One of the best things about the Great Canadian Kilt Skate (GCKS) is the wide differences among the communities and their approach to kilt skating events. Large or small, indoors or outdoors, new or established: each skate is unique and special. This is why it is so difficult to choose the GCKS Capital. And when you look at all the pictures and the smiles on people’s faces you cannot help but thinking everybody is a winner.

The variety of skate events provides examples of what is good and what is fun what can contribute to a great kilt skate. The number and variety of kilted skaters – young, older, multi-cultural. The participation of pipers on and off the ice. Highland Dancers. Choirs. Snacks, warm drinks and nibblies. Flags and Scottish regalia. Music. Ceremonies. Community leader involvement. Media buzz leading up to event, and TV and news coverage on the day itself. Promotion of the Great Canadian Kilt Skate to the entire community, inviting everyone to join in.  Overall, a fun vibe!

After a couple of years where community events were cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, the 2023 kilt skate season saw the resurgence of these features and it was great to see number and variety of kilt skates across Canada.  There were several exceptional events and special mention should be given to Antigonish who’s inaugural kilt skate was outstanding.

But this year the laurels as the Kilt Skate Capital of Canada return to a city that has been part of the kilt skate family since the beginning.  Over the years, Winnipeg has shown that it knows how to celebrate winter and Scottish culture with bare knees and ice.  It was first declared the Kilt Skate Capital back in 2021 for the enthusiastic way so many skaters participated in the Home Edition – the Covid version of the GCKS. Winnipegers were so proud, and the kilt skate capital achievement was raised in the Manitoba legislature.   In 2022 Winnipeg had another memorable kilt skate at The Forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers despite the temperature of minus-thirty.  This year, the balmy -5C weather smiled on the Winnipeg kilt skate held at the Riley Family Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park on Sunday, February 26.

 The St Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg was joined by a large contingent of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, as well as dozens of veterans and many first-time participants, including a family who had recently fled the war in Ukraine.  And once again, the Winnipeg organizers showed themselves very skilled at generating media interest – not only for the event itself, but for its quest for bragging rights as the Kilt Skate Capital. One TV host even opined about “why you have to put [kilt skating] on your bucket list.” For its perseverance, good humour and leadership we are pleased to announce that Winnipeg as the 2023 Kilt Skate Capital of Canada.

Congratulations again to all Kilt Skate Communities and we will be in touch again in the Fall.