Song, dance, and just plain fun were the focus of "A Day in Scotland" hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of the Adirondacks at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts on July 15th, 2006. Dr. Edward Brash first explained the history and pronunciation of Gaelic language and then led the group in singing songs such as "Old MacDonald's Farm" in Gaelic. Lynnette Fitch Brash taught several social dances such as "Dashing White Sergeant" and "Eightsome Reel". She also demonstrated Scottish step dancing. Dr. Brash is President of the Scottish Society of Tidewater, www.tidewaterscots.com.
The evening was devoted to a ceilidh in which everyone participated. Cameron Anderson played his pipes, and Lindsay York and Lynnette Brash performed dances. Edward Brash played guitar and sang Gaelic songs, and Peter Fish recited poems of Robert Burns. There were jokes and stories by several members of the audience. Following a very lively set of dances the evening was closed with "Auld Lang Syne".
The weekend continued as the Lake Placid Sinfonietta's Sunday concert was "Scotland Forever". Kilted members of the St. Andrew's Society served as ushers. Piper Tom Kirkpatrick led the Parade of the Clans and also piped in the haggis. Peter Fish recited Burns' Address to the Haggis. Bill Burke introduced our scholarship winners: Cameron Anderson from 2003 and Adam Blaine who received a scholarship for 2005. They each played a short piece. The concert closed with Tom joining the Sinfonietta in Amazing Grace.
