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SUNDAY BAGGED LUNCH DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS
Organised by the HANG OUT DO GOOD and the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Simply make 10 (or more) bagged lunches that include: a sandwich - preferably on white bread, a drink, snacks, chips, granola bar, a cookie, fruit etc. and a napkin. Be certain to label the outside of the bag with what kind of sandwich is inside.
Convenient drop-off locations
DETAILS HERE:
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Welcome to The Thistle – Official Newsletter of St. Andrew's Society |
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We are now past the mid-point of the year and The Thistle with its new look is reaching more members and followers than ever before. The Thistle is now published each month and delivered directly to your in-box. Archived issues going back to 2008 are available on the website. Please submit articles and newsworthy information to The Editor at: rees1@mac.com. or:
The Editor
St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles
3836 Goodland Avenue
Studio City, CA 91604
The publisher accepts no responsibility for the opinions expressed, accuracy of information, or similarity of names submitted by authors.
Archived editions of The Thistle starting 2008 may be viewed here.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Ian J. Skone-Rees, FSA Scot email
The Policies & Procedures of the Society have been updated. Current members of the Society may view these in the member restricted area of the website.
Social Media: Kim Attebery, Heather Griffith, Ian Skone-Rees, Cindy Jean Wylie
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Happy Birthday
Mr. Bond
25th August 1930
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The James Bond film series is one of the longest continually-running film series in history, having been in on-going production from 1962 to the present. And it all started with this man, Sean Connery. For many of us Sean is the epitome of the character created by Ian Flemming and in a recent survey the Scot topped the list as the most popular Bond.
Sir Sean Connery has been polled in the Sunday Herald as "The Greatest Living Scot" and in a EuroMillions survey as "Scotland's Greatest Living National Treasure".
It's an honour that our Society shares the same birthday anniversary – 90 years – as Sir Sean.
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Danjaq is the holding company for Eon Productions, and owns the copyright and trademarks to James Bond in film. Eon licenses these rights from Danjaq. |
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19:30 Sat 5 Sep 2020 City Halls, Glasgow
Stephen Hough joins Thomas Dausgaard and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Also featured are Richard Strauss's Metamorphosen and a world premiere from Jay Capperauld.
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From The Editor
It is an unfortunate fact that since the founding of The St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles in 1930 there has not been a great deal of emphasis on recording its history. We do have many records of Board Meetings and events from the early days including a record of the first St. Andrew's Day dinner held at the famous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on December 5th, 1930. It is interesting to note that at that gathering, telegrams of congratulations were read from such notables as Sir Harry Lauder, and Ramsey MacDonald (a past and future Prime Minister of Great Britain). These documents are archived on the Society's website in the member's only area under the Board Meeting tab.
The Society was founded by James Loudon and Alex Cowie. James Loudon's daughter Irene and we corresponded until her passing in which she was very generous in sharing some of the history of her father including photographs. James Loudon came to the United States in 1906. Prior to leaving Scotland he was a trombonist in a Scots Regimental band. Here are a couple of newspaper cuttings. I intend to share more in future newsletters, so stay tuned.
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James Loudon
Prior to leaving Scotland James Loudon was a trombonist in a Scottish regimental band.
The editor shares some background with James Loudon (see below) as a member of the Executive Committee of the BUSC, a past Director and V.P. of the British American Chamber of Commerce*, and President of the St. Andrews Society (2014-2020).
*forerunner of the British American Business Council.
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ST. KILDA, THE EVACUATION
As many of you know and as evidenced by this newsletter's nameplate 2020 is the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles. It is also the 90th anniversary of the evacuation of St. Kilda. At 8 a.m. on 29th August, 1930 the evacuation began of the 37 inhabitants who remained on the remote island. The narrative is compelling and marked the end of at least 2,000 years of human occupation. Read the story here as documented by the West Highland Museum.
The article includes the letter written to The Secretary of State for Scotland requesting assistance and film footage of the actual evacuation.
