Meetings are on the 28th day of the month (February-October), held at the Victoria University of Wellington Law School*, Old Government Buildings, Lambton Quay (between Bunny and Whitmore Streets); entrance door from Bunny Street.
Vehicle access to Bunny Street is allowed on VUW business; to park in the grounds enter by Lambton Quay gate.
Room GBO7.
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.
Tuesday 28 February 2023
“Once a Borderer” – from the heart of The Borders – one of “The Braw Lads” (Burns)
Galashiels is a bustling town – historical centre for a textile industry and for rugby prowess, more recently a player on the world stage of computer technology; home to the magnificent Great Tapestry of Scotland. Recently retired Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Selkirkshire and Lauderdale, Mike Gray, will share the excitement of being involved with its rejuvenation.
Tuesday 28 March 2023
The Scottish settlers of the barque Blenheim from Lochaber, Skye, Paisley and Glasgow
In December 1840 around 200 Scottish settlers landed at Kaiwharawhara (establishing the first Scottish settlement in New Zealand) from where they spread throughout the country. For the 175th Anniversary (2015) NZ writer Hugh McPhail (a descendant) researched the lives of these settlers and will tell us some of their stories.
Friday 28 April 2023
Dunfermline, Royal Burgh in the Kingdom of Fife – Scotland’s capital till the 17th century
Anciently called the Auld Toon; a city of kings, it was the residence of Malcolm III (Canmore’s Tower), and the burial place of Robert the Bruce. Later industrialised, it greatly benefited from its famous son Andrew Carnegie’s benevolence. A lad from Fife, Ken Allan will describe this fascinating history and the Auld Toon’s restoration.
Sunday 28 May 2023 at 2.30pm
Shetland Migrants to New Zealand … Seafarers, Knitters and much more …
The Wellington Shetland Society members are delighted to share news of the Society’s current activities to celebrate its Centenary year – exhibitions, Anniversary Picnic, Viking Ball, annual Stout Lecture, Island Bay mural, interwoven with stories of migrants and settlements and illustrated with displays.
Wednesday 28 June 2023
“Rainy rainy rattlestanes, dinna rain on me”: “Mackintosh” formula – patented in 1823
Ways to make life easier have always engaged inventive Scottish minds. Dr David Lambie will reveal the successes of two ‘chemistry’ partners, one being Charles Macintosh who has long kept us dry with the essential ‘mack’!
Friday 28 July 2023
Piping and Pipe Bands in NZ and round the world – tartan blood is not a necessity!
Piping has long been nurtured by Scottish migrants: top class local players and regular contact with the piping world – some reflections by Philip Mair, former Pipe Major City of Wellington Pipe Band, soloist, judge and commentator. A bit old fashioned? Is this Scottishness a help or hindrance for the future in a changing New Zealand?
Monday 28 August 2023
610 years of spreading knowledge – the University of St. Andrews
Established by a Papal Bull on 28 August 1413 – the first university in Scotland, third in the “UK”. Its graduates are found around the globe; Wellington-based Troy Dougherty will share its story, and his experiences of studying in this historic place. Consulted by kings yet serving the common man: top UK ranking by The Guardian!
Thursday 28 September 2023
An early Scottish tradition – fostering children’s education to read and write
Postponed due to protests (now on in November, see below)
Remarkable – a very high percentage of men and women in the country have long been able to at least sign their name. Stuart Hudson (retired Head of English) will explain how the Education Act in 1872 greatly extended this education, building on a plethora of schooling endeavours over several centuries.
Saturday 28 October 2023 at 2.30pm
Reeling for 100 years! The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and NZ
Dance styles come and go; in 1923 a group of enthusiastic Scottish Country dancers met in Glasgow and set up what became the Royal SCD Society (branches now all over the world). The story of this dance in Scotland will be told – maybe with a reel or two! As usual – this being the last meeting of the year, we shall start with a brief review of 2023 and look forward to 2024.
Tuesday 28 November 2023
An early Scottish tradition – fostering children’s education to read and write
Cancelled (will be rescheduled in 2024)
Remarkable – a very high percentage of men and women in the country have long been able to at least sign their name. Stuart Hudson (retired Head of English) will explain how the Education Act in 1872 greatly extended this education, building on a plethora of schooling endeavours over several centuries.
VUW Wellington Scottish Interest Group 