As I leave the office of President I just want to thank each of you that helped me during this year. With the help of the board and the help of the members nothing would have been accomplished. One of the high points is the up coming Tartan Day Celebration on April 8^th at Grand Affairs. I am hoping all of you can attend. I know for some $28 is a lot but I think you will find it worth your money.

From all the reports that I have received NESSIE is looking great and will represent the society with pride. The redesigned Nessie and new trailer will represent the Society in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Norfolk and the Tartan Day Parade in Virginia Beach.

We now have locked storage boxes at the library so that Board members and officers do not have to carry all the society books, papers, banners and food items in their cars but can keep them safely at the Library.

I hope each of you will be in attendance on 1 March 2006 for the elections and will VOTE for the people you believe will do the best job for the Society over the next year and into the future.

Yours Aye,
Manny

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The Ted Constant Center at Old Dominion University was the scene of great pomp and circumstance on January 17, when the Black Watch and the Band of Welsh Guards performed to a very enthusiastic crowd.

It was an absolute pleasure to hear such musical artisans as these bands. The pipes and drums of the Black Watch were beautifully complimented by the brass instruments of the Welsh Guards.

The Black Watch is a fully operational infantry regiment of the British Army. Their official name is the Royal Highland Regiment, but the nickname of Black Watch has stuck because of the traditional uniform of the regiment, a dark blue and green tartan that can appear black from a distance.

The 94-member band of the regiment, The Black Watch Pipes and Drums, is noted for its precision and skill during performances, in which it plays the music of England, Ireland and Scotland.

The Welsh Guards belongs to the Guard Divisions of the British Army, the forces given the special task of guarding Buckingham Palace. They are the soldiers in the tall, furry hats seen during the Changing of the Guard ceremony where the regiment’s band usually plays. In addition to standing guard over the royal family, the Welsh Guard also have the distinction of having appeared with such large orchestras as The Royal Philharmonic and the Halle Orchestra.

The Ted Constant was the perfect venue for this type of show. Though it was not a "sell out" performance, the crowd was very enthusiastic, and many were able to get an up- close seat. The acoustics were excellent as well.

One medley that was sure to be a crowd-pleaser in this town was when the Welsh Guards played the US Service tunes. When each hymn was played, service members associated with that branch stood and cheered. Of course, when "Anchors Aweigh" was played, 2/3rd of the crowd stood and cheered.

Seldom are we treated to such expert Highland dancing as we saw that night. The eight dancers of the 1st Batallion performed flawlessly. Watching them perform the sword dance was one of many highlights of the evening.

The pre-show "Celtic Festival" featured Highland and Irish Step dancers, a performance by Tidewater Pipes and Drums, as well as a whisky tasting. Eighty tickets were sold for the whisky tasting, which was conducted by Whisky Tasting Society president Mike Lawler. Participants seemed to enjoy their pre-show dram in this setting.

The SST had an informational table set up, which was heavily trafficked with curious potential members. There were also several vendors selling their Celtic-themed wares, including Celtic Cottage and Celtic Papers.

The Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Corps served as the color guard for the bands.

Throughout the show, the "Ted" marquis welcomed all the Celtic-themed organizations in attendance – the SST, St. Andrews Society of Tidewater, Tidewater Irish American Society, Tidewater Pipe & Drums, Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps, etc. It was nice to know they appreciated our support.

The Black Watch and Band of the Welsh Guards delivered an awe-inspiring grand finale of "Ode to Joy," "Amazing Grace" and a medley of "Abide With Me," "Last Post" and "Taps" before bidding the audience farewell with a set of final muster songs.

I for one had never heard Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy," on the pipes, but it was as stirring as it was unexpected.

The whole show was amazing. If ever you have the chance to see either of these bands perform, take full advantage of the opportunity. You will be so grateful you did.

Members of the Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Corps celebrated their third anniversary at a Holiday Party on Saturday, December 17.

Following the "piping in" by Pipe major Brendan Konouck, Board members who were elected during the Band’s November business meeting were sworn in to office. President Tom Crouch, Vice President James Cartwright, Secretary Sandy Dailey, Treasurer William Kennedy, Quartermaster Cathy Hudson, Sgt-at-Arms Steve Dailey, and Public Information Officer Lynette Gilmour will serve two-year terms. They were congratulated by Newport News Assistant Police Chief Tommy Bennett.

President Tom Crouch welcomed band members to the holiday gathering and gave special recognition to Manny Willis, president of the Scottish Society of Tidewater, and his wife Robin, and to SST member Scott MacGregor.

The popping of traditional "Christmas Crackers" and the enjoyment of a three-course meal followed. As members and guests finished their desserts, the Peninsula Songbirds, directed by Anne Korff, performed a selection of Christmas music including a sing-along version of Jingle Bells. (NOTE: Following the sing-along, it was suggested that, in future, the band concentrate on piping and drumming and forego vocalizing their musical talents.)

