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September 17 Scottish Games: Alexandria, Virginia Scotland Coat of Arms
Hello Friends & Family! Olivia, Alanna & I spent yesterday in my hometown of Alexandria, Virginia at Fort Ward Park for the annual Scottish Games. Through my genealogy research, I discovered not long ago that I have Scotch-English ancestry. For those that may not know - Scotland is a nation located in the Northern third of the island of Great Britain. It is not unlike Olivia's country in respect to the fact that it consists of many islands - 790 to be exact. It hasn't been a sovereign state since 1707 when it was annexed into the United Kingdom of Great Britain. However, the culture and heritage of Scotland is very distinct from the English and these differences are celebrated by people of Scottish descent.
One of the predominate immigrant groups to the new world during colonial America were Scots and Irish. My mother's paternal ancestor actually fought with William Wallace at the battle of Falkirk. Their family was placed into indentured servitude and came across to America as servants to the English. My father's ancestor came to Western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh from Scotland in the early 1800s in an attempt to start a new life in America.
 Like most historical towns of the colonial period, my birth home of Alexandria Virginia has a rich Scotch-Irish history. In respect to that history and all of the families with Scotch ancestry they have what's called the Virginia Scottish Games & Gathering of the Clans every year. Even though I lived in Alexandria almost my whole life, I had never attended the games before. Now with the knowledge of my genealogy and with a 10 year old daughter in tow...I decided it would be a great idea to occupy our day.
The Scottish Games consist of many attractions and events!
There is also what's called the clan gatherings. As in other ancient cultures, Scotland began as a conglomeration of various clans or tribes. Most surnames of Scottish persons are derivatives of their clan name. An example is my Grandfather's last name of "Calhoun". Through my research, I was able to determine that his ancestry was not Irish as we suspected, but Scottish - evolving from the Scottish clan of "Colquhoun". As you may be familiar...Scots are well known for their kilts, which my daughter affectionately calls a "man-skirt". These come from the traditional tribal dress of Scotland. The plaid color designs, called "tartans" are different to each individual clan. Along with the tartans are the family crest which is usually displayed with a hat or kilt pin.
COLQUHOUN TARTAN AND CREST At the games you can recognize fellow clan-members by their kilts and sash and know that you most certainly share a common ancestor. However, let me tell you that obtaining the modern kilt and dress is no small endeavor. Once you have finished buying the entire thing you will probably have spent around $1000. The kilt is usually around $600 all by itself. Even though it was a rainy day, we had a great time. Olivia and I ate a meat pie and Alanna munched on a Shepherd Pie. The pipebands and highland dancers were especially entertaining. Check out our pictures in the photo album located to the right of the blog. Hope to hear from all of you soon!
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