2020 Quebec Thistle Award Winners
Scot of the Year
Fellows of the Quebec Thistle Committee
W. Campbell Oliver
Campbell Oliver was born in Galashiels, Scotland into a very strict Presbyterian family. He spoke Lowland Scots until he went to primary school (where he was told to speak "proper"); he then went on to attend high school at Galashiels Academy. Later he graduated with a City and Guilds of London Institute Full Technological Certificate in Woollen and Worsted Manufacturing, which led to an active and successful career in menswear design and textiles. Campbell emigrated to Canada in 1969, returning briefly to Scotland in 2001 but finally settling permanently back in Canada. During his retirement, Campbell became active in the St. Andrew's Society where he has served on Council and numerous committees. In addition to his many other contributions, he used his talent and experience in textile design and manufacturing to spearhead the creation of the Montreal 1642 tartan: he was responsible for the design, layout, registration and coordination for the weaving on this important project.
Campbell Oliver was born in Galashiels, Scotland into a very strict Presbyterian family. He spoke Lowland Scots until he went to primary school (where he was told to speak "proper"); he then went on to attend high school at Galashiels Academy. Later he graduated with a City and Guilds of London Institute Full Technological Certificate in Woollen and Worsted Manufacturing, which led to an active and successful career in menswear design and textiles. Campbell emigrated to Canada in 1969, returning briefly to Scotland in 2001 but finally settling permanently back in Canada. During his retirement, Campbell became active in the St. Andrew's Society where he has served on Council and numerous committees. In addition to his many other contributions, he used his talent and experience in textile design and manufacturing to spearhead the creation of the Montreal 1642 tartan: he was responsible for the design, layout, registration and coordination for the weaving on this important project.
George Tait
Born to an English mother in the Borders of southern Scotland (only seven miles from England), George Tait will energetically tell you that he is through-and-through a Scot—only realizing it fully, however, when he joined the Montreal St. Andrew’s Society in 2006. George studied Hotel and Catering Management at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, graduating in 1974. He emigrated to Canada later the same year. In 2005, his daughter Elizabeth (the eldest of his three children) was a debutante at the St. Andrew's Ball and she re-introduced George to Scottish Country Dancing, which soon led to his involvement in the Activities Committee. Since then, George has been an active member of our community and has chaired and helped to organize many events. Helping friends and acquaintances enjoy good food, drink, dancing and poetry, and meeting true Scots—by ancestry or by association—have been wonderful and memorable parts of his life in La Belle Province.
Born to an English mother in the Borders of southern Scotland (only seven miles from England), George Tait will energetically tell you that he is through-and-through a Scot—only realizing it fully, however, when he joined the Montreal St. Andrew’s Society in 2006. George studied Hotel and Catering Management at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, graduating in 1974. He emigrated to Canada later the same year. In 2005, his daughter Elizabeth (the eldest of his three children) was a debutante at the St. Andrew's Ball and she re-introduced George to Scottish Country Dancing, which soon led to his involvement in the Activities Committee. Since then, George has been an active member of our community and has chaired and helped to organize many events. Helping friends and acquaintances enjoy good food, drink, dancing and poetry, and meeting true Scots—by ancestry or by association—have been wonderful and memorable parts of his life in La Belle Province.
Scottish Humanitarian/Community Award
Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada
It is with great honour that we announce the Scottish Humanitarian/Community Award, a special award to recognize an individual or group in the Scottish community who has gone above and beyond to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This award is given to the men and women of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada for their role in Operation Laser, the Canadian Armed Forces initiative to bring much-needed support to long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 crisis. This mission was voluntary, and many who served with the regiment heard the call and acted.
The Black Watch deployed more than 80 men and women with OP Laser. The vast majority of the deployed troops worked in CHSLD Valeo in Saint-Lambert and at the Saint Andrew Residential Centre in the borough of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. All troops deployed in CHSLDs received four days of training in patient care and biosecurity protocols from Canadian Forces Health Services and Quebec Ministry of Health trainers, which gave them the foundation they needed to care for our seniors and most vulnerable. It was their humanity, compassion and empathy that was key to the accomplishment of their humanitarian mission. Humble, professional and efficient, they took care of the residents and brought them comfort in these uncertain times. Their presence allowed the regular caretakers and healthcare workers to stabilize the situation in their institutions, recuperate and resume their activities as much as the pandemic allowed.
In addition to the Regimental contribution to OP Laser, many members of the unit served in their civilian employment as essential service workers in private and public organizations.
Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada
It is with great honour that we announce the Scottish Humanitarian/Community Award, a special award to recognize an individual or group in the Scottish community who has gone above and beyond to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This award is given to the men and women of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada for their role in Operation Laser, the Canadian Armed Forces initiative to bring much-needed support to long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 crisis. This mission was voluntary, and many who served with the regiment heard the call and acted.
