Tartan Day South

The kickoff is on Friday evening at 6pm with a reception and is followed by a fundraising event featuring whiskey tasting, dinner, concert & auction at the host hotel. Later that evening a pub-crawl is planned in downtown Columbia with music provided by some of the weekend’s featured entertainers.

Saturday the main festival takes place at the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce, SC. which highlights Celtic music, Highland athletics, pipe bands, clan/society area, Celtic Marketplace, food, kids activities and demonstrations in dancing, piping, storytelling, herding, to name a few. The hours on Sat. run from 10am until 8pm and will be packed with something for everyone and a few special surprises.

We’re especially excited about the first musical line up because it brings together some diverse, quality acts with plenty of energy. Drum roll please…..RATHKELTAIR, BARLEYJUICE, THE BLESSED BLEND, CUTTHROAT SHAMROCK, THISTLEDOWN TINKERS, DAVEY RAMONE MORRISON, MARCILLE WALLIS.

And the best part……it’s only $10 per person for Saturday! Start your festival season at Tartan Day South. You’ll find more details at www.tartandaysouth.com

As a tribute to David’s memory we will be running special programming on Celtic Force Radio featuring some music and words that represent David.

We are starting at midnight on Sunday morning and running a 20 min. tribute every three hours. We want to invite folks across the globe to tune in and raise a glass to the memory of this well-loved giant of a man. We miss you and will carry on with your work.

Sunday
Schedule:   Scotland       US (eastern)
                          5am              midnight
                          8am                  3am
                         11am                 6am
                           2pm                 9am
                           5pm                 noon
                           8pm                  3pm
                          11pm                 6pm
                            2am (Mon)      9pm
                            5am (Mon)   midnight

The programming software is set for the top of each hour but will only play the tribute once the current song in the Que is finished, so the set may not kick off exactly on the hour. As a reference point, the tribute starts with Dougie MacLean’s “Caledonia”.

RIP, David.

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Noted several times by national press and media for his capability, in RTE Television’s song writing contests in the early 1990’s and by Ireland’s largest music magazine ‘Hotpress’ in the later 90’s.

USA Tour… October 2010.

Friday, 8th Oct: Appalachian State University Entrepreneurs Summit, Raley Hall. http://www.business.appstate.edu/summit/

Saturday, 9th Oct: Canyons , Blowing Rock, NC. 9 pm. http://www.canyonsbr.com/

(co-presented by Split Rail Records)

Sunday, 10th Oct: River House Inn, Grassy Creek, NC. http://www.riverhousenc.com/

Monday, 11th Oct: Old Salem Tavern, Winston-Salem, NC.  http://www.oldsalemtavern.com/

Thursday, 14th Oct: Tir na Nog, Raleigh, NC.  http://www.tirnanogirishpub.com/

Friday, 15th Oct: Kildare’s Irish Pub, Chapel Hill, NC http://www.kildaresirishpub.com/

Saturday, 16th Oct: Kildare’s Irish Pub, Chapel Hill, NC

Thursday, 21st Oct: Chicago Street Pub, Joliet, IL. 9pm. http://www.chicagost.com/

For more info, visit: http://www.mickeyhartemusic.com

Hugh Allison was born in Lochaber, Scotland and has felt a strong connection to his past from an early age. Over the years he has put his experiences and learning of history into three books that show a culture that originated in the highlands and lowlands of Scotland, over many centuries, but ended up spreading across the world. His first book, Roots of Stone, tells the story of those who came before, a direct connection to the author’s personal heritage.

His next book, Rivers Running Far, tells the story of those who went away, the thousands of Scottish immigrants that spread their heritage halfway around the globe. His latest book, Culloden Tales, are stories about the place that ended the Highland way of life and would eventually help populate our country with many ideas that became the basis for our formation as a nation.

These stories that have been passed down, or experienced by the author, and show the impact of a single location and moment in time on the future of a country. Hugh weaves all of the tales with passion and humor, leaving the reader, or listener, yearning to know more about this magical, ancient place known as Alba (Gaelic for Scotland). www.scottishtalespinner.com

You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to meet an entertaining speaker, and possibly a distant relative, if you have Scottish roots or an interest in all things Scottish.

Hugh will be at the following locations; Sept. 26, River House Inn in Grassy Creek, NC (www.riverhousenc.com), Sept. 27 Old Salem Tavern, Winston Salem, NC (www.oldsalemtavern.com), Sept. 29 Tirnanog Irish Pub, Raleigh, NC for whiskey tasting and dinner (www.tirnanogirishpub.com) and at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival on Oct 1 & 2 (www.wsfonline.org)

• Desire Lines, David’s unique combination travelogue and history book on his beloved Scotland.

• On the Trail of William Wallace, David’s refreshing insight into the life and heritage of the great Scots hero whose proud story is at the very heart of what it means to be Scottish.

Books can be purchased by contacting Eric Johnson.  Send email to:  thecelticforceej@gmail.com for more information.

Additional inventory of other David Ross books is expected soon. Included will be his last work, Scottish Women, scheduled for release in June. Look for further announcements here.