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Show Us Your Tartan!
Gentleman's Ties • Ladies Sash • Men's Polo Shirts • Rosette • Kilt • Lapel Pin • Cap Badge – New
Blazer Badge – New Face Masks – New
Visit our online shop to order and express your SASLA membership in our 90th year
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Gentleman's Full Length KiIt |
Shop these and other items in St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles' official tartan here. |
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Official registration certificate recorded with The Scottish Register of Tartans.
The St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles tartan colours mirror those found in its shield registered with The Lord Lyon.
WHITE - signifies truth & sincerity
GOLD - signifies generosity & glory
BLACK - signifies constancy & prudence
BLUE - signifies loyalty & strength
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Tartan Face Masks
Still available. Fitted & Flat versions.
Face masks in dupioni silk double lined in our Society tartan. Flat, or Fitted (as shown) mask style. Limited quantity available.
All proceeds support SASLA donations to the LA Regional Food Bank.
Place your order NOW to avoid disappointment.
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Apply online or download a membership application.
Existing members may also renew their membership here.
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Stay tuned for our new series of St. Andrew’s PodCasts
Fascinating interviews with entertainment personalities,
government leaders and community advocates.
St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles
where Scotland meets the City of Angels …
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We are thrilled to present an in-depth interview with multi-award winning Scottish fashion designer, Siobhan MacKenzie. Just click on the icon and enjoy the discussion with co-hosts Jowanna Lewis and SASLA President Kimberlee Bradford.
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Click the YouTube icon below for the latest podcasts. Enjoy!
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Siobhan was the designer of the Team Scotland Opening Ceremony outfits of The Commonwealth Games 2018 (held in The Gold Coast, Australia) |
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B A R B O U R
Unveiled at New York Tartan Week, Siobhan's design worn by V.P. Helen Barbour. The Scottish roots of Barbour brought to life.
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“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
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Now a distant memory but in 2018 the St. Andrew's Society had the distinct pleasure and privilege of welcoming the senior USA representatives for the Scottish Government, Counselor Joni Smith and 2nd Secretary Rory Hedderly. As our guests at the Seaside HIghland Games Joni and Rory immersed themselves in our Scottish community and made an instant connection with our Society. Since then the Scottish Affairs Office based in the British Embassy Washington DC has been supportive of our Society in many ways including provision of various items that have enhanced our events.
You can see and listen to Joni's message of congratulation on the Society's 90th Anniversary here.
The Scottish government's #scotlandisnow marketing campaign is part of our outreach to extend knowledge of Scottish culture, history, and business throughout southern California and beyond.
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PLEASE HELP
This year your St. Andrew's Society has re-focused its charitable giving to include support of organizations helping those in distress as a result of COVID-19. Already this year we have given significant financial donations to Project Angel Food, Keck Street Medicine, LAUSD Grab & Go Food Bank, The LA Regional Food Bank, and the British Benevolent Society. This has been made possible by generous contributions to the St. Andrew's Society by its members and friends. Our continued support can only be possible through your ongoing help. At the end of this newsletter there is a DONATE button. Any amount, no matter how small, can help. Even the most modest contribution can make a real difference.
St. Andrew's Society is an IRS registered 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. The Society treasurer will issue a letter of receipt for all contributions.
Please do what you can.
Thank you
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Alex Boyd is an Award Winning landscape and documentary photographer, printmaker and writer who is a prominent feature in the National Galleries of Scotland. His work is primarily of the Scottish landscape. As a photographer his work examines the role of early Scottish landscape photographers, often using antique processes such as the Victorian wet-plate collodion process using antique cameras in mountain environments.
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Pipes – Special Performance |
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Meet a New Member
Ben Wilkins
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Originally from south London, Ben moved to Los Angeles California to pursue a career in sound for feature films. Two decades and nearly 160 films later, Ben is just getting started. Part of a rare breed that is as good at designing sounds as he is at mixing them. Ben took home the Oscar for Sound Mixing and the BAFTA for Sound on the independent film Whiplash (2014). Ben is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and BAFTA.
