Winnipeg X-Markers... - X Marks the Scot

Mr. Kilt · #1 07-21-2007, 11:37 AM

Stand up and be counted! How many Xmarks members live in the Winnipeg area?

My wife and I are planning to spend a week in Winnipeg at the end of October. I'd like to know how kilt-friendly the city is.

This will also be a fact-finding mission for us as we're seriously considering moving out there next spring or summer. Perhaps we could get together with some of the local rabble at some point and I could get your thoughts on the good & bad points about the city. It's been 20 years since I've lived there.

Casper · #2 07-21-2007, 12:20 PM

Don't live there, but used to fly there on company business regularily.

Not a huge celtic population out there. Mostly French, Greek, and Ukranian. Although, I recall that everyone there was incredibly friendly and inviting, so I wouldn't forsee any negativity with some kilted escapades.

Colin · #3 07-23-2007, 10:27 AM

I grew up there and spent 16 years in the 'Peg. Last time I was back I came across a gent in the downtown core wearing his kilt to work, a young guy wearing a USA kilt in the hotel lobby, and two UKs in a local pub (king's head).

Not a huge Celtic population???? are you kidding me? Have you heard of the Selkirk settlement? Have a read of Great Scots by Matthew Shaw and read about the Selkirk area, the Fort Garry (hear the other side of the Louis Reil story) and the Red river scots. It's rich in Scottish history and most of the traditions that are practised by families (coin in the cake, first footing, etc are a nod to their Scottish heritage). However, you can still ge tthe best Ukraninan perogies there as well

and St. Boniface is very French with some great cafes.

It's been awhile since I have lived there Al, but feel free to send me a pm or email with any questions. I still go back fairly regualrly as a lot of family is still there.

Mr. Kilt · #4 07-24-2007, 04:19 PM

Cool stuff, Colin. Thanks. It's good to know you saw people out and about in their kilts. Both my older brothers live in Winnipeg with their families, but I don't get back often enough. As they both think I'm a bit off-kilter

for wearing a kilt they aren't the ones to ask about it.

I lived in the 'Peg for three years from 1985 till 1988. I know it hasn't changed a whole lot since then, especially compared to what's been happening in Alberta. We're getting sick and tired of the rat race here in Calgary and are looking to get away to a more laid-back place.

Canuck · #5 07-24-2007, 07:26 PM

There is about 10 RKilts wandering around the town that I know of.

Archangel · #6 07-24-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck

There is about 10 RKilts wandering around the town that I know of.

Somehow, I get the picture of something like a flock of penguins looking for a swimming pool with ice, and umbrellas. I'm like that.

Canuck · #7 07-24-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archangel

Somehow, I get the picture of something like a flock of penguins looking for a swimming pool with ice, and umbrellas. I'm like that.

Well it certainly won't be Portage and Main! Possibly the grainery by the river.
(I'm trying to boost my post count here so I can reach kilted elder status ;) )

Phil · #8 07-25-2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper

Don't live there, but used to fly there on company business regularily.

Not a huge celtic population out there. Mostly French, Greek, and Ukranian. Although, I recall that everyone there was incredibly friendly and inviting, so I wouldn't forsee any negativity with some kilted escapades.

I posted this link under Highland Clearances but in case you haven't seen it here it is - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...ds/6911340.stm - according to this Winnipeg was founded by Scottish settlers from the Highland clearances so there should still be one or two about!

Colin · #9 07-25-2007, 09:59 AM

I was reading an article yesterday that said that the Winnipeg Robert Burns club is the oldest Burns club outside of the UK. They are hosting the Robert Burns World Federation meeting this year http://www.winnipegrobertburns.org/RBANA.htm

I remember the Burns statue by the legislative buildings from when I was a kid, so I am really looking forward to seeing the Highland Clearances statue.

Mr. Kilt · #10 07-25-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

I posted this link under Highland Clearances but in case you haven't seen it here it is - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...ds/6911340.stm - according to this Winnipeg was founded by Scottish settlers from the Highland clearances so there should still be one or two about!

Very cool, I missed your other post about it.
I'll have to look for the statue in Winnipeg when we're out there in October.

According to Wikipedia, of the ancestral background of people in Winnipeg today, the highest percentage of people are English, followed by German, then Scottish. Irish ranks about 5th or 6th.