Awards criteria

OVERVIEW
The Quebec Thistle Committee sponsors a series of awards which are presented annually to individuals deemed to have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Scottish tradition and culture in Quebec. The public at large, as well as member organizations of the Quebec Thistle Committee, are invited to nominate individuals as candidates for designated awards.
 
THE AWARDS
The awards are divided into four categories and consist of a series of plaques, trophies, medals or certificates which are presented annually to and retained by the winners. The Quebec Thistle Committee reserves the right to refuse any nomination or suspend the presentation of an award in any category. All such decisions are final.
 CATEGORY I AWARDS
 
Scottish Athlete of the Year
Awarded annually to the individual or group judged to have made a significant contribution to sports, including, of course, traditional Scottish sports, in Quebec. Recipient(s) of this award will be selected by a panel of judges from amongst the nominations received by the nominating committee.
 
Scottish Country Dancing
Awarded annually to the individual(s) who has/have made a significant contribution to Scottish country dancing. The recipient(s) of this award will be determined by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
 
Scottish Cuisine
Awarded annually to the individual or group judged to have made a significant contribution to the cooking and preparation of traditional Scottish foods in Quebec. The recipient(s) of this award will be selected by a panel of judges from amongst the nominations received by the nominating committee.
 
Scottish Cultural Activities
Awarded annually to an individual or group judged to have made a significant contribution to the promotion and awareness of Scottish arts and literature in Quebec. All forms of literary or theatrical works, sound, film or video recordings, visual artwork, (such as sculpture or painting,) or other forms of expression, as defined by the Council, are eligible. Special consideration shall be given to works relating to the role of the Scots in Quebec. The recipient(s) of this award will be selected by a panel of judges from amongst the nominations received by the nominating committee.
 
Highland Dancing
Awarded annually to two individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in or has made a significant contribution to highland dancing. Recipients of these awards will be determined by the Montreal Highland Dancing Association.

CATEGORY II AWARDS
 
Pipe-Major Kirk Johnstone, CD Memorial Award for Piping
Awarded annually to the Quebec piper who has contributed with distinction to the furtherance of the art of playing the bagpipes. This is ascertained through a general assessment of the piper’s ability, technique and deportment in playing the standard favourite bagpipe tunes, playing solo for Scottish Country Dancing and Highland dancing and playing for traditional Scottish events and celebrations including dinners, wakes and weddings. The recipient of this award will be selected by a panel of judges from amongst the nominations received by the nominating committee. An assessment interview may be required.
 
Gordon Atkinson Memorial Prize in Highland Military History
Awarded annually to a person who is a student of and has a passion for Highland military history. Candidates should have given lectures, published articles, booklets, books or be recognized in the community as a contributor in this field of specialized interest. This is a monetary award.
 
CATEGORY III AWARDS
 
Fellow of the Thistle Committee
An honour awarded to a person or persons in recognition of longstanding leadership and contribution toward the promotion of Scottish traditions and culture in Quebec. Recipients are ascertained through an assessment of various factors, including:
  • involvement with multiple Scottish organizations;
  • involvement nationally or internationally in the promotion of Scottish traditions and culture; and
  • a significant history of volunteer service within the Scottish community.
The recipient(s) of this award will be selected by the existing Fellows of the Thistle Committee from amongst the nominations received by the nominating committee.  The name(s) will be inscribed on a plaque in the Committee’s offices.
 
CATEGORY IV AWARDS
 
Scot of the Year
This honour is awarded annually to the individual, proud of his or her Scottish heritage, who is held in high public esteem. The recipient of this award is selected by the Board of Directors of the Thistle Committee.  Nominations for this award will be received by the nominating committee.
JURIES
In categories where a panel of judges determines the recipient of an award, the members of such a panel shall be individuals who are recognized for their expertise in the award category. Such panels are appointed by the Quebec Thistle Committee’s Board of Directors. Each panel shall consist of not less than three persons and not more than five.