Debert Days parade features Scottish flair
Historical group honouring Jacobite rebels at the Battle of Culloden keep the spirit alive
The sound of bagpipes echoed through the streets of Debert as a marching band in tartan kilts and carrying a large drum rounded the corner, waved on by locals.
Following behind was a rather motley group of folks wearing not only tartan but also drooping Balmoral bonnets for hats, while one member even sported a musket similar to those used at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
It was indeed a colourful addition to the 2018 Debert Days parade.
But the Gallus Gael living history group seeks to preserve the old Highland culture that made its last stand at Culloden, when Jacobite rebels fought to put the House of Stuart back on the British throne, but instead saw the Scottish clans crushed.
“At the end of the Battle of Culloden the Mackenzie prisoners were ordered to be executed and an English captain stepped in the way and said they were under his protection. This English captain would go on to become General Wolfe and those Mackenzies would follow him over the heights of Abraham, which is of course a major part of the whole history of Canada.”
Today, the legacy of old Scotland lives on in ‘New Scotland’, through the Gaelic language, Highland Games and an annual memorial held by people of Scottish descent to honour their ancestors who fought at Culloden.
“It’s so steeped in Scottish history that it just feels natural, it’s very organic,” said Finney.
Both Finney and his wife Linda are themselves Scottish immigrants from Kilmarnock, south of Glasgow. Now settled in Nova Scotia, Linda is president of the Highland Games and Gathering Association, keeping the old country’s culture alive.
“The judge said it was either Australia or Canada for the deportation and I thought, well, I can spell Canada,” Finney said jokingly.
The Debert Days parade saw a number of other floats by local businesses and organizations such as the Legion and local fire service.
Their route took them from the Legion down to the Colchester Community Park, where revelers enjoyed fun activities such as carnival games and Ceilidh dancing, among others.
“The parade was great, the children loved it,” said local resident Joy Reid.
“Everyone is always excited for this parade and they get a great number of people at the field.”