The majority of Ben’s friends and family are now living in Scotland, with an aunt from Loch Ness, as well as a young tear-away of a God-daughter in Fife and several friends from Glasgow.
He and his wife of 11 years, actress Stella Valente, live with their three cats in rural seclusion, in the Hollywood Hills.
His biggest regret in life is not having attended more St Andrews Society events when he had the chance!
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Ben Wilkins
Oscar Winner for Sound Mixing
"Whiplash" (2014)
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Scotland's Inventions
How Scots invented the Modern World
How Scots invented the modern world and everything in it. By Arthur Herman
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Sir Alexander Fleming is perhaps one of the best known Scots, thanks to his discovery of penicillin. Fleming was a recipient of the Nobel Prize and in 2009 was voted the 3rd greatest Scot behind Robert Burns and William Wallace. What you may not know about this life-saving discovery is that he happened upon it somewhat by accident. In fact, Fleming's general lack of tidiness was to thank for the discovery. In 1928, while working with the flu virus, Fleming returned to his lab after a prolonged family holiday to find the cultures he had been working on stacked in a corner in his laboratory. Noticing unusual changes in the cultures Fleming used them to isolate the penicillin, marking the start of modern antibiotics. |
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Scotsman William Cullen, who was born way back in 1710, is the man we have to thank for the invention of the refrigerator. Its introduction fundamentally changed the way people around the world were able to store and transport food. The fridge opened up new tastes from far off lands and helped prolong the life of perishable food items. Cullen demonstrated his discovery at Glasgow University in 1748, though at the time no effort was made to commercialise the invention. Today there are more than 500 million refrigerators in use across the globe. |
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Next time you wake up in the morning, stick a slice of bread in the toaster and patiently await the satisfying ping on your breakfast, spare a thought for Alan MacMasters - the Scotsman who invented the first electric toaster. Born in the capital city of Edinburgh, MacMasters developed the electric toaster way back in 1893 - a full 35 years before the invention of sliced bread! Legend has it that MacMasters came up with the idea thanks to 'inspiration' from another Scottish invention - whisky. After drinking half a bottle of whisky one evening while working on lighting technology for the London Underground, he noticed that the electrical elements ran so hot they were burning his nearby bread. |
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Rebus
A nail biting genre of mystery
available on britbox
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The curmudgeonly DI John Rebus' investigations lead him throughout Edinburgh, from its ancient beauty and into its more sinister quarters. With its intricate plots and sharp dark humor, Rebus is a captivating adaptation of the beloved Ian Rankin novels.
Starring
John Hannah
Siobhan Clarke
Gill Templer
Jack Morton
Mary Logan
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Chris Gerrard
In November 2013 two mass burials were discovered unexpectedly on a construction site in the city of Durham in north-east England. Over the next 2 years, a complex jigsaw of evidence was pieced together by a team of archaeologists to establish the identity of the human remains. Today we know them to be some of the Scottish prisoners who died in the autumn of 1650 in Durham cathedral and castle following the battle of Dunbar on the south-east coast of Scotland. Fought between the English and the Scots, this was one of the key engagements of the War of the Three Kingdoms.
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D. K. Broster
Set during the 1745 Jacobite uprising under Bonnie Prince Charlie, D. K. Broster’s The Flight of the Heron is the first of the Jacobite Trilogy.
At the center of the story are the intersecting fortunes of two men, who at first glance seem almost complete opposites: Ewen Cameron, a young Highland laird in the service of the Prince, is dashing, sincere, and idealistic, while Major Keith Windham, a professional soldier in the opposing English army, is cynical, world-weary, and profoundly lonely. When a second-sighted Highlander tells Ewen that the flight of a heron will lead to five meetings with an Englishman who is fated both to do him a great service and to cause him great grief, Ewen refuses to believe it.
