Member of the Month

Scottish Heritage and Interests

-When did you start getting interested in Scottish heritage?
I have been interested in Scottish Culture for as long as I can remember.  My father was always so proud of his Scots/Irish ancestry.

-What aspects of Scottish heritage interest you the most?

Scottish music has always “touched my soul”--both bagpipe music  and celtic country  tunes with the accordion, fiddle, banjo,  bodhran and  drums, and  pennywhistle  “set my toes to tapping” and lift my spirit!

-Do you participate in other Scottish cultural activities besides dancing?

I am currently the Adjutant for Camp 81 of the Scottish-American Military Association  (SAMS) which meets monthly.  We participate in Highland Games Events, holiday parades, funerals, weddings, and other military related activities. 

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Involvement with the Dance Group 

-When did you join our Scottish dance group?

I joined this dance group in 2013 and have participated whenever possible since that time.

-What motivated you to join?
I attended a “Kirkin’ of the Tartan” at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bisbee and stayed for the after service event in the Community Hall.   I loved the friendly and welcoming members there and participated in the dances.  I began attending the practices after that and Chris Swan quickly integrated me into her student group.

-What are your current duties and responsibilities within the group?
I am currently one of the dance instructors and love to introduce new dances to our enthusiastic group.  

-What has been your most memorable experience with the group?
The Rabbie Burns Night events with the singing and dancing have been the most fun and memorable.

Hobbies and Interests 

-Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of Scottish dancing?
I was raised in a ranching and pro-rodeo family and have always enjoyed horses on the ranch and in competition.  I have also been interested in history from elementary school age and loved playing cowboys / Indians plus Civil War Soldier.  I began reenacting “War Between The States” battles and living history encampments from my sophomore year in high school (1961) during the centennial and continued to reenact until 7 years ago. I have done cavalry, artillery, infantry, and  medical.  I was also  a member of “B Troop” Memorial Unit  at Fort Huachuca for a number of years.

-What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My father was a 4th generation horse breeder and trainer, and after retirement from the USAF,  I began to follow in his footsteps. I’m  no longer in shape to train horses and have stopped breeding them–just got to be heartbreaking selling them after raising them.  I trained my first horse to harness when I was 14 and have trained numerous horses  for  horse drawn vehicles  in parades and driving pleasure.  I continue to ride and am helping my grandchildren learn to ride and do patterns.

Personal Insights 

-Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model and example of how to live a productive and satisfying life.  While very successful as a pro-rodeo cowboy and World Champion  calf roper, he was also a successful rancher. He served as Sheriff of Graham County, Az., for 24 years.  With all his achievements he always said that his greatest accomplishment was “those he left behind”--his family.

-What is a fun fact about you that most people might not know?
When I was about 10 years old I was in a dance group that did the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance.  I refused to wear a kilt (thought it was a skirt) and danced in white pants and shirt with a plaid, broach and glengarry.  I didn’t get my first “real kilt” until I was 36 years old in Scotland.  I guess I changed my mind about wearing a “skirt” and have been wearing kilts ever since.

-Do you have any favorite Scottish dances or songs?
My two favorite Scottish country dances are the “Military Two Step” and the “Lomond Waltz.”    My favorite songs are “Scotland the Brave,” “Minstrel Boy,”  “Highland Cathedral,” and “Green Hills of Tyrol.”

Reflection and Advice 

-How has being part of the dance group influenced your appreciation of Scottish culture?

Participating in Rabbie Burns Nights, Kirking of the Tartan, and ceilidhs have given me a better appreciation of  various Scottish attire, traditions,  and foods.  It has also introduced me to a number of new and valued friends.

-What advice would you give to new members of our group?
My best advice to new members is to not become discouraged if you don’t “pick up” the dances right away.  It will require numerous practices  before you become comfortable with new dances.  As Chris Swan has pointed out several times:  “This is NOT a dancing competition!     As long as we have a good time and nobody gets hurt, it is a success.”    We all have different dancing skill levels, but ALL contribute and ALL are welcome!

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Additional Thoughts 

- Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with the group or your connection to Scottish heritage?

I was invested by Phillip Farquharson, 17th  of Invercauld and Monaltrie,  and Chieftain of Clan Farquharson, , as an Invercauld Highlander in August, 2022.  This select  group of clansmen serve as the personal  guard for our Chieftain at events in Scotland and represent the Clan worldwide.

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