Scottish gathering attracts thousands to River Valley
The Scottish population in New Brunswick spiked in June.
About 3,000 people attended the 24th annual Gathering of the Scots activities held in Perth-Andover from June 5 to 8, celebrating all things Scottish. Rod McIntosh, head of the 20-member volunteer organizing team, said it was great to see the village population close to double for the event.
“Our motto is ‘Be Scottish for a Day’ and people responded. Numbers were really good. Rain was forecast and not as many people travelling long distances made the journey. But we had a lot of people from Ontario and Quebec, hundreds from Nova Scotia and PEI, quite a few from Maine,” he said.
McIntosh said popular events like Knights of Valour jousting, band performances, heavy athletics and the food tents kept people at the gathering for most of the day.
“We have had the jousting for three years. We are going to bring them back one more year for the 25th (anniversary) and expand their venue with more horses and activities,” McIntosh said. “More than half the people come to see the magnificent horses.”
McIntosh said the children’s tents were a popular attraction. Students from Carleton North High School organize and run the children’s activities. The archery venue is always popular, and McIntosh was happy that youth rugby participation is on the upswing.
“We try to diversify our entertainment. We have Tobique First Nation drumming at centre field each year. Next year we are going to include First Nation dancers. We try to provide more than just Scottish events.”
McIntosh said it was gratifying to see the numbers revive after the COVID slowdown, and organizers are eager to host an even bigger event next year for the 25th-anniversary celebration.
Robinson named Clan Chieftain
The 2025 Gathering of the Scots Clan Chieftain was Adena Robinson of Carlingford. The women’s heavy events athlete was one of the first female throwers in the country and finished on the podium at the 2019 CSAF Women’s National Championship held at the Gathering of the Scots, and a World Master’s World champion in 2022.
Mel Fitton, 2024 Clan Chieftain and president of the New Brunswick Scottish Association called Robinson a role model for women in heavyweight competitions.
“Adena is a proud supporter of the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation and has competed extensively… Last year Adena had an opportunity to compete in Perth, Scotland,” Mitton said.
Robinson thanked Mitton and the Gathering organizers for the honour and credited Rod McIntosh and the organizing committee for starting the games 24 years ago. Early competitions didn’t have a women’s division, and she competed with the men in the heavy events.
“It was a challenge, but one that made me stronger and more determined to find other ladies to face that challenge with me,” she told the crowd. “The Gathering of the Scots transformed me as an athlete and a person. It has made me stronger and more resilient, proud of who I am and where I came from.”
Kirking of the Tartans
The Gathering of the Scots concluded Sunday, June 8, with the Kirking of the Tartans service at the historic Larlee Creek Church. McIntosh said the small church was filled with bagpipes, kilts and tartans, and half the service was performed in old Scots Gaelic by Rev. Maria Shepherdson, rector of the Anglican Church in Woodstock and Richmond Corner.
“It was extremely impressive, a fitting tribute. It was like a 1750’s service, focused on tradition, heritage, culture, family and community. It’s a good way to end the games.”
McIntosh said the organizing committee and the 60-plus volunteers who help run the games worked hard to provide an event for everyone in the St. John River Valley, and volunteers are gratified to see people enjoy the event.
“We have lots of plans for next year to make the Gathering bigger and better for everyone. We encourage everyone in the valley to show up and be Scottish for a day.”
