Friday, Dec 12, 2008
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: A Scottish couple have learned Scottish country dances after reaching the UAE thanks to St Andrew's Society, a social organisation of Scots which celebrates its 40th anniversary in Abu Dhabi next year.
"On joining the society we attended a function. We were unable to dance many Scottish Country dances", Janice and David Galloway told Gulf News. "We attended classes and learned those dances. Then I felt proud to be a Scot in Abu Dhabi," said Janice.
"In the past, the society was the main way of getting to know people. It was our entertainment; actually our lifeline in Abu Dhabi as all our social life revolved around the society", they said.
They said the society made them feel they were never alone. "On joining the society, we were asked to attend Scottish dancing and the Balls. The monthly events were family occasions so everyone joined in and made friends."
They were delighted when their favourite dhow trip organised by the society became an annual event. "I have fond memories of diving competitions from the dhow and swimming in the clear blue sea," said Janice.
The Society holds monthly functions ranging from formal dinners to informal sing-alongs, said Andrew Herriot, the Chieftain of the society for 2007 - 2008.
"We conduct charitable functions and raise funds for local charities and other Scottish-based needs. We recently raised Dh 5,000 for a Special Needs Centre, for disabled children," he said.
The Society is managed by a nine-member committee and its aim is to foster goodwill between Scots and all residents in the emirate.
Every country in the world will have at least one St Andrew's Society and in large countries such as USA, there will be dozens of societies for expat Scots, said Herriot.
Wherever there are Scots abroad one is sure to find a Caledonian Society or a St Andrew's Society, he said. November 30 was the official birthday of the Patron Saint and everywhere in the world; Scots celebrated it with music of bagpipes and the national dishes. Tom Smillie, a registered nurse in Abu Dhabi said the society has been refreshing his Scottish history, upbringing and character during the past 11 years in the UAE.
"I am fortunate to enjoy Scottish songs and the national anthem frequently".
"At a function, we had a chance to trace our Scottish family history thorough our names," he said. It was proven that society is a venue for deep friendship, said Jenny Hill, working as a personal assistant in Abu Dhabi. "I made many new friendships and most of them left the UAE. But, all of them are still in touch with me; it is a Scottish bond created by the society," said Hill.
The Abu Dhabi Society will celebrate the 250th birthday of their greatest Scottish poet Robert Burns next year and its own 40th birthday in Abu Dhabi, said Herriot. One of Scotland's famous football referees (retired), Willie Young, will come from Scotland on this occasion on January 29, 2009 to give the special Immortal Memory to Robert Burns. The Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting this visit.
Next year is a special year in Scotland called 'Homecoming' and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has invited all Scots across the world to return at some stage and participate in the many activities throughout the year.
Non-Scots all over the world will also want to witness the year long cultural feast of music and dance.
The Scots in Abu Dhabi hope that many Emiratis will also visit Scotland especially those who maintain contacts with institutions of study and professional links. The Society here will celebrate its 40th year with an exciting evening in the desert bringing together Arabian and Scottish cultures, said Herriot.
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
