and Industry Editor, Financial Times, and Ann Kayman, CEO of New York Grant Company, and a former Enterprising Women magazine ‘Woman of the Year’.
American-Scottish Foundation® Energy Forum, SUNY Global Center, 116 East 55th Street, New York, October 31, 2011.
http://americanscottishfoundation.com/events/energy_11.html
Alan Bain honored at Scottish Leadership Awards
October 7, 2011
Business leaders recognised at black tie bash
John Wood Group chief executive Allister Langlands has been chosen as the overall winner of the Scottish Leadership Awards.
Langlands was described as an “inspirational leader” by the judges.
In the past year he has reshaped the whole business with the US$950m acquisition of Aberdeen-based Production Services Network and the disposal of Wood Group’s well support division to GE for US$2.85bn.
The PSN acquisition gives Wood Group a clear leading position across the world in the modifications, operations and maintenance of oil and gas production facilities.
He accepted the prize at the National Museum of Scotland in front of more than 300 guests.
Male business leader of the year was Bob Keiller, chief executive, of Wood Group PSN while Barrhead Travel's Sharon Munro won the female category.
Male business leader of the year was Wood Group PSN boss Bob Keiller while Barrhead Travel’s Sharon Munro took the female category.
James Watt and Martin Dickie, the founders of drinks firm BrewDog, were named young business leaders of the year.
Other winners at the ceremony in the National Museum of Scotland last night (Thursday) included John Reid of Michelin Tyre, Dame Professor Joan String from Edinburgh Napier University, Craneware’s Keith Neilson and Ian Grabiner of Arcadia Group.
The International Services to Scotland Leadership award went to US-based businessman and philanthropist Alan Bain.
Bain, who is President Emeritus of the American-Scottish Foundation®, has helped Scottish businesses for many years.
Recently, in his role as ambassador for BA, he managed to get a delegation from luxury American specialty store Saks Fifth Avenue to come over to Scotland to see what textile products it had to offer.
That resulted in an estimated US$3.5m SAKS order for Scottish textile products.
Winner of Big Apple Award Announced
October 2011
Song of Return wins Big Apple Award!
Song of Return
The American-Scottish Foundation® is delighted to announce that, following months of speculation over entries from some of Scotland's best up and coming musical talent, Song of Return won Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland's Big Apple Award, after a brilliant live performance at The Garage's G2 venue last night wowed the Award's judges.
The gig also saw storming mini-sets from the other four short listed finalists Laki Mera, Finding Albert, Wrongnote and Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers, who all received gifts from Guitar Guitar.
Song of Return is fronted by Craig Grant and Louis Abbott, joined by Alex McNutt, David Reekie and Ewan McDonald. The band has played together for two years and released their first album entitled "Limits" in July of this year. Craig said "We are delighted and amazed to be chosen from all the talented bands that played on the night, it's very humbling as we have been playing together for two years and are now starting to be recognised."
The Big Apple Award is a collaborative partnership between renowned music charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, Creative Scotland, The American-Scottish Foundation® and Clash.
Winning The Big Apple Award means that Song of Return will play to an audience packed with music industry types at the Scottish Music Awards (the Tartan Clefs) this November, before being whisked away to New York City next year to play a variety of gigs all over Manhattan during Scotland Week 2012. The American-Scottish Foundation® looks forward to welcoming Song of Return to New York.
Also, whilst in the USA Song of Return will play for Ian Ralfini, president of both Blue Note and Manhattan Records, divisions of EMI in North America.
The winner was selected in a unanimous decision by judges including Mark Millar from Clash, Matthew Rumbold from EMI, Roddy Hart, Yvonne McLellan from Island, and Caroline Parkinson, Director of Creative Development, Creative Scotland who said; 'The Big Apple Award received a phenomenal response from a great many talented artists and bands and the judging panel had a very tough task whittling it down to the final five. The standard of the entries displays the shear wealth of musical talent Scotland has to offer.'
Ciaran O'Toole hosted the night and said to the fans; "We're not here to take your money for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, but you are the future and should take five minutes on your break to check out the Charity and the Scottish Music Awards (the Tartan Clefs) to understand what music therapy and the charity does for these children".
The Big Apple Award is the first international project undertaken by the charity.
"We're looking forward to presenting the winning Scottish band to a new audience in New York City. It's the Year of Creative Scotland and it is wonderful that the Big Apple Award is a part of it. The American-Scottish Foundation® mission is to be a bridge between the two great countries and this is a perfect example of that," noted Camilla G Hellman, MBE, of the American-Scottish Foundation®..