The Black Watch deployed more than 80 men and women with OP Laser. The vast majority of the deployed troops worked in CHSLD Valeo in Saint-Lambert and at the Saint Andrew Residential Centre in the borough of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. All troops deployed in CHSLDs received four days of training in patient care and biosecurity protocols from Canadian Forces Health Services and Quebec Ministry of Health trainers, which gave them the foundation they needed to care for our seniors and most vulnerable. It was their humanity, compassion and empathy that was key to the accomplishment of their humanitarian mission. Humble, professional and efficient, they took care of the residents and brought them comfort in these uncertain times. Their presence allowed the regular caretakers and healthcare workers to stabilize the situation in their institutions, recuperate and resume their activities as much as the pandemic allowed.
In addition to the Regimental contribution to OP Laser, many members of the unit served in their civilian employment as essential service workers in private and public organizations.
Gordon Atkinson Memorial Prize in Highland Military History
Ewen Booth
Ewen Booth grew up in a household full of military and Jacobite history, and has always enjoyed Scottish and early Canadian history. He was first introduced to the Quebec-Scottish connection and 18th-century Highland military history in 1979 as a piper in the 78th Fraser Highlanders at the Stewart Museum on St. Helen’s Island. In 2015, after spending 33 years out west as a member of the RCMP, he returned to Quebec. He and his partner Kathleen purchased and are restoring a historic inn in Montmagny on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City. The inn is the oldest building in the town and has deep Scottish roots. Ewen has become an expert in local Scottish genealogy; he is constantly researching the Scots who settled in the area, and is part of the Fraser Descendants Project. He has shaken a few tree roots: many people are learning through his research that there were more "anglais" (in their eyes) who settled in this area than they were originally led to believe. Ewen and Kathleen are bridging the great Anglo-Franco divide, one ancestor at a time, in Quebec.
Ewen Booth
Ewen Booth grew up in a household full of military and Jacobite history, and has always enjoyed Scottish and early Canadian history. He was first introduced to the Quebec-Scottish connection and 18th-century Highland military history in 1979 as a piper in the 78th Fraser Highlanders at the Stewart Museum on St. Helen’s Island. In 2015, after spending 33 years out west as a member of the RCMP, he returned to Quebec. He and his partner Kathleen purchased and are restoring a historic inn in Montmagny on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City. The inn is the oldest building in the town and has deep Scottish roots. Ewen has become an expert in local Scottish genealogy; he is constantly researching the Scots who settled in the area, and is part of the Fraser Descendants Project. He has shaken a few tree roots: many people are learning through his research that there were more "anglais" (in their eyes) who settled in this area than they were originally led to believe. Ewen and Kathleen are bridging the great Anglo-Franco divide, one ancestor at a time, in Quebec.
Pipe-Major Kirk Johnstone, CD Memorial Award for Piping
Allan Swan
Allan Swan is being recognized for his lifetime of dedication to the Montreal piping community. Born in Glasgow in 1934, Allan began piping at age 12 as a member of the famed Boys Brigade. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and settled in Chateauguay. Over his long tenure he has played with nearly every pipe band in the Montreal area, including the 401 Squadron Pipes & Drums, Shriners Pipe Corps, Black Watch Association Pipe Band, Pierrefonds Pipe Band, Chateauguay Valley Pipe Band, 306 Wing RCAF Association Pipes & Drums and the Elgin & District Pipe Band. He boasts the distinction of being an Ogilvy piper for close to 40 years. Allan is a consummate gentleman, a man of outstanding character and a first-rate ambassador for Montreal’s piping community.
Allan Swan
Allan Swan is being recognized for his lifetime of dedication to the Montreal piping community. Born in Glasgow in 1934, Allan began piping at age 12 as a member of the famed Boys Brigade. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and settled in Chateauguay. Over his long tenure he has played with nearly every pipe band in the Montreal area, including the 401 Squadron Pipes & Drums, Shriners Pipe Corps, Black Watch Association Pipe Band, Pierrefonds Pipe Band, Chateauguay Valley Pipe Band, 306 Wing RCAF Association Pipes & Drums and the Elgin & District Pipe Band. He boasts the distinction of being an Ogilvy piper for close to 40 years. Allan is a consummate gentleman, a man of outstanding character and a first-rate ambassador for Montreal’s piping community.
Scottish Country Dancing Award
Brian Prentice
Brian Prentice began his dance career at the age of 10 years with formal lessons taught by Catherine Prentice in Kitchener, Ontario. As a very active Scottish country dancer, Brian has honed his skills through participation in a multitude of weekly classes in Guelph, Kitchener, Toronto and most recently in Montreal. He has attended the TAC (Teacher's Association of Canada) summer school and the Royal Scottish Dance Society Summer School in St. Andrews, Scotland and has received instruction from the renowned Miss Jean Milligan. Brian is also an avid performer and has been a member of several demonstration teams which he continued in Montreal under the direction of Betty Speirs. He was part of a Scottish country dance group which performed at Disney World. Brian currently teaches with the Montreal Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in the West Island. As a dedicated instructor, Brian studies and researches dances, and presents choices that he feels will be helpful and enjoyable for the dancers who attend his classes. The attendees benefit from Brian’s knowledge and talent; they also speak to his teaching aptitude and kind and encouraging manner with all, from the beginners to the more experienced. His enthusiasm for Scottish country dancing is evident and is easily transmitted to those who are fortunate enough to participate in his classes.
