From the Editor
The Society newsletter hasn’t been published for some time but, with the Games coming around in a couple of weeks, we thought it was time for to restart as a means of keeping Society members up to date with what’s going on.
The early part of the year is always busy, with Burns season and our annual Scottish Games. We’ll publish the newsletter at the start of every month with news and pictures from Society events.
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ImPex Whisky Tasting
Come and join fellow Caledonian Society members on Saturday 17 February for a Scotch whisky tasting session at Trevor’s Liquor, 7340 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale.
Brian Dvoret of ImpEx Beverages will lead us through a spectrum of flavors that their different whiskies present. Brian will have tastings available from 1-3pm. Bottles of the whiskies being tasted are all available on the shelves of the store.
We will be able to use the store’s covered patio for our tasting session. Trevor’s has a full selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cigars, along with mixers and accessories. The bar and lounge area have a selection of beers on tap and wines by the glass.
You can also enjoy a purchased bottle or can of beer or wine from the store for an additional corkage fee.
So, make a date at Trevor’s for a fun afternoon enjoying the best of fine Scotch whisky. There is no charge for the event. Sign up on the Society Facebook page
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Book Signing - February 17
One of the most successful Scottish authors of recent years has a book signing date in Scottsdale later this month.
Coinneach MacLeod, otherwise known as the Hebridean Baker, who hosts a baking show on the BBC, is stopping off in Scottsdale as part of a North American promotional book tour. He will be joined in Scottsdale on Thursday 22 February by Outlander author Diana Gabaldon. The event is being organized by the Poisoned Pen Bookstore and held at the Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 4140 North Miller Road.
Tickets are priced at $35 for one person, $40 for two, and admission includes a signed copy of Coinneach’s book, The Hebridean Baker at Home. Coinneach, whose name is Scottish Gaelic for Kenneth, said: “I will be hosting a night of Hebridean stories, Gaelic songs, sharing hints & tips on Scottish baking and there will be a dram or two of whisky as well. "In my kitchen, flavors become stories, bakes become family favorites, and recipes are shared with friends from across the islands. Join me where the rolling hills of the Hebrides meet the rolling pins of my kitchen. "For this book I travelled from Islay via Barra, Uist, Berneray and Harris before arriving home to Lewis. I’ve shared recipes and stories that have been handed down through the generations, bakes that celebrate the flavors of Scotland, and simple dishes that you can whip up from your store cupboard ingredients." Tickets for the event can be obtained from the following link.
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Globe Gathering
The Society was delighted to accept an invitation to participate in the first ever Scottish celebration held last month in the Arizona town of Globe.
Pat Schuller and Iain Lundy donned their tartan gear and represented the Society at the town’s Silver Tap bar where a few dozen locals, many of them kilted, gathered to listen to tales of Scotland, and to sample some good Scotch whisky.
The event was organised by Linda Gross, publisher of the Globe Miami Times newspaper. Globe resident Margo Flores, originally from West Lothian in Scotland, regaled the company with some stirring renditions of Scottish songs.
Among the tartans being worn by the locals at the bar were Campbell, Brodie, and Grant.
Hopefully, the event will be repeated annually, and the Society would be delighted to participate in future years. We look forward to seeing some Globe faces at the upcoming Scottish Games in Gilbert.
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2024 Games Planning Update
The 2024 Scottish Games are almost upon us. The event this year runs from the evening of Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March. Games Chieftain Pat Schuller and his team have put many hours of hard work into making it a success. Here Pat outlines what to expect this year. "The 59th annual Phoenix Scottish Games planning team has been working on this year’s program for over a year. As we hit the last month all areas are coming together.
"We are getting contracts signed, permits filed, and the layout finalized, which is a large game of Tetris only in 3D. Dealing with the layout of the field, the growth plans of the park and let’s not forget the upgrades being made by the Town of Gilbert. "In 2024 we are starting off with the Phoenix International Twilight Tattoo. After the visit from the Isle of Skye Pipe band we are fielding requests from pipe bands from all over the world to participate in future games. This year we have the oldest civilian pipe band from Canada. Ingersol Pipes and Drums. Adding to the lineup we are pleased to welcome the United States Air Force Academy Honor Guard Drill Team.
"Over the last few years, we have become a hot spot for AGMs. This year we are pleased to host the AGM for Clan Buchanan. The Chief and family will be in attendance. Chief Buchanan is the first Buchanan Clan Chief in over 320 years. Chief McBain will also be in attendance as Chief of the Games. "Athletics will have pro athletes competing this year. Pro Women Reigning World Champion Meagan McKee. Jarvina Routt, Kristine Rothwell, Amarissa Handy and Adriane Wilson, Pro Men Bryan Staggs, Kyle Lillie, Colin Dunbar, Nik Aston and Matt Hand. "We will be hosting The Phoenix Highland Dance Championship. A special treat will be Sunday as we will have the Primary Dancers competing on the main stage. Come early to watch this competition. "Clans and Vendors are reaching record numbers. VIP will have additions to treat the guests. Ticket sales are going fast.
"I will tell you the PSG team has been traveling around the state promoting this year to make it a fantastic event. We are committed to bringing the best highland games in the West.”
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Burns Supper
More than 80 guests attended a highly successful Caledonian Society Burns Supper last month, held for the second year running at the University Club of Arizona.
The haggis was piped in by Len Wood, one of the founders of the Society, and the haggis was addressed in suitably vigorous fashion by Kevin Conquest.
Items donated by attendees were raffled during the event and, when one item received no bids, Society Treasurer Dale Lewis conducted a spirited ad hoc auction.
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