🗺️ Tartan Days 2025: A Wee Bit of Celtic Magic in Glencoe

Tartan Days 2025 in Glencoe was a resounding success — a community-wide celebration blending heritage, creativity, and rural spirit. This year, the Glencoe & District Historical Society took part in several events, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into the area’s Scottish settler past, genealogical resources, and folkloric traditions.

📍 At the Archives — History in the Cool Shade

Harold Carruthers and Norm McGill welcomed early birds and heritage enthusiasts to the G&DHS Archives at 178 McKellar Street. Sheltered from the summer heat, guests enjoyed historic photographs of Glencoe and area screened throughout the day. Personal tours of the Archives sparking new interest in the local collections and society membership.

🎪 Mystical Fair — Magic & Memory Meet

At the Scottish Mystical Fair, Mary Simpson, President of the Society, was joined by author Sharon Wilde, Melanie Wendt, and Aya Macdonald.  The team invited guests to craft their own miniature mystical brooms using herbs, flowers, and cedar — drawing on both settler and folkloric traditions of cleansing and protection.

🎨 Art in the Park — Archival Outreach

At the Art in the Park event near the Train Station, Glenn Scarborough from Middlesex Centre Archives represented the broader regional archival network, connecting with visitors about the importance of local preservation efforts.

History Bites:

• Scottish Clearances: In the 18th–19th centuries, Highland landlords forcibly removed tenant farmers (crofters) to make way for sheep. Many families, our ancestors came to Canada for new farmland.
• Scottish folk feared “cunning folk” and witches. Witch hunts raged from the 16th–18th century. Folk magic survived in beliefs about charms, second sight, banshees, and the bean-nighe (washing woman — an omen of death).
• Celtic Mysticism: Belief in fairies (Sidhe), sacred stones, standing stones, and tree lore (rowan trees protected homes). Many settlers brought charms and stories with them.
• Outlander Link: Diana Gabaldon’s series is steeped in real Jacobite and Highland history — Claire and Geillis Duncan’s “witchcraft” reflects real fear and fascination with folk healers and midwives.