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland
July 2011
Renowned music charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland and Creative Scotland have teamed up to launch a once in a lifetime opportunity for new and emerging Scottish bands to win The Big Apple Award, which will see the winner playing at the prestigious Scottish Music Awards held annually in Glasgow this November, and in New York City with the American-Scottish Foundation® during Scotland Week 2012.... read more details here in the latest press release....
http://www.tartanclef.org/big_apple.html
ASF Visit to PS65, Staten Island
June 15, 2011
Camilla Hellman, Development Director of the ASF and piper Matt le Pre paid a visit to PS65 on Staten Island - The Academy of Innovative Learning.
The children at the Academy have been involved in a project about Scotland. The first part of this was the production of a non-fiction piece about Scotland; the second, a book of historical fiction about Scotland, allowing the creative juices to flow! The latter piece took the longest, according to teacher Jessica Sanfilippo, as "we had to do our research before we began the writing process. Every student made a detailed book about Scotland's demographics, outdoors, culture and history."
The children were, of course, fascinated by piper Matt's bagpipes!
The principal of the Academy of Innovative Learning is Sophie Scamardella and the administrative assistant is Liz Rodriguez.
The Museum of American Finance and American-Scottish Foundation® Sponsor Exhibition Focusing on Alexander Hamilton’s Life and Legacy
June, 2011
Pictured with Museum of American Finance President David Cowan are members of Douglas Hamilton's family including his son and grandson on the left hand side of Alexander Hamiltons statue - and on his right representing the House of Hamilton is Diana Douglas-Hamilton
Tartan Week acted as a backdrop fo the opening of the Alexander Hamilton Lineage and Legacy exhibit co-sponsored by the Museum of American Finance and the ASF (see news item of March 8, below).
A lecture and reception in historic Wall Street Museum brought together the Scottish and American Hamilton family descendants for the first time in 300 years.
Alexander Hamilton is related through the second Duke of Hamilton to the Foundation's founder, Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton of the Ducal House.
The exhibit celebrates Hamilton's life and accomplishment as one of the founding fathers of America, Secretary of Treasury and economist.
The ASF is working with the New York Parks Department on developing the Hamilton Garden at St Nicholas Park in conjunction with the National Parks Service. A private visit was arranged for the families to visit Hamilton Grange which is now in the final stages of restoration.
Douglas Hamilton noted "The gathering in New York City was a wonderful and memorable event. The American-Scottish Foundation® represented Scotland well and made me feel more proud of my Scottish heritage ..."
See more of this project and ASF's involvement here.
A Concert for New York on September 12, 20111
On September 12 this year, The Lothian & Borders Police Choir and The West Yorkshire Police Brass Band will perform at lunchtime at Lower Slip, Water Street, New York, between 12:30pm and 2:00pm. All are welcome.
This concert is a cooperative undertaking between the ASF, The September Concert Foundation and the New York Police Museum.
We take this opportunity of sharing with you the latest press release from The September Concert which tells something of their inspiring initiative world-wide:
The September Concert Press Release
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland announces The Big Apple Award!
May 2011
Renowned music charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland and Creative Scotland have teamed up to launch a once in a lifetime opportunity for new and emerging Scottish bands to win The Big Apple Award, which will see the winner playing at the prestigious Scottish Music Awards held annually in Glasgow this November, and in New York City with The American-Scottish Foundation® during Scotland Week 2012.
Read the full press release here...
http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/252124-scottish-bands-offered-chance-to-grab-the-big-apple-award-and-play-new-york/
Described as a national treasure, Texan born Miss Duncan MacDonald works energetically and
enthusiastically for Scotland from her home on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.
A Scottish newspaper recently described Miss
Duncan MacDonald as ‘the first lady of Scotland
in America.’
‘And they’re not far wrong,’ says Alan Bain,
president emeritus of the American-Scottish
Foundation, himself one of the best-known
American Scots.
‘She is a national treasure, no question. The
amount of energy, interest and enthusiasm she puts
into her work for Scotland is extraordinary.‘
Read more of Miss Duncan MacDonald here in an illustrated article by Noel Young.
