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Canada's Ties with Scotland
This year, Scotland Week (North America's celebration of Scotland) takes place in Canada for the first time. Professor Graeme Morton from Guelph University, talks about Canada's Scottish links.
Guelph University has been running a Scottish Studies programme, based on history and literature, for over 40 years. It started in the mid-1960s, just after the university was established. Graeme says, "The university is very rooted in Scotland. For example, we have names, such as the MacKinnon Building. We also have the largest Scottish Studies archive outside of Scotland.
"There are currently six PhD students in the programme (two from Scotland, three from the USA, one from Canada) and around 14 MA students. Two PhD students are from Scotland, three from the USA and one is Canadian. Around 200 students are in the undergraduate programme. These students take Scottish History courses as part of their history degrees.
"I've heard that students who take the Scottish History courses have got Scottish links in their family. But they definitely have an interest in Scotland, so they follow it up.
"We also have an exchange programme. Students go to Aberdeen, Strathclyde or Stirling Universities. Several MA students went on to do PhDs in Scotland. One of our recent students, who did a PhD in Guelph, now lectures in Scotland.
"Last year, we took a group of students to Scotland and had a wonderful time. Students keep going back to Scotland. In fact, a colleague of mine has a daughter who is deciding which Scottish university to go to next year."
Graeme has been living in Ontario for over three years, and goes back to Scotland twice a year. Although he misses Scotland, he's in contact with the country every day. "I miss the history and heritage," he says. "But I am dealing with Scotland all the time. When I receive emails, I have to answer them immediately because of the time difference."
Scotland is also a part of Graeme's life because of the outreach activities. Scottish Canadians don't miss out on Burns' Suppers because they're in Canada. Graeme says, "The University works with the Scottish Studies Foundation. We organise a Burns' Supper and celebrate Tartan Day. This year, I did five Burns' Suppers!"
In Canada, there is a great interest in Scotland. "There are British programmes on Canadian television. There was also a lot of interest in the Scottish Parliament when it was created," says Graeme.
"I think there's a great fondness for Scotland in Canada. People hear your accent and ask about it. When you say that you’re from Scotland, they tell you about their heritage too."
The planning for Scotland Week happens immediately after Christmas. Graeme says, "Scotland Week happens in partnership with Scottish Development International. As part of Scotland Week, we're having the Public Spring Colloquium in Ontario.
"For the last 16 years, we've had the 'Scot of the Year' award, which was used to promote Tartan Week. This year, it's going to Donald Stewart, the Chief Executive of Sun Life Financial. The award is given to Scots or people with Scots heritage, who have made a large contribution to the Canadian community and the world.
"Because there are many Scots in Canada, it's great to recognise this with Scotland Week. It should have been here before but it's great to have it now!"
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