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SALTIRE SOCIETY TO OPEN A NEW YORK BRANCH
The Saltire Society, Scotlands principal cultural body is preparing to open a branch in New York City. The Saltire Society is interested in maintaining, strengthening and helping to develop the cultural life and Scotland and in trying make others aware of the important contributions made by Scottish culture. The Society gives a number of awards each year and is also responsible for a number of publications about Scotland and Scottish culture. Why Scottish Philosophy Matters by Alexander Broadie which was recently reviewed in the Scotia News is one of the organizations publications. The New York branch plans, like other branches, to hold a number lectures and events about Scotland which will be of interests to the general public as well as Scots and Scottish Americans living in the New York City area. Membership rates for American members are:
Ordinary Membership
Life Members Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Saltire Society and perhaps involved in the activities of the New York Branch should contact John Beatty at Profbeatty@hotmail.com
DIXON, CALIFORNIA FORMS LINK WITH AYR, SCOTLAND
DIXON, CALIFORNIA -- Since its founding over two years ago, the 220-member Dixon Scottish Cultural Association has brought Scottish culture to Dixon through its monthly club meetings and annual Scottish festival each late-September at the Dixon Fairgrounds. Now, the country of Scotland itself will be forever linked to this rural Solano County community, as the Dixon City Council unanimously passed a resolution on June 11 to formally establish a "sister-city" relationship with the Royal Burgh of Ayr on the west coast of Scotland. Ayr was chosen, as it has much in common with Dixon through agriculture and industry. It also is the hometown of Dixon Scottish club chief James Harris who was born and raised in Ayr (pronounced "air") before moving to Northern California 25 years ago. Harris was the driving force of the Ayr-Dixon campaign. During a three-week visit to his native home last March, he convinced the Ayr provost (mayor) to adopt Dixon as Ayr's counterpart in the sister-city project over other American cities. "This is a proud moment not only for our Scottish club, but for all of Dixon. We are pleased to help add another element to our diverse ethnic and culturally-rich community," Harris said before the Dixon City Council. There are many advantages for Dixon residents and businesses in this program, including travel discounts to other sister-cities throughout the world, including Ayr, he stated. After Ayr officials approve a similar sister-city resolution, signs will be posted on the outskirts of Dixon, proclaiming the Ayr-Dixon civic relationship. Ayr representatives will be invited to attend the Dixon Scottish Games & Gathering on September 28. Dixon Scottish Cultural Association membership is open to anyone interested in celebrating Scottish culture. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m., at the Scottish Meat Pie Company restaurant, 245 North First Street, downtown Dixon. For more information, telephone (707) 678-5354 or e-mail dixonsca@yahoo.com.
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