From 'Spare Times for April 29-May 5', by Anne Mancuso; Published: April 28, 2011
Museum of American Finance (Friday through Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday) “Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy” examines Hamilton’s Scottish roots and early life in the Caribbean as well as his military, financial and political contributions to life in early America; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and the American Scottish Foundation are co-sponsors of the exhibition, on view through July 12. 48 Wall Street, at William Street, Lower Manhattan , (212) 908-4110, moaf.org; $8, $5 for students and 62+; free for members and those 6 and younger.
One Hundred Twenty Scotties and Westies
That's something you didn't see in the St. Patrick's Day parade - but you will at the 13th annual Tartan Day Parade on April 9. The parade has always had these mascots of Scotland, but usually the number is around 50 - this year, says Camilla Hellman, Development Director of the American-Scottish Foundation®, they decided to step it up. They reached out to Meetup groups and to WoofWoof magazine and "we got inundated!" she says with a laugh. So many dogs are eager to wag their tails at spectators and strut their stuff up Sixth Avenue, that there will be eight Dog Herders, graduate students from the Mountbatten programs, to help the dogs and their people move in "a straightish line up the avenue." Read more here...
Furthermore, you can listen to key players from ASF and other organizations talking about the 2011 Tartan Week celebrations in this podcast from NY Irish Arts.
Shawlands Academy
Shawlands Academy, Glasgow, have planned their trip to New York to coincide with Tartan Week - and the opportunity to march in the 13th Annual Tartan Day Parade.
Part of the ASF Scottish Global Partners Junior project, they are doing school visits, taking part in ASF's "Celebrating Burns in Words and Music" in the British Garden on Thursday April 7th and also visiting museums and discovering all about New York during their five day visit.
Shawlands Academy pupils are pictured thanking the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter, for the help Glasgow has given in helping to make the trip possible. Bob Winter is this year's Grand Marshal for the New York Tartan Day Parade on April 9th.
Museum of American Finance Opens “Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy” Exhibit During NYC’s Tartan Week
March 8, 2011
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, April 5, the Museum of American Finance will open “Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy,” a retrospective of Hamilton’s life that traces the extraordinary history of one of the nation’s most complex founding fathers. The exhibit, presented in conjunction with the American-Scottish Foundation, will coincide with the celebration of Tartan Week in New York City and will pay tribute to Hamilton’s Scottish ancestry.
“Hamilton’s principal goals—US independence, a stronger government and economic modernization—are also his legacy”
Museum President David J. Cowen said he is excited that Alexander Hamilton, the country’s most important financial founding father, is being recognized as part of this city-wide celebration.
“Tartan Week has provided our Museum with a unique opportunity to bring together for the first time the American and Scottish descendants of Alexander Hamilton, who will be coming to view this exhibit and participate in the opening event on April 7,” said Cowen. “That will be an important moment in our Museum’s history.”
Beginning with Hamilton’s Scottish roots and his formative years in Nevis and St. Croix, the exhibit will chronicle Hamilton’s first years in America, his military career that readied him for politics and his role of founding father, as well as his numerous and varied contributions to the financial and government systems in the US. Although Hamilton was a true Renaissance man of his day, he is best known for his contributions in banking and finance. The exhibit strives to bring attention to the many facets of Hamilton’s contribution to the American founding era.
“Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy” will feature objects and documents from the Museum’s collection, as well as artifacts from The New-York Historical Society, Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, the Hamilton family and other private collectors. Exhibit highlights include several legal and financial documents signed by Hamilton, his Society of the Cincinnati medal, an original copy of his obituary and historical replicas of the pistols used by Hamilton and Aaron Burr in the duel in which Hamilton was mortally wounded.
Museum Chairman Dr. Richard Sylla, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business, guest curated the exhibit, which was developed and designed by Becky Laughner, assistant director of exhibits and archives, and Maura Ferguson, assistant director of exhibits and education.
“Hamilton’s principal goals—US independence, a stronger government and economic modernization—are also his legacy,” said Sylla. “The exhibit will show that Hamilton, the subject of many stiff portraits and cold statues, was really quite a passionate soldier, statesman and financier.”
Exhibit Opening Event: All are welcome to attend a panel discussion on Alexander Hamilton followed by a reception and viewing of “Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy” on Thursday, April 7, from 6 – 8 pm. The presentation, part of the Museum’s 2011 Henry Kaufman Financial History and Practices Lecture/Symposia Series, will feature Hamilton biographers and experts Richard Sylla, Richard Brookhiser and Thomas Fleming. Tickets cost $40 and include a one-year membership in the Museum. For information and reservations, please contact Tempris Small at 212-908-4110 or tsmall@moaf.org. Working members of the press should contact Kristin Aguilera at 212-908-4695 or kaguilera@moaf.org. For more information on Tartan Week, visit www.tartanweek.com or contact Camilla Hellman at 212-605-0338 or asfevents@wwbcny.com.
“Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy” will be on display through July 12, 2011. We wish to thank the following sponsors for their help and support in making this exhibit possible: Gander & White, the Scottish Government, International Beverage Group and the Downtown – Lower Manhattan Association.
About the Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is the nation’s only public museum dedicated to finance, entrepreneurship and the open market system. With its extensive collection of financial documents and objects, its seminars and educational programming, its publication and oral history program, the Museum portrays the breadth and richness of American financial history, achievement and practices. The Museum is located at 48 Wall Street, on the corner of William Street, and is open Tues–Sat, 10 am – 4 pm. For more information, visit www.moaf.org or connect with the Museum on Facebook or Twitter.
About the American-Scottish Foundation
The American-Scottish Foundation® is dedicated to the strengthening of ties between individuals, institutions and businesses of Scotland and the United States. Founded in 1956 by Lord Malcolm Douglas Hamilton, the Foundation’s mission remains as it was then – a bridge between two great countries. The Foundation champions the extraordinary and creative relationship for mutual benefit, with an extensive program of projects and events. It is one of the founding partners in the New York Tartan Day Parade, and the Foundation held the first Scotland Week in New York in 1976.
For further information please contact for :
American-Scottish Foundation, Inc. Camilla Hellman, 212-605-0338
Following the earthquake in Christchurch, NZ, an appeal has been launched through the AMERICAN NEW ZEALAND ASSOCATION INC (ANZA)
The campaign is Chaired by long time ASF friend and Golf Committee Co Chair Ian Phillips. He was in Christchurch when the earthquakes hit and wrote ....."I happened to be in Christchurch at the time....It was a frightening experience and one I am pleased to put behind me. I arrived back in NY Thursday evening in just the clothes I stood in at the time of the earthquake".
We hope you will join us in supporting the upcoming events they are holding.
Details on donating, and ANZA's governance and tax information are available on their website www.AmericanNewZealand.org
The American-Scottish Foundation
Tel. 212 605 0338
Pupils gather in Holyrood for American-Scottish Foundation link up
November 11, 2010
Deputy Presiding Officer Alasdair Morgan MSP, welcomed pupils from 5 schools across Scotland who are involved in an initiative called Global Youth Partners, supported by the American Scottish Foundation®.
Global Youth Partners is an award-winning student exchange programme that connects New York City youth, ages 9-12, with students around the world through the internet.
The programme fosters global awareness and develops practical technology skills by allowing students to communicate online. The focus of this year's programme will be on urban sustainability and the dynamic systems that sustain life in Cities.
UK in the USA
Global Partners Junior Visit the British Consulate
On November 10, the Consulate hosted Global Partners Junior students from PS 160 and the Renaissance Leadership Academy for an unique video conference with students from five primary schools in Scotland.
Global Partners Junior, a program sponsored by New York City Global Partners, Inc., is an award‐winning student exchange program that connects New York City youth with students around the world through the internet.
Students communicate online about topics relevant to all cultures using an original curriculum. They post and read messages to one another and share media projects, video greetings and research facts about their communities.
During the video conference, students had the chance to ask each other about life in New York and Scotland as well as what each group of students does at school and at home to be more environmentally conscious. The event was hosted in conjunction with the Office of the Mayor, Commission for the UN, Consular Corps and Protocol and the American-Scottish Foundation®.
Sir Alan Collins was on hand to greet students along with Marjorie Tiven, NYC Commissioner for the UN, Consular Corps and Protocol, Santiago Taveras, Deputy Chancellor, NYC Department of Education and Camilla Hellman from the American Scottish Foundation.
Please see the report on the New York participation as found on the web site of the British Embassy, Washington.
US Department of State - Scotland's St. Andrew's Day
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 29, 2010
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Scotland as you celebrate St. Andrew’s Day on November 30.
Scotland’s unique culture and traditions have long been admired around the world, and the special ties between our two nations date back to the founding of the United States. From Patrick Henry and John Paul Jones to Davy Crockett and Neil Armstrong, trail-blazing Scottish-Americans have helped shape the history of our country in profound ways.
