Nova Scotia: Latin for “New Scotland.” A fertile ground (rink?) for a kilt skate, you’d think. And you’d be right! On Family Day Monday, the Antigonish Highland Society hosted Nova Scotia’s first-ever Great Canadian Kilt Skate, and wow, did Nova Scotians ever step up — and out onto the ice.

This gentleman is Joe MacDonald, the Society’s President. The kilt skate at Antigonish Arena gave him an occasion to strap on the blades for the first time in two years. It’s not recorded whether he had ever before gone for a skate in a kilt. But certainly he was not alone.

Joe joined with Michelle Thompson, Antigonish’s representative in Nova Scotia’s Legislative Assembly, for the opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, the red carpet for the occasion had not arrived, so the ceremonies could not be held out on the ice.

It meant that the Highland dancing demonstration could be performed in the skating arena either, but the dancers were enthusiastic nonetheless.

And the pipers came out to play.

Ceremonies concluded, let the skating begin!

The kilt skate brought together Nova Scotians of all ages.

Including at least one who had yet to strap on a pair of skates…

…and who seemed a bit skeptical about the whole thing.

But the rest of the kids loved the idea.

And so did some players and fans of the StFX X-men’s hockey team.

And some reservists from the Nova Scotia Highlanders in their maple leaf tartans.

A splendid time was to be had by all.

A chance to show the flag.

And to show off the knees.

And you don’t even need a kilt. A bit of tartan will do just fine, thanks.

For others, a time for watching from the stands.

Putting together such a successful kilt skate is a great accomplishment. For Antigonish to pull it off in its very first year is extraordinary. “We hope to be bigger next year,” says Gerardine MacLean, the organizer, “now that the word is out there.” Well done, Gerardine!