A surprise visit by Santa McClaus in the person of "Doc" Hudson brought cheers from the group as Santa distributed gifts and favors ranging from serious (including framed pressed heath against tartan cloth background) to comic (a cartoon panel of things one should NEVER say to a police officer when being cited for a traffic violation).

Tom then made a special presentation to the Member of the Year, Cathy Hudson. Cathy was cited for her outstanding contributions to the band and for going "above and beyond the duties" of her office. She received a commemorative plaque professionally engraved by Piper Joe Delendeck.

Tom asked for a round of applause for SST member Scott MacGregor who has supported the band’s efforts since its inception three years ago. Scott has attended every public function and fund-raising event the Band has held. He received an appreciation gift from the Band.

Tom then awarded the commendation plaque to Arthur Korff for his tireless efforts as pipe instructor and general advisor about Scottish customs and traditions.

The evening concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Robert & Kelly Bloodworth - Clan: Laird
Marsha Mathews - Clan: McFarlane
Mark & Kimberly McKnight - Clan: Frasier

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George MacRae has been recently hospitalized. George has been a devoted member of the SST for many years, and has been a well-known piper in the area as well. Please keep George in your thoughts and prayers.

Following a recent bout with a kidney ailment, Al Cowan felt good enough to attend the February SST meeting, back to his ornery self. He looked fit and rested.

So glad to see you’re doing so well, Al! And we missed Joyce, too!

Anne Korff has been awarded the "FSA Scot" designation. What an honor! Congratulations, Anne!.

That was our own Terry Bopka that you may have seen in the Rose Bowl Parade. He played with the Royal Canadian Legion's Massed Pipes & Drums. Way to go, Terry!

"Weel Done" to Lynnette Fitch Brash who recently taught Highland dance steps and Scottish social dances to Girl Scout Troop 523. The scouts are currently studying Scottish culture for a presentation they will give next month, complete with kilts, shortbread, and Scottish dancing. Thanks for sharing our Scottish heritage with the next generation, Lynnette!

Anne & Arthur Korff are escorting a tour of Scotland which includes an evening at the Edinburgh Tattoo and a trip to Mull & Iona. It’s a 10-day trip for $1,800, plus air fare. If you’re interested, please hurry, as there aren’t many spaces left.

Marcey & Skip Hunter are planning a trip to Inverness & Strathglass, Scotland, this July to attend the International Gathering of the Clan Chisholm. Marcey is on the Board of Directors for the Clan Chisholm, US Branch, and also serves as the Clan Chisholm newsletter Editor. Andrew Francis Hamish Chisholm, of Chisholm, thirty-third Chief of Clan Chisholm, will be in attendance.

OSC Skip Hunter will be transferred to the USS Arleigh Burke in March. He is the midst of a six-month deployment. With luck, he will join us at the May SST meeting!

Do you have interesting news to share with the SST membership?
For example, are you planning a trip to Scotland? Is your Clan holding a gathering soon?
Do you have a new addition in your family?
Are you or someone you know in the SST recovering from surgery or illness?
Have you recently moved to a new home?
WE WANT TO SHARE YOU NEWS!

If so, please send it to Marcey at marcey9@cox.net.

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Scottish Americans in Hampton Roads are encouraged to join together for an evening of dinner, drink and dance.

For our Tartan Day 2006, it was decided by the Board of Directors that the SST should sponsor an evening affair for the membership and invited guests.

The event is being held on Saturday, April 8th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Grand Affairs Virginia Beach. There will be a full dinner with your choice of entrees, salad, side dishes and dessert.

Following the dinner, we will be entertained by the locally renowned band, Poisoned Dwarf, along with Scottish Ceilidh dancing. Everyone, from new beginner to advanced dancer, is invited to join in the Ceilidh! It promises to be a fun time for all.

Interspersed throughout the evening, there will be additional presentations of Scottish music and readings of pertinent Scottish poetry and prose - both informative and entertaining.

There will be a cash bar, and of course, door prizes, door prizes, and door prizes.

If you're inclined to "dress for the ball" in full tartan dress attire, please do. If, on the other hand, you'd feel more comfortable dining and dancing in "nice" tartan casual attire, well that's welcome too. The important thing is to join fellow Scottish Americans in the celebration of our heritage.

Tickets will be on sale at the March Society meeting or may be obtained from Manny Willis or Bob and Jeanne Rider. Ticket price is a bargain - $28.00 and the deadline is March 31, 2006. For additional information contact Bob or Jeanne at beach.riders@verizon.net.

The SST will be electing a new slate of officers at the Annual Meeting in March. Now is your chance to be part of the SST leadership. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates who are willing to bring forward some new ideas and new energy for the coming year.

Up for election this year will be the one-year terms of the president, the vice president, the secretary, the treasurer and the two-year terms of three (3) positions on the Board of Directors. There is also a one-year term available on the Board at this time.

Any member who is in good standing is eligible to run for office and vote at the Annual Meeting. A member in good standing is one whose membership is current and dues are paid to date.

Interested? Contact Genene Butler at sunshinenthemorning@cox.net.

