Every year, the Scottish society of Ottawa organises a New Year celebration. In December 2019, because of the work I had previously done for the Celtic festival in Almonte, the Society reached out to me and invited me to be one of their photographers. The pandemic force the celebration to moved on line for a couple of years, but I was happy to come back in 2022, and subsequent years, to work with them again.
In 2024, I took on a new challenge with Hogman-Eh, as I became it's director. The work required that night meant I could no photograph the event. When my term as director expires, I hope to go back to being the photographer.
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One of the organisers standing by the Scottish Society of Ottawa banner
A group photo of the St John Ambulance 2019 volunteers
Sine the celebration was held at TD Place, the mascot for the Ottawa 67's put in an appearance at the 2019 celebrations.
There are always a number of activities for small children, including a table where they could draw their own Scottish flag
Face painters are usually on hand to entertain the children
In the family zone before the balloon drop, Jonathan Moorman, of Mariner's Curse, gave a presentation on the art of fiddle playing and the different types of Celtic fiddle music. From 2022.
Students from the different Ottawa dance schools usually perform various highland dances. This photo is from the 2022 edition.
The crowd watches during one of the Highland Dance presentation. From 2022.
One of the dancers from the 2023 edition
Another dancer from the 2023 edition.
During the 2019 edition, and again in 2022, shortly before 7.00pm local time, which is midnight in Scotland, bagpipers and highland dancers led a processions from the family zone in one building, to the main celebrations in the Agriculture building.
Every year, in order to have parents of young children ring in the new years with their family, balloons were dropped from the ceiling at 7.00pm Eastern time, when it was midnight in Scotland.
A member of The Lahey: The Next Generation displays his dancing skills. From 2019.
Two of the party goers, having fun and posing for the camera during the 2019 edition.
East Coast Experience, one of the groups entertaining the crowds during the 2019 edition.
The bagpiper for The Mudmen, the headliners for the 2019 celebration
From 2019:A young fan climbed on stage during the concert. The bagpiper, without missing a beat, posed with him.
From 2022. Mariner's Curse performs
From 2019: The guitarist for The Mudmen
Ottawa Caledonia, a drums and bagpipe marching band, performed in between sets of the different groups. Rather than performing on stage, they performed on the floor. Here, they make the procession marking the beginning of their performance.
One of the drummers for Ottawa Caledonia. During the 2019 edition, and again in 2022, this drums and bagpipe marching band performed in between sets of the different groups.
The Mudmen came back to Ottawa in 2022 with a slightly different lineup. There new lead singer performs one of their hits.
From 2022: The new lead singer and guitarist for the Mudmen performs
From 2022: Another highland dancer, this time on the main stage.
Alan Frew, former lead singer of the group Glass Tiger, worked with many artists over his career. The headliner for the 2022 celebrations, he performed a number of top 40 hits of the different artists he worked with.
One of the musicians playing during the afternoon adjusts his instruments. From 2023
From 2023: one of the musicians playing during the afternoon
The musicians playing during the afternoon, as seen from the 2nd floor landing. From 2023
Singer John Young performed twice, once during the afternoon, and once on the main stage in the evening. From 2023
The violinist from MacIsaac and Mackenzie. From 2023
From 2023: Anna Ludlow Performs
A dancer performs on the main stage, during the 2023 show.
Performing for the first time in Canada, Ally the Piper took the stage in 2023
The Mudmen were back once again in 2023 to headline the concert.
Colin, the lead singer of the Mudmen. From 2023
Sandi Campbell of the Mudmen. From 2023
The Mudmen perform. From 2023
The Mudmen. From 2023
The Mudmen. From 2023