Meetings are on the 28th day of the month (Feb-Nov), held at the Victoria University of Wellington Law School*, Old Government Buildings, Lambton Quay (between Bunny and Whitmore Streets); entrance door from Bunny Street. There is a different location for October and November, for details please enquire via wellyscots@gmail.com (note that the new venue is available at Levels 1 and 2, but closed at level 3).
Vehicle access to Bunny Street is allowed on VUW business; to park in the grounds enter by Lambton Quay gate.
Weekdays: 7.15 for 7.30pm start
Weekends: 2:15 for 2.30pm start [* Unless stated otherwise].
Visitors are welcome (no charge for regular meetings), Scottish blood not necessary! Other events may also be held.
Sunday 28 February 2021 at 2.30pm
The Declaration of Arbroath of 1320 – 700 years ago last year!
CANCELLED due to COVID-19
A bit similar to England’s Magna Carta, this important document is very significant to Scotland’s story. Sent to the Pope, it sought recognition of Scotland’s sovereignty and that of its king. Covid cancelled many 700 year celebrations, however a Strathclyde University Project continued; it explored various aspects of the document, tracing the genealogy of the 48 people whose names are included in the text. The University has generously shared some of their intriguing research findings. Kathleen Major will supply background information
Sunday 28 March 2021 at 2.30pm
The Picts of the North – “Scotland before Scotland” PART 2
Maureen Johnston (an Aberdonian) will continue with her “Part 2”, updating how the busy Aberdeen University archaeology team have discovered a surprising amount of Roman artefacts, adding to vaguer aspects relating to the Picts in the North. She hopes to show these Picts were not the barbarians described by the invaders.
Wednesday 28 April 2021
There and Back Again: The Geography and Radicalism of the Ulster-Scots
The Scots, early emigrants from Ireland, gave the country its name. David Hannah (VUW History Dept) will explain how James VI found it politically prudent to settle some back in Ulster and their struggle to reconcile their devout Protestant faith with a radical attitude towards the emancipation of their Irish Catholic countrymen.
Continue reading →