Our History

The Antigonish Highland Society was founded on April 22nd of 1861, by a group of our Scottish forefathers to aid the poor and needy, to promote the improvement and general welfare of our native country and to preserve the national spirits, dress, music, customs and traditions of the Caledonians; to perpetuate the language, literature and athletics of Scotland. The all-male (at the time) society adopted a uniform that consisted of a plaid and bonnet. They celebrated their culture at picnics, dinners, Highland balls and held meetings to discuss how to best promote their traditions. The first celebration was a dinner held on St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th of 1861. Honouring the patron saint of Scotland has been one of the important traditions that the Society has preserved since its inception. In the past, the challenges have been many, yet the descendants of the first Caledonians have survived and prospered. Today, their descendants can be found through Antigonish County and beyond. The Antigonish Highland Society continues to promote and preserve the dress, music, customs, traditions, language, literature and athletics of the Caledonians and Scotland. The Society, largely through the initiative of Rod J. Chisholm, influenced the Town of Antigonish decision to dub the community “The Highland Heart of Nova Scotia.”

Our Vision

To be a community organization that serves past, present and future generation of Gaels. We are providers of and advocates for authentic living expressions of Highland Scottish heritage. To create a living and vibrant Scottish culture in Antigonish and be the conduit for the North American Gael to their heritage.