Thanks to GENENE BUTLER for serving as Nominations Chair, and for putting together such a strong slate!
REMEMBER: Nominations may still be made from the floor at the March meeting.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Scottish Society member James West has become one of Virginia Beach's most popular acoustic performers. James plays at Keagan's Irish Pub and Restaurant at Virginia Beach's Town Center (from 7 - 9 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, and 12 - 3 Sundays), and at the new Keagan's Restaurant and Tavern at Jefferson Commons in Newport News (from 7 - 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays).

James sings an inspiring mix of traditional ballads, rowdy drinking songs and modern favorites, and he boasts one of the largest collection of Irish Rebel songs in the area.

James was recently featured in the Daily Break section the Virginian-Pilot (Jan. 6) at the release of his new CD, "All Craic'D Up," a disc of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic folk music. The tracks were produced at Midi Werks studio in Ghent and feature special guest performances by Martin Marron, a local Irish pub music multi-instrumentalist, and Tom Cassidy, a New Yorker who plays Uillean, or Irish, bagpipes. The CD is available at his shows for $15.

James is a second generation Irish-American whose mother's family hails from County Down, Northern Ireland. On his father’s side, he is a member of the Keith Clan through his Marshall ancestry.

He has been singing for several years, and has been the resident performer at Keagan's Irish Pub since its opening. He brings a unique voice to many favorites, but is also known for injecting his shows with a modern edge, including music from contemporary Irish and Celtic bands like the Saw Doctors, Seven Nations, and Great Big Sea. Occasionally, he lets his punk roots show with numbers from Flogging Molly and Social Distortion, to name a few. He might just have a few surprises up his sleeve for the fans of good old acoustic rock, as well. Don't be afraid to make any request. If he cannot play it now, he just might add it in the future!

James is married to Anne (Willis) West, daughter of Manny and Robin (McDowell) Willis, and has three sons, Christopher Lee (8), Seamus Marshall (6) and Andrew Douglas (2). Anne and James first met at the Clan Keith tent at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival.

For more information, a play list and links to song lyrics, go to James' website at http://jameswestmusic.com/.

Are you an active duty military or military veteran with an interest in military history? Are you of Scottish ancestry? If so, than you may be just was SAMS is looking for. The Colonel Patrick Henry Post 76 is recruiting new members.

The Scottish-American Military Society (SAMS) was founded and chartered in North Carolina, April 12, 1981, as a non-profit organization, formed to preserve and promote Scottish and American Armed Forces customs, traditions, and heritage. The Society was founded as a veteran’s organization. The membership is composed primarily of veterans of Scottish ancestry who have served -- or are serving -- in the Armed Forces of the United States and the Commonwealth. Membership is open to honorably discharged veterans or active duty or reserve military persons who have served or are serving with any branch of the US Armed Forces. Honorary life memberships are awarded to members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or the Victoria Cross.

If you have an interest in military history, Scottish Heritage or just want to wear a kilt and march in parades, please come and join us.

Contact Lawrence McCauley at lmccaule@bellatlantic.net.

Glenmorangie Madeira Wood Finish - a Highland Whisky

Glenmorangie (pronounced to rhyme with "orangey") is the biggest selling single malt in Scotland. Glenmorangie means "Glen of Tranquility" in Gaelic. The distillery is at Tain is in the county of Ross-shire, on the Morangie burn and overlooking the Dornoch Firth.

The water comes from the comes from the Tarlogie Springs, which rise about a mile above the distillery. These waters once fell as rain on the Hill of Tain, then filtered down through lime and sandstone rocks, gathering minerals on the way, before rising again at Tarlogie. It can take up to a hundred years for the falling rain to emerge as spring water. So precious is this source of water that Glenmorangie has acquired the entire catchment area of the spring, or some 650 acres. The surrounding area is rich in heather and clover, which lend the traditional “bitey” sensation that is common among Highland whiskies.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Glenmorangie's process is its distillation. The stills at Glenmorangie are unique in several respects. They are much smaller than is usual and they have a boil pot, or small bulge, at the base of the still column on both the wash and spirit stills.

They also have the tallest columns of any stills in Scotland, at nearly 17 feet. There's a reason for this. Back in 1843 the original distillery was built around second-hand London Gin stills; and their exceptional height has been a feature of every still used here since. This is especially significant, since it ensures that only the lightest and purest vapors can ascend and condense into spirit.

Glenmorangie has led the way in the industry in its use of a variety of different wood finishes. Much of the character of single malt scotch is acquired through years spent in second hand wooden casks, and it matters greatly whether these were previously used to store bourbon, sherry, port, or Madeira, etc.

The Glenmoranigie Maderia Wood Finish is delicately spicy, and has almost a honey aftertaste. In younger ages, it is idea as an aperitif; in older ages, it’s best enjoyed after dinner. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it will undoubtedly be an unusual malt whisky experience.

The Glenmorangie Madeira Wood Finish 12-year old sells in the Virginia ABC system for about $55.