Today, the United States and Scotland continue to share strong ties rooted in our common ancestry, values, and interests. Our people work together on many of the most pressing challenges of our time, and both houses of the United States Congress have Friends of Scotland Caucuses to further promote friendship and cooperation between Scotland and the United States.
I wish the people of Scotland a joyous St. Andrew’s Day celebration and a successful year ahead. We look forward to further deepening our friendship throughout the future.
John Muir Nature Trail Picnic and Hike
On Saturday, November 6, 2010, the ASF held a picnic and hike of the John Muir Nature Trail at Van Cortlandt Park.
The one and half mile hike was led by a park ranger and was an opportunity for ASF supporters of the Trail to not only enjoy the wonderful woodland but to see first hand the work that has been done and
remains still to be done.
The American-Scottish Foundation® has worked with the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation and the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy on the Trail from its inception.
In 1996, in partnership with Parks & Recreation, the ASF held the first of what has become the annual John Muir Golf Tournament,
In 1997, following the success of the first golf tournament the prior year, the American-Scottish Foundation® spearheaded with the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation the creation of The John Muir Nature Trail. The ASF is working closely with the Parks Department as it addresses the next phase of improvements to the Trail.
Margot Perron, Van Cortlandt Park Administrator, spoke of the major work the Trail still needs and projects now being planned as the hike through the woods - challenging at times - was undertaken. The ASF hopes that its members and friends will become even more actively involved in the Trail and is planning to organize bi-annual hikes of the Trail as well as building upon the Golf Tournament. This is scheduled for June 6th in 2011, and proceeds from the Golf Tournament go towards the upkeep of the Trail.
Details of the ASF Spring Hike will be posted shortly in our EVENTS section.
A Victorian trolley bus transported those coming from Manhattan. A 'thank you' to the Bronx Tourism Council and The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for the in-kind contribution of the Bronx Trolley for transportation on this day.
Pictured by the Bronx Trolley are ASF Board member Brian Andersson and Interim Chairman Heather L. Bain.
ASF sponsors Dancewave Company of Brooklyn
Dancewave’s pre-professional youth dance ensemble, the Dancewave Company, Brooklyn, New York travelled to Scotland to perform in the 2010 Aberdeen International Youth Festival with support from the ASF.
The Aberdeen International Youth Festival is the highlight of Aberdeen's cultural calendar, drawing participants from all over the world. The Dancewave Company, composed of 16 young people aged 13-18, was the only US group selected to participate this year and overcame many obstacles to make the trip.
See a press clipping from the Press and Journal and see more information within our Bursaries section.
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The Scots Guards Pipes and Drums come to New York
From David Patrick Columbia's NEW YORK SOCIAL DIARY. Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com
The Scots Guards Pipes and Drums playing aboard the Intrepid to benefit “Heal A Soldier ’s Life.”
The Scots Guards Pipes and Drums came to New York and played at the British Garden in Hanover Square this past September 22nd to commemorate the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11th and to pay tribute to the long history of shared bloodshed between the Scots Guards, US Army and US Marine Corps. The American-Scottish Foundation® was the joint sponsor.
That evening they played at a gala aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The evening was attended by HRH The Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards.
The Guards will be returning to Afghanistan in March 2010 “to fight alongside the Amerian military in Helmand Province.
Scots Guards Pipes and Drums at Hanover Square
Ian A.L. Bain, Robert Douglass, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Heather L. Bain, Margaret R. Kennedy, Robert Callendar, and Alan L. Bain
Left: Annette Conway and General Sir John Kiszley. Right: Capt. Neil Gow, General James Conway, and Lt. Col. William Swinton
Left: Gail Hilson, General James Conway, and April Gow. Right: Edwina Sandys and Richard Kaplan
Left: Elizabeth Stribling & CeCe Black. Right: Duncan Bruce, HRH The Duke of Kent, Col. Alastair Mathewson
Left: Alan L. Bain, HRH The Duke of Kent, and Captain and Mrs. Roddy Gow. Right: Karin Wyser Pratte & Barbara Tober
Left: Captain Roddy Gow, Camilla Hellman, and Captain Neil Gow. Right: Evelyn Thompkins and William Bruder
The dinner on Intrepid was in aid of the Scots Guards Colonel's Fund. To learn more of the Fund and its work, please do visit: www.scotsguardscolonelsfund.com
You can also review the site of the Colonel's Fund Dinner on Intrepid at: www.scotsguardscolonelsfunddinner.org
