St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. Activities

Washington Scots Charitable and Education Fund The Society's motto is "Relieve the Distressed" and this tradition is continued through its scholarship program. Over $20,000 is awarded annually to deserving students.

Member Meetings At these annual events in January, May and September, members conduct the business of the Society, induct new members, and usually enjoy a presentation from guest speakers.

Burns' Night Dinner The much-loved Bard of Scotland Robert Burns is feted on the Saturday nearest January 25th, the day of his birth. The dinner is attended by members, spouses and guests. The event features a dramatic "Address to a Hagiis," toasts all around, the Society's own Pipe Band, and the investiture of the Society's officers for the coming year.

National Tartan Day In celebration of this Congressionally-recognized day honoring Scottish-Americans on April 6, the Society usually sponsors a Tartan Day reception and members are involved with other activities.

Kirkin' o' the Tartan Usually held on the last Sunday in April, this is the most well-attended event at the National Cathedral, second only to Christmas and Easter services. The St. Andrew's Society's Pipes and Drums lead a processions of kilted Society members, with the officers in the fore bearing the traditional clan tartans to be blessed.Afterwards, the Pipes and Drums with their HIghland Dancers provide a concert and Members attend a reception.

Joint Societies Event The St. Andrew's Societies of Washington, Baltimore, and the Eastern Shore, along with the Southern Maryland Celtic Society and the Robert Burns Society of Annapolis converge annually to celebrate a common Scottish heritage! While the event is usually a dinner, in 2006 the Societies attended a Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles baseball game!

Annual Angus MacDuffer Golf Classic This is newest annual event and is conducted at the Sterling (Virginia) Golf Club. The format is Captain’s Choice (best ball) on a par 3 course, which guarantees fun for all levels of play.

Haggis Shoot The skeet and pistol shooting event is held at the Fairfax Rod and Gun Club and is open to Members, spouses and guests. Every participant provides his/her own ammunition. After range shooting, members compete in a "haggis" (i.e., turkey) shoot for small prizes. The shoot usually lasts from about 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tartan Ball Usually held on the first Friday of November, this formal event is the biggest one of the year! The grand affair includes dinner and entertainment by the St. Andrew's Society Pipes and Drums and a swing orchestra. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction, with proceeds going to the Society's scholarship fund.

Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Held on the first Saturday in December, the walk is the highlight of a weekend of activities co-sponsored by the Campagna Center of Alexandria. Early Saturday morning, Society Members attend breakfast and lay a wreath on the tomb of William Hunter, founder of the St. Andrew's Society of Alexandria. The parade steps off at 10:30am led by the St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums, followed by the kilted Officers and Members of the Society.

Jefferson Cup Luncheons On the 1st and 3rd Mondays in each month, members gather at the Pier Seven restaurant on Maine Avenue, in the District, to enjoy good camaraderie at lunch. Ladies Day luncheons are held in May and December, while all of the other luncheons are stag.

The Pipes and Drums of the St. Andrew's Society The Society sponsors its own pipe band, which hosts a fundraising event at a local restaurant. Entertainment consists of music by the Pipes and Drums, performance by the Highland Dancers, and ballads sung by well known singers.

Virginia Scottish Games Founded by the Society and now run by a separate orginization, tthe Society actively supports and participates in the Virginia Scottish Games. The Games features Pipe bands, Highland and Country Dancing, fiddle and harp competitions, all kinds of Scottish food and merchandise -- and of course the Highland games including caber-tossing!

Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair The Society participates in the Alexandria Scottish Heritage Fair by hosting a tent at the entrance and many of the clans have their own tents. This free event is held at the Fort Ward Park in Alexandria and includes musical performers, Scottish "beasties," food vendors, and Scottish merchants.