It is not really news, but still a lot of people do not know about this not-so-secret tribe here in Uganda: the Scots. We might not wear kanzus (traditional Ugandan dress), but our men dare to bare their legs wearing the kilt on various occasions, such as St. Andrew’s Ball, Burn’s Nights and ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dance nights fuelled by traditional beverages); and the Scots have been around for nearly a century with records dating back to 1907! Being an orderly tribe, the Scots formed the Caledonian Society of Uganda at the beginning of the last century and it now has nearly 80 members; not the same ones, though, with the exception of maybe one or two. Membership is quite diverse: there are some Ugandans who enjoy taking part in our tribal dances (Scottish Country Dancing), and many other nations take an

interest in everything Scottish the society has to offer. The Society includes Germans, Belgians, French, North Americans, Polish, Welsh, even a Jamaican, and, inevitably, English. That said, the current piper who helps out in the Caledonian Society is English – and may, after reading this, decide to switch his instrument.

Being Scottish in Uganda means having a regular appointment on Thursday nights, when Gordon Bell instructs dancers, experienced and beginners, in Scottish Country Dancing. It is a lot of fun: beginners are very welcome and immediately integrated. It is also good practice for going round clock tower during rush hour.

It means celebrating Scottish culture at the St. Andrew’s Ball, with a real dance band from Scotland, and of course the English piper, Grant Lilford. It also means, every January, remembering the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote well-known poems and songs such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘hoo can I keep my maidenhead.’
It even means having the national dish, the haggis, prepared by outstandingly brave foreigners. However, the hunting of the haggis is still left to the Scots and is said to be good around the Mount Elgon area.

There are a number of other events for families and individuals, such as the ceilidhs, golf tournaments and sailing races throughout the year.
Anyone can become a member and we would be very happy to receive new Caledonians. You never know, you might even get a chance to enjoy wearing a kilt, toss a caber and wave a ceremonial sword …

If you would like to find out more, or have already decided to join, get in touch with the Chieftain, James Macbeth (077 765 957), the secretary, Lindsay Davidson (077 700 593) or ask anyone you suspect to be a member of the Caledonian Society (they give themselves away by their unusual garments). So, if you feel like belonging to a tribe and doing something completely different, join the Scots.

The next St. Andrew’s Ball will be on November 26th: You had better put this into your diaries!

James Macbeth