Brian Prentice
Brian Prentice began his dance career at the age of 10 years with formal lessons taught by Catherine Prentice in Kitchener, Ontario. As a very active Scottish country dancer, Brian has honed his skills through participation in a multitude of weekly classes in Guelph, Kitchener, Toronto and most recently in Montreal. He has attended the TAC (Teacher's Association of Canada) summer school and the Royal Scottish Dance Society Summer School in St. Andrews, Scotland and has received instruction from the renowned Miss Jean Milligan. Brian is also an avid performer and has been a member of several demonstration teams which he continued in Montreal under the direction of Betty Speirs. He was part of a Scottish country dance group which performed at Disney World. Brian currently teaches with the Montreal Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in the West Island. As a dedicated instructor, Brian studies and researches dances, and presents choices that he feels will be helpful and enjoyable for the dancers who attend his classes. The attendees benefit from Brian’s knowledge and talent; they also speak to his teaching aptitude and kind and encouraging manner with all, from the beginners to the more experienced. His enthusiasm for Scottish country dancing is evident and is easily transmitted to those who are fortunate enough to participate in his classes.
Highland Dancing Award
Mary McQuaid
A creative and enthusiastic dancer, Mary McQuaid is a valued member of the Montreal Highland Dancing Association both as competitor and helpful volunteer, where she exhibits a sincere support for her fellow dancers. She has danced with the RCMP Pipes and Drums in Halifax and currently leads the Highland dancers of the RCMP Pipes and Drums in Montreal. Her busy dance life has included performances at the St. Andrew’s Ball and at military tattoos in Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Belfast, Bermuda, and Lommel, Belgium. Mary also successfully completed with excellence several Highland dancing examinations and the significant professional Associate Examination with the British Association of Teachers of Dance.
Mary McQuaid
A creative and enthusiastic dancer, Mary McQuaid is a valued member of the Montreal Highland Dancing Association both as competitor and helpful volunteer, where she exhibits a sincere support for her fellow dancers. She has danced with the RCMP Pipes and Drums in Halifax and currently leads the Highland dancers of the RCMP Pipes and Drums in Montreal. Her busy dance life has included performances at the St. Andrew’s Ball and at military tattoos in Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Belfast, Bermuda, and Lommel, Belgium. Mary also successfully completed with excellence several Highland dancing examinations and the significant professional Associate Examination with the British Association of Teachers of Dance.
Highland Dancing Award (junior category)
William Groulx
William Groulx began general dance lessons at the age of 11 and Highland dancing at the age of 13 with the Cameron School of Dance under the tutelage of Cheri Cameron and her daughter Shena Cameron-Prihoda, both previous Quebec Thistle Committee Award Winners for Highland Dancing. Will is a talented, active and hard-working dancer who has progressed with excellence through the dance examinations of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and has been awarded many first places and aggregate trophies. He also studies jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap and lyrical dance forms, and is recipient of several accolades including the senior "Mr. Candance" title in 2018, the American Dance Awards Dancer of The Year recognition, and the Ultimate Challenge Winner for the top 18-year-old soloist. Will is on the faculty of the Cameron School of Dance and is a certified Acrodance Teacher by Acrobatique. Outside the dance arena, Will is currently studying neuroscience at the Université de Montréal.
William Groulx
William Groulx began general dance lessons at the age of 11 and Highland dancing at the age of 13 with the Cameron School of Dance under the tutelage of Cheri Cameron and her daughter Shena Cameron-Prihoda, both previous Quebec Thistle Committee Award Winners for Highland Dancing. Will is a talented, active and hard-working dancer who has progressed with excellence through the dance examinations of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and has been awarded many first places and aggregate trophies. He also studies jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap and lyrical dance forms, and is recipient of several accolades including the senior "Mr. Candance" title in 2018, the American Dance Awards Dancer of The Year recognition, and the Ultimate Challenge Winner for the top 18-year-old soloist. Will is on the faculty of the Cameron School of Dance and is a certified Acrodance Teacher by Acrobatique. Outside the dance arena, Will is currently studying neuroscience at the Université de Montréal.
Scottish Cultural Activities Award
Salty Dog
Founded by Montreal musicians Tim Chambers and Vincent Griffin (pictured), Salty Dog plays Celtic folk music with a distinctively "Maritime" flavour. For the past twenty-nine years, this group has brought foot-stomping, hand-clapping songs and tunes to many parts of eastern Canada, including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Salty Dog
Founded by Montreal musicians Tim Chambers and Vincent Griffin (pictured), Salty Dog plays Celtic folk music with a distinctively "Maritime" flavour. For the past twenty-nine years, this group has brought foot-stomping, hand-clapping songs and tunes to many parts of eastern Canada, including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
