International Kilt Skate Weekend -- North Glengarry

Colourful kilts on the ice during annual Kilt Skate in Maxville

Author of the article:

Nick Seebruch  •  Special to the Standard-Freeholder

Published Feb 10, 2025  •  1 minute read

Scottish culture and sound was celebrated with skating on the ice in Maxville during the annual Kilt Skate.

Every year in February in communities across Canada and around the world, Kilt Skates are held. The event is a celebration of Scottish culture, with a particular emphasis on the famous traditional Scottish garb, the kilt.

This year’s local event took place at the Maxville and District Sports Complex on Saturday.

“(We’re) really excited to be a part of the event this year as it is happening all across Canada,” said Stephanie MacRae, director of community services in North Glengarry. “As well with our partners in Scotland… so it is great to be a part of this international phenomenon today.”

Home of the annual Glengarry Highland Games each summer, Maxville is surely one of the prime spots in the region to hold and celebrate this annual event and culture.

In addition to the ice skating, bagpipes and drumming was provided by the South Glengarry Pipes and Drums band, and traditional highland dancing was performed by the McCulloch Dancers.

Music was provided by the South Glengarry Pipes and Drums band during the Kilt Skate in Maxville on Saturday February 8, 2025. jpg, CO, apsmc

“We have a lot of great highland entertainment today including bagpipers, we have the McCulloch Dancers here as well, and of course our kilt skate where people get to go out and show their Scottish pride out on the ice, showing their best tartans and plaids, and we look forward to seeing everyone out there today,” said MacRae.

With clear skies and clear roads after some recent snowy weather, MacRae was hoping for a healthy turnout.

For those looking for a break from the skating, there were refreshments provided by Tim Hortons, along with Scottish shortbread cookies provided by local bakers of Muir’s Bakery. Additionally, there were horse drawn wagon rides provided by Andrew Sangster.

The annual Kilt Skate is a national and international event with 13 other Kilt Skates taking place in communities across Canada this month, and many others in Scotland.

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