International Kilt Skate Weekend -- Petawawa

As the Membership Director of the Scottish Society of Ottawa, Whitney Brooks has a hand in the wide range of programming SSO offers. Last year, up the Valley from Ottawa in Renfrew County, she launched the first-ever kilt skate in Pembroke, ON.

Ever coming up with innovative ideas, this year Whitney wondered whether she could arrange a joint hands-across-the-Atlantic kilt skate with Renfrewshire in Scotland. She took the idea to Andy MacCulloch, the SSO’s Director of the national kilt skate, and the two of them worked with the Renfrewshire council, its Lord Provost (mayor) and a Glasgow hockey team to inaugurate the first kilt skate in Scotland. Scotland’s inaugural kilt skate will be the subject of a separate blog. Suffice it to say here that the Scots embraced the idea of an international kilt skate weekend with great enthusiasm.

And back in Petawawa, the Canadian kilt skate was a big hit — especially with a new generation of kilt skaters.

It helped to have a special guest to give a few lessons.

While other young ones preferred the company of their friends.

The Great Canadian Kilt Skate is an event for Scots and Scots-at-heart and it appeals to the young and young-at-heart.

Meanwhile, the kilt skate mom's stand by.

The moms were part of the event too. Many sing with the Petawawa Military Wives Choir and their rousing versions of “O Canada” and “Flower of Scotland” were an important part of the opening ceremonies.

The opening ceremonies also incorporated a flag raising with Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, Petawawa Councillor James Carmody and former Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet. 

Music is an important part of the Renfrew County kilt skate, especially in an army town like Petawawa. Some of the music was provided by the Second Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Pipes and Drums.

Inside the community hall, local musician Spencer Scharf entertained.

While out on the players’ bench, more music was provided by Ron Roach and the Music Healing Veterans.

Last year at the Pembroke kilt skate, Whitney introduced the idea of using the kilt skate as a charity event to support Wounded Warriors. This year, Wounded Warriors Canada was on hand once more to collect donations.

And the Scottish Society of Ottawa had its table in the civic centre as well.

Whitney was pleased with a great turn out with a lot of families. She thanks her amazing volunteers; Guy Romain, Yannick Lacroix and Desiree Collins. She gives special thanks to the Town of Petawawa, the staff at the Civic Centre and Custom Draperies and Blinds for sponsorship and contributing to the success of the event.