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Book Reviewer
Society member Heather Griffith is a contributor to this newsletter and to our Society's social media. She is also a published author and writer (nom de plume Eilidh Miller) of the acclaimed series, 'The Watchers'.
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Get ready for an online Trick or Treat – BE WARNED!
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With Richard MacKenzie, MDCM
3rd V. P. and Board Trustee
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Rev. Charles (Chuck) Robertson Jr. D.Min |
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Chuck, thanks for taking the time to allow me to interview you. You have been the Chaplain for the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles for almost seven years. The St Andrew' Society of Los Angeles has evolved, both internationally and locally, to promote and support Scottish history, traditions, and culture in addition to its charitable activities. I understand that you are not a native Californian. How did you get involved with SASLA?
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There is no single language that has ever historically been spoken by all Scots.
How many did you get right last issue? See if you can do better…
In the southern areas, Lowland Scots traditionally was the norm.
Gaelic was spoken in central and northern areas.
The off-shore islands to the far north (Orkney Isles and Shetland Isles) spoke 'Norn' (a form of Old Norse).
Rogue words from this extinct language still pepper the speech of the people who live on the islands.
Although the traditional Gaelic is still spoken in some areas, and today Scotland is moving towards becoming a fully dual-language country (English and Scots Gaelic), 'Scottish English' is what is spoken by the majority of Scots.
Do you know what these phrases mean?
(answers at the end of this newsletter)
- "I’ll gie ye a skelpit lug!."
- "Failing means yer playin!"
- "We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns!"
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Celebrating the launch of the Arbroath anniversary events at Arbroath Abbey, Angus. |
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1320 – 2020 700th Anniversary
Declaration of Arbroath
Scottish Independence
A horse-led procession of over 500 people marching from Arbroath Abbey to Arbroath Harbour, an atmospheric re-enactment of the Declaration of Arbroath sailing to France in 1320, a giant outdoor lunch on Beacon Green and hundreds of voices singing within the walls of Arbroath Abbey are just some of the events which will guarantee the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath is celebrated in style.
Widely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s most important documents, the Declaration of Arbroath was sent from Arbroath Abbey to Pope John in Avignon on 6 April 1320. The letter, with the seals of Scotland’s nobles attached, emphasised Scotland’s right to be a nation, while also stressing that the country’s king had to follow the will of the people, sowing the seeds of modern democracy.
On 5 April over 500 people marked the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath by taking part in a procession from Arbroath Abbey to Arbroath Harbour. The Arbroath 2020 Procession evoked the spirit of Arbroath’s Declaration Pageants of the 1950s and 1960s, when hordes of cheering onlookers lined the streets as hundreds of medieval nobles, soldiers and monks made their way to the Abbey for the re-enactment of the 1320 signing of the Declaration of Arbroath.
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Porridge – It's Good For You! |
The Scots have been enjoying their porridge for centuries, and rightly so.
Made from oats (which are one of the few grains that grow well in Scotland's climate), Scottish porridge is tasty AND nutritious, and is packed full of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
As part of a healthy diet, it's a great way to help reduce cholesterol, and the slow-release carbs mean it keeps you full (and full of energy) until lunchtime.
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Scottish Porridge Trivia....
- Traditionally, porridge is stirred with a wooden rod called a 'Spirtle' or 'Spurtle', which looks a bit like a drumstick (not the chicken variety!)
- Superstition has it that Scottish porridge should always be stirred clockwise - and preferably with your right hand - otherwise the Devil will come for the person doing the stirring!
- Porridge is traditionally served in wooden bowls, and eaten standing up. Each spoonful should be dipped in a bowl of cream that's shared by everyone at the table
- Porridge could well have been the worlds' first 'take-out'. Centuries ago, an authentic porridge recipe such as this one would be used to cook up a big pot and what wasn't eaten for breakfast would be poured into 'drawers' or another container and allowed to cool. Once it was cooled, the porridge could be cut up into slices or blocks, wrapped, and taken along on the days' work to be eaten for lunch, dinner or a snack!
