August 2024 Newsletter
New England Scot of the Year Awards 2024
Nominations are open for the 2024 awards at Scots in New England. Our awards recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals of Scottish heritage, who live in New England. These are individuals who embody the values of Scottish culture and have significantly influenced and made a real difference in their Scottish communities. We have three categories: New England Scot of the Year, New England Emerging Scot of the Year, and New England Scot – Lifetime Achievement Award.
Please consider nominating someone in your network who is worthy and deserving of this recognition. All nominations must be received by September 30th, 2024 and winners will be announced on December 5th, 2024.
This month we were delighted to welcome The Scots’ Charitable Society as our most recent awards sponsor. We look forward to telling you more about the Society’s excellent work in a future edition of our newsletter.
A New Scottish Face in DC
We’re excited to share that Colin Gray, who was formerly the Deputy Consul General at the British Consulate General in Atlanta, has been appointed Head of the Scottish Government Office in the USA, based in Washington, DC. We’ll be diving into the work of Colin’s office in an upcoming newsletter spotlight article. In the meantime, let’s give a warm welcome to Colin and also take a moment to thank Chris Thomson, the outgoing head of the office.
Chris is pictured below at his farewell reception with GlobalScot Lorraine Bell, one of our Scots in New England external judges. Chris and his wife, Laura, have been deeply involved in many aspects of the Scottish community across the USA and Canada during his time in post. Thank you, Chris, for all your contributions, and we wish you the very best in your new role back in Scotland!
The Best Scottish Shopping in New England?
We need your help! Whether you’re hunting for a delicious Scotch pie or a stylish Harris Tweed purse, there’s some fantastic Scottish shopping to be found in New England. Some vendors have traditional stores in the region, while others operate online.
We’d love to hear about your favorite spots! Share your top Scottish shopping recommendations with us, and we’ll feature them on our website and in future newsletters. Just email us at Scots in New England with the subject line: “The Best Scottish Shopping in New England.” Thank you!
Thank you, Peter Abbott OBE – British Consul General!
After a fantastic four years as Consul General at the British Consulate, Dr. Peter Abbott OBE and his family are heading back to the UK. Although he started his role in 2020 during the tough Covid lockdowns, he quickly became a beloved figure here. During his tenure, we witnessed some truly memorable moments, including the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Boston for the Earthshot Prize. His time in New England was also marked by significant events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, her passing, and the coronation of King Charles III. Peter fondly remembers one particularly touching experience: listening to the Scottish pipe bands play “Amazing Grace” in honor of the late Queen at the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival in September 2022.
Peter and his family were great supporters of Scots in New England and hosted our first annual Scot of the Year awards last year. Before they left to return to the UK we were thrilled to present Peter and his wife, Lindsey, with a beautiful Lewis Chess set as a token of our appreciation and friendship. We wish the Abbotts safe travels and all the best for the future. Haste ye back!
In an upcoming newsletter, we’ll introduce David Clay MBE, who is stepping into Peter’s shoes as the new British Consul General to New England. David started his role earlier this month. We look forward to meeting David and to sharing more about him soon.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Over the month of August, Scotland’s capital Edinburgh hosts one of the largest and most exciting displays of arts and culture. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, known simply as “The Fringe,” transforms the city into a vibrant stage where performers from around the globe showcase their talents. From comedy and theater to dance, music, and spoken word, the festival offers something for every taste.
With thousands of shows spread across hundreds of venues, the Fringe is an eclectic mix of established acts and emerging talent. The city buzzes with creativity, as street performers entertain crowds and impromptu performances spring up in unexpected places across Edinburgh. Experimentation and diversity thrive during this time in Edinburgh making it a must-visit for anyone interested about the arts and culture.
One such show on venue at the Fringe is the hilarious and talented Milton Jones, which I had the personal pleasure of watching at the Assembly Halls of Edinburgh. His one-hour special displayed his witty and entertaining comedy from start to finish, and perfectly showcased the comedic side that the fringe has to offer.
Whether you’re catching a critically acclaimed production or discovering a hidden gem the Edinburgh Fringe Festival promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of artistic expression.
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