Fredericton Celebrates Scottish Heritage with Annual Kilted Skate

Fredericton hosted its third annual kilted skate event on January 21, 2023, welcoming dozens of participants who embraced the frigid temperatures to celebrate their Scottish heritage. The gathering took place at Officers’ Square, where attendees donned traditional Scottish kilts and enjoyed the unique atmosphere despite the cold.

David McKinley, a Fredericton resident, showcased his skills by playing the bagpipes while skating. He humorously noted the challenges of performing in temperatures feeling as low as -25 degrees Celsius. “It must be my Scottish heritage. I am stubborn, I guess,” he remarked while proudly wearing his family’s tartan. As a third-generation Canadian with roots in Scotland, McKinley embraced the spirit of the event, which commemorates Robert Burns Day, celebrated annually on January 25 to honor Scotland’s national poet.

McKinley acknowledged that this year’s event was particularly cold, making it difficult to play the bagpipes. “You can’t maintain a seal on your bagpipes, so you’re blown by the pipe,” he explained. Despite the challenges, his music gained traction on social media, with many attendees sharing photos of his performance on their profiles.

Other participants shared their enthusiasm for the event. Mike Romard, who joined the skating festivities, expressed a long-standing desire to own a kilt, having admired the garments since he was 11. Inspired by his Scottish heritage, he is currently learning to speak Gaelic. Romard appreciated the gathering, noting the joy in seeing others come together for a common cause.

Cynthia Wallace-Casey, president of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew, emphasized the community’s resilience in the face of cold weather. She highlighted that the kilted skate event was inspired by a similar one launched in Ottawa a decade ago. “We have combined that with FROSTival events that are happening here in the city,” she said. FROSTival is a three-week celebration featuring various indoor and outdoor winter activities in Fredericton.

The kilted skate event was more than just skating; it also featured food, music, and dance performances, creating a festive atmosphere. Wallace-Casey noted that the cold temperatures did not dampen the community’s spirit. “We are tough Canadians — we enjoy the winters and the cold,” she stated proudly.

As Frederictonians embraced their Scottish roots in the chilly weather, the kilted skate event succeeded in fostering community spirit and celebrating cultural heritage. The blend of tradition, resilience, and joy showcased the essence of what it means to gather in celebration, regardless of the conditions outside.