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Scottish Rugby Matches to Resume
By Steve Adams
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Scotland’s final match of the 2020 Six Nations will take place against Wales on Halloween (10/31) at a venue to be determined.
Coach Gregor Townsend’s squad sit in third place on 10 points after four games, trailing England and France, who are tied with 13 points, but England having the tie breaker on points differential.
Scotland lost two tough opening games to Ireland and England 19-12 and 13-6. The loss to England in Edinburgh was played in some of the worst conditions I have ever seen for an international rugby match. The Scots were able to rebound against Italy in Rome, 17-0, then at Murrayfield, Scotland upset the young, high-flying French squad 28-17 with their best match of the tournament behind two tries from Sean Maitland and Jamie Ritchie’s Man of the Match Performance.
The Welsh, Scotland’s final opponent, have been up and down this 2020 Season, having lost to England and Ireland, but having defeated France and Italy.
For Scotland to shock rugby fans and win their first Six Nations (in 1999 Scotland won the last 5 Nations tournament), they will need to defeat the defending champs, and hope that both England and France lose their last games to Italy and Ireland.
In 1999, England lost in the closing moments to Wales to lose the Grand Slam and 5 Nations and allow Scotland to win its last major rugby prize. Can this Pandemic affected 2020 see an unlikely Scottish triumph? Or will the Scottish side, who is the rugby version of Charlie Brown be disappointed once again?
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St. Andrew's Society of Montréal
Our St. Andrew's Society enjoys a sister relationship with the St. Andrew's Society of Montréal. Established in 1835 the Montréal Society is one of the oldest in north America. Board member Richard MacKenzie MD, a Montréal native, first suggested we establish a formal relationship with Montréal in 2016 when then president Ian Skone-Rees was invited with his wife Eileen to be guests of honour at their St. Andrew's Day Ball. That first introduction resulted in several SASLA members traveling to Montréal to attend subsequent Balls, including our current President KImberlee Bradford. Since then we have been honoured to welcome past Montréal president Jason MacCallum and his wife Antoinette to LA including attendance at our Garden Party in 2017.
The two Societies are now entering on a new phase to help build on this important relationship by sharing information from each others newsletters to keep our members informed of each Society's activities. Enjoy.
During the Spring and early Summer Montréal Council member and past president Ian Aitken established a series of 'pop-up pipers' who played at various locations throughout the city and were filmed by Ian's son Angus. This series has now come to an end with the solo performance of Nolan-Patrick Cunningham. Others may be found on the Montréal website here.
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This week's Pop-up Piper at the Musée des beaux arts, Montréal
Piper Nolan-Patrick Cunningham plays on the steps of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The museum was founded in 1860, making it the oldest museum in Canada. It moved to its current location in the heart of the historic Golden Square Mile in 1912, thanks to the support and generosity of many prominent Montrealers including Scotsman Senator Robert Mackay (who owned the building site on Sherbrooke Street West), and railway tycoons James Ross and Richard B. Angus. Today the museum houses a wide collection of art ranging from works by Old Masters to creations by contemporary artists, spread across five pavilions.
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Our association with this fabled publication continues with its new owners Chelsea Magazines of London. We are delighted to be in contact with Editor Scotland, Sally Coffey.
Sally has already reached out to invite us to keep her abreast of our activities and we look forward to continuing spreading the word of our SoCal Scottish community with The Highlander.
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Did you know that every time you buy something from Amazon, you can help St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles? Simply go to https://smile.amazon.com and register or sign in, and choose St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles as your charity! Once you're signed up, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to help support our mission!
