It’s time for Scotland to find a new home – in Canada

The initial blog post (April 1) ran 170 words. Your enthusiastic response — now more than 5,500 views and counting — encouraged me to pitch the Globe and Mail, where I got the go-ahead for 600 words. This 610-word version will turn up tomorrow (April 5) in the Globe’s print edition. Meanwhile, you can read…

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John Diefenbaker becomes Kildonan’s Kennedy

In the north of Scotland, they’re calling him Kildonan’s Kennedy. They’re referring to John Diefenbaker, Canadian prime minister from 1957 to 1963. And, yes, they do mean John F. Kennedy, the most charismatic of American presidents, and one who was famously attached to his Irish roots. Not only that, but in the Timespan Museum in…

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Robbie Burns returns to New Brunswick

Great news out of New Brunswick. The Scots in those parts are set to unveil a gloriously refurbished Robbie Burns Statue on September 10. Guests will include J.K. and Jean Irving and the lieutenant-governor of the province. There will be a reception and a dinner. There will be singing and sundry pipe bands. Would you…

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There WILL be bagpipes . . .

If you live in the Centre of the Universe, or even if you’re just visiting, there WILL be bagpipes at this bookish bash . . . for reasons that may well be obvious. Come on down!

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