The 2022 Kilt Skate Capital of Canada

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Well, wasn’t 2022 a curious kilt skate season! On the one hand, the kilt skate family is bigger than ever: this year it grew to 14 Canadian and 2 American cities. On the other hand, the rise of the Omicron Covid virus forced the cancellation of community kilt skates in 10 of those cities. But individuals and families carried on, holding their own socially-distanced “Home Edition” kilt skates.

The weather provided challenges as well. The winter of 2022 will be remembered for exceptionally cold temperatures .

Some kilt skaters were determined to carry on in spite of the occasional blizzard.

But south of the border, where social gatherings faced fewer Covid restrictions, the first community kilt skate of 2022 took place in Concord, NH. The New Hampshire Scots had a beautiful day for their inaugural event on February 6.

With the Covid numbers on a downward trend, the first community kilt skate in Canada for 2022 was organized by the Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association for February 13.

The following weekend was a Family Day holiday in many provinces, and the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg used the Monday to host an event at The Forks.

Next came the double-header weekend when two community kilt skates were held back to back in communities just a short drive from each other: Saturday, February 26, hosted by the Scottish Society of Ottawa…

…and the following day, the winter carnival event hosted by the Township of South Glengarry.

The Glenaladale Heritage Trust and the PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society wrapped up the season in Tracadie PEI, after the event had to be rescheduled several times.

So which of the five Canadian cities takes home the honours as the 2022 Kilt Skate Capital of Canada? This year, the contenders were very close. In several community events, the skaters showed up in high spirits and good numbers.

In some cities those numbers included those who were participating in their first kilt skate. They were given a warm welcome on a cold day.

Some events also welcomed VIPs who added a sense of occasion to the event, participating in opening ceremonies.

The National Anthem was sung.

And an official proclamation of Great Canadian Kilt Skate Day in the city.

The pipers were on hand to provide the music.

And treats were available..

And there were special photos ops.

Among the five Canadian cities that held community events this year, some or all of these elements could be found in other kilt skate cities. But two additional features set the Ottawa kilt skate season apart this year. One was its determination to host a community event even after the event originally planned for January 6 had to be cancelled due to Covid. In mid-February, the Scottish Society of Ottawa proved itself to be very resourceful in organizing a new event on short notice.

What also set Ottawa apart this year was the response of individuals and families in the region to participate in the “Home Edition.” They sent us their photos…from the community outdoor rinks….

…from the frozen ponds…

…and the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Some individuals made a point of sending “Home Edition” photos from different locations, including the Canal….

…the Aberdeen Pavilion…

…Big Rideau Lake….

…and anywhere there was an opportunity for a kilt skate party.

By the way, this ultra-keen kilt skater is David Johnston, who was also responsible for organizing the Ottawa event in February, once SSO decided it would host a community kilt skate after all Well done, Dave!

The photos from Ottawa and the other kilt skate communities can be seen in the Gallery on the Scottish Society of Ottawa’s website. A special thanks to those who sent video.

They showed us how they could skate…

How they could play the pipes — even under adverse conditions. (Hey, doesn’t this guy look familiar?)

(And here he is again!)

And overall the kilt skaters of Ottawa demonstrated that spirit of thrawn quirkiness that is a hallmark of the Great Canadian Kilt Skate.

It all adds up to making Ottawa the 2022 Kilt Skate Capital of Canada. Congratulations to the Scottish Society of Ottawa.