The Great Canadian Kilt Skate celebrates Scottish resilience, which was tested this year as skaters braved extreme cold near -40°C wind chills at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park. The event honors early Scottish settlers like the Selkirk settlers and features traditional elements such as bagpiping.
Among the performers was Cameron Dawson, a sergeant in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders pipe band, continuing his family’s legacy of bagpiping. Teen piper Matthew Owen-Hunt also performed as part of a program promoting public performances.
Winnipeg, a two-time Kilt Skate Capital of Canada, hopes for another title in 2025. Organizers aim to strengthen awareness of Scottish culture, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders’ contributions, and the St. Andrew’s Society while fostering pride in the community’s heritage.
You can read more about it on the Winnipeg Free Press: winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/02/17/its-cold-out-dont-forget-your-kilt.