You shop. Amazon gives
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Tartan Day 2016 the founders of WeeBox donated samples for our St. Andrew's Tartan Day Ball. Some lucky guests went home with a box of Scottish Treasures and some others subscribed and have a WeeBox delivered to their home each month. Why not join them? Click below to find out how. |
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Our Members love WeeBox
I received my first Wee Box yesterday and love it all! – Kim Attebery
I've been getting them for a year and it makes me SO HAPPY. "WeeBox day" is an exciting one in our house. – Heather Griffith
Thank you for bringing me a piece of Scotland every month
Tress Maksimuk – The Dark Isle Piper
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WORLD'S BEST SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT |
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Tamdhu
Sandy McIntyre's SC
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SCOTLAND
"Excellent complexity and depth. Nose has notes of rosewater and wildflowers with manuka honey, flapjacks, vanilla and overripe nectarines. Velvety palate with orange oil, dried papaya, cherry chocolates and some gentle spice. Superb."
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What is Single Malt Whisky?
Single Malt Whisky is malt whisky from a single distillery. Under the UK's 'Scotch Whisky Regulations', a Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be made exclusively from malted barley, must be distilled using pot stills at a single distillery, and must be aged for at least three years in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres (185 US gallons).
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It's Simple to Shop, Save, and Support
SAVE 10% and DONATE 10% to SASLA
- Shop for gifts (or for yourself) from our Scottish designers
- Use the code SASLA2020 at checkout to save 10% off your total purchase
- Feel good knowing that 10% of your total purchase will also be donated to The St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles
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A Few of Our Favourite Things |
If you're looking to get your Scottish fix of food and drink from hame try these online sources: |
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Make sure you try Irn-Bru – Scotland's 'other' national drink |
Scotland is one of the few countries in the world where a locally-made soft drink outsells Coca-Cola.
Brewed from Girders.
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On 15th July 1946: Irn Bru was born. The drink (first made in 1901) had previously been called Strachan's Brew then Iron Brew. New advertising legislation required the removal of the word 'brew' because it is not brewed. What's your favourite can from this selection of belters?
Brewed from Girders.
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Shop with Scottish Treasures (aka Celtic Corner) online or in our store and we will donate 10% of the sale to the St. Andrews Society of Los Angeles. Upon checkout online, simply mention you are a member of the St. Andrews Society and we will do the rest! If you shop in our store in Coronado, please mention to the staff you are a member. |
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Like many small businesses MacLeods is facing challenging times but with typical Scottish ingenuity proprietor Alistair Boase is meeting the challenges head-on. MacLeods' support of our Society is without bounds and now it is time for us to reciprocate. What better way than to order beer and a pizza, pick-up or delivery – learn how here…
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Belhaven – or “Beautiful harbour” – nestles among the rolling barley fields of the beautiful East Lothian coast, around 20 miles east of Edinburgh. For nearly 300 years, we have brewed in this place using only the finest local barley and choicest hops!
Established in 1719, Belhaven is Scotland’s oldest working brewery. With abundant local barley, fine water from the brewery well and access to markets up and down the coast, Belhaven was the perfect place for a brewery back then, and it still is today.
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Many thanks to David Montoya of St. Killian Imports for supplying Belhaven for our events. |
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SCOTLANDISNOW is a collaborative marketing campaign which relies on partners outside of government promoting it in their wider communications/engagement work. Our St. Andrew's Society is proud to partner with Scottish Counselor in the US Joni Smith and her office in promoting Scotland in southern California and beyond.
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Language Answers
- I’ll give you a slap on the ear.
- When you fail at something at least you’re trying.
- We’re all God’s children, nobody is better than anybody else – we’re all equal.
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St Andrew's Society LA Scots is a common law registered mark of the St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles
The St. Andrew's Shield is registered with the Lord Lyon King of Arms, at Edinburgh, as a Society Noble in the Noblesse of Scotland, attested by Ensigns Armorial and our motto “Scotia Semper Patria."
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The St. Andrew's Society has donated to key charities helping those most in need during these turbulent times. Please help us continue this outreach by making your own donation. |
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St. Andrew's Society is an IRS registered 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. The Society treasurer will issue a letter of receipt for all contributions. |
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