The Kingdom of Scotland and the Dominion of Canada enjoy a long, special relationship. The ship Hector set sail from Loch Broom Scotland in 1773 to arrive in what would become Nova Scotia, or “New Scotland” with a load of Gaelic-speaking highlanders seeking a new life. Gaelic is still spoken there to this very day! An exact replica of the good ship Hector was constructed and has been open to visitors since 2000 at the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou, Nova Scotia in celebration of the two nation’s strong connection. Here in the 21st century, over 4 million Canadians claim to be of Scottish descent, and ties between the two countries are stronger than ever, with more than 125,000 Canadians visiting Scotland every year in search of their roots.
Friendship Between Canada And Scotland:
There are many ways that Canadians celebrate their Scottish heritage. The Canadian government officially registered the Maple Leaf Tartan In 2008 with the Scottish Tartans Authority. The tartan is also known by its other name, “Dominion of Canada.” You can even become a Lord or Lady with Scotland Titles bestowing anyone who loves Scotland with an official royal title attached to a small plot of land in the Scottish Kingdom of Fife. The terms ‘Lord’ and ‘Lady’ or ‘Ladyship’, the female equivalent of a Lord, came into use in the United Kingdom in the year 1066 when William the Conqueror divided the land up into manors bearing titles which he bestowed on his loyal followers, and although there are several ways to gain the title, land ownership is still regarded as the most traditional. The practice of gifting friends and relatives with real, official Scottish titles is yet another way Canadians keep their Scottish heritage alive.
Scots founded several of Canada’s most prestigious universities where courses in Gaelic are among the most popular, with thousands of people around the country speaking it as a second or third language after the official English and French. The Scotland Canada Academic Partnership (S-CAP) works to build ties between Scottish and Canadian universities, who already share a long history of academic exchanges and friendship.
Today Canada’s relationship with Scotland transcends traditional cultural ties, the two nations enjoy a strong economic partnership that includes engineering projects, food and beverages, and renewable energy. The centuries-long friendship between Scotland and Canada is destined to continue for many centuries to come, just ask Canada’s Lords and Ladies!
