Bringing John Rae to Robert Burns Country

Next week will find me giving talks in Robert Burns Country. I mentioned previously that, thanks to a new “friendship bridge” extending between the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, I have fallen heir to a whirlwind, four-day speaking tour. Now, in response to popular demand, I can provide details. My illustrated…

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Did I vote today? Heck no!

No, I did not vote today. Instead, I voted days ago at an advance poll. I am so desperate for  change that I could not wait. In Celtic Lightning, I identify Democracy as one of Canada’s five foundational values, and show how it took hold in this country thanks to such figures as Robert Burns,…

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Give this man a microphone, a podium, and an audience . . .

You have been wanting to catch Our Hero in person. You know you have. . . Friday, Jan. 31: The Burns Supper at Hart House. Toast to The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns. Saturday, Feb. 8: Canoe & Wilderness Symposium. 2 p.m. Fatal Passage: Return to Rae Strait. Tuesday, Feb. 18. McGill University Community for…

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Sporran works magic at event honoring Robert Burns

Over on Facebook, a recent image sparked complaint. Where was my sporran? The clamor induced me to solicit yet one more kilted photo from Sheena Fraser McGoogan. Here we have Our Hero setting out with Sheena for the Robert Burns extravaganza sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto. And quite a shindig it was,…

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IFOA: Here come the Scots!

Meanwhile, here in the Big Smoke, the International Festival of Authors has a Writing Scotland theme happening. The National Post is running a Q&A with some of the participating authors, our hero among them. . . . This year, the International Festival of Authors has joined forces with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the…

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