David Robertson Ross is, and was, a patriotic Scot who loved his country and its people. He was passionate about the rich tapestry of Scottish history. David  specialised in the great Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. He loved Scotland’s past AND present. David believed his writing gave him the opportunity to promote Scotland in a positive light. For David, it was always important to show Scotland as ready to take its equal place in the world of the future.

David Ross websites:

http://www.davidrross.org
http://www.walkforwallace.com
http://www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com

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“We are pleased to share in efforts to continue the work of our friend, David Ross.  While we still miss him and mourn his loss, David continues to inspire us,” said Donovan Murray, President of Celtic Force. “David’s legacy is, in part, the body of his previously-published works, including his “On the Trail” series and his latest book “The Black Douglas.  We’ll also be very proud to represent David upon release of his new book on Scottish Women.  That’s expected in just a few months.”

Inventory of Ross’ books from Luath Press will be in The States shortly.  Included shall be Ross’ very popular “Desire Lines” history/travelogue as well as “On the Trail of William Wallace.” Watch for more details through the Celtic Force website:  http://www.thecelticforce.com/

Luath Press, on The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, is committed to publishing “well written books worth reading.” Luath specialises in Scotland and Scottish authors, publishing 30-40 books a year. Online, Luath Press can be found here:  http://www.luath.co.uk/ 

David Robertson Ross is, and was, a patriotic Scot who loved his country and its people. He was passionate about the rich tapestry of Scottish history. David  specialised in the great Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. He loved Scotland’s past AND present. David believed his writing gave him the opportunity to promote Scotland in a positive light. For David, it was always important to show Scotland as ready to take its equal place in the world of the future.

David Ross websites:

http://www.davidrross.org

http://www.walkforwallace.com

http://www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com

The Celtic Force – Visit our website: www.thecelticforce.com

Stay Connected! 

An evening at the Three Sisters Pub to remember David R Ross

When we heard of the news of the loss of David we were as stunned as anyone about his sudden passing. We also had to decide how that loss would impact our plans to continue with the tour to Scotland next month. Something inside told us that if we didn’t go through with it David would come back with his 5-foot claymore and rip us a new one! He would not want his absence to deter anyone from experiencing his homeland first hand. 

We would like to make an open invitation to anyone that wishes to join us in raising a toast to David on his home soil on Sunday night March 14^th. Our tour group will gather in Edinburgh with friends of David’s from such organizations as Society of William Wallace, Tartan Army and others to share stories, meet new friends, listen to some music and have a few drinks. This will take place at the Three Sisters Pub on Cowgate Street in Edinburgh from 7:30 pm till midnight. It will be a party as big as the Big Man himself and all who wish to join in are welcome.  This pub is a fitting location due to the fact that this is where the St Andrews celebration was held this past November with David providing the words and Ted Christopher and Albannach providing the music. Ted and Albannach will join us during our evening as well.

There is a cover charge of 10 Pounds to help offset expenses of the evening and a cash bar will be provided. We plan to have some food, raffles, music, laughs and a memorable time as we toast our friend and the inspiration for this tour. Join us if you can.

To see pictures and learn more about Three Sisters Pub, visit: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/pubguide/threesisters.html

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For instance, our journey into the Highlands on Friday will take us by Loch Lomond and wind its way into the Highlands across Rannoch Moor, by Glencoe and into Fort William for lunch. The trip continues north from there and features some beautiful scenery and a stop at Urquhart Castle (1) on the shores of Loch Ness. This castle stood during the time of Wallace and was one of the most formidable of its kind. A giant step back in time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urquhart_Castle

We’ll find our way to Inverness from there, check into the Columba Hotel, across the Ness River from Inverness Castle (2) and prepare ourselves for an evening at Hootananny, http://www.hootananny.co.uk/index-2.php a great night spot with a performance by Ted Christopher, http://www.bannockburnband.co.uk/ one of Scotland’s busiest and most entertaining singers. (And close friend of David’s)

On Sat. we rise, have our breakfast and say goodbye to Inverness as we make our way to Culloden Battlefield. http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/Home/  We will stand on the ground that saw the end of a way of life for Scotland. A haunting place that stirs emotions of those that understand its significance, a place Big Davey said was a must see on this trip.

Did I mention that our guide for the Highlands and Culloden is Hugh Allison, http://www.scottishtalespinner.com/ (another friend of David’s) who is the former Director of the Culloden Battlefield.  A writer himself, Hugh will be a great addition to our trip. I bet he will have some interesting insights and a few funny stories about Davey.

We leave Hugh at Culloden and head south toward our next evening’s lodging in Pitlochry. On our way there we will make another stop at Blair Castle (3). http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/  This is the home of the Murray Clan and is one of the busiest castles in Scotland. We will not be doing an inside tour of the castle but we will see the grounds and visit the ruins of St Brides Kirk, that is tucked away under some very old, very large trees. St Brides was built on a Druid mound and was constructed during the 1100s. Buried under the floor of the Kirk is Bonnie Dundee, one of Scotland’s strongest military leaders during the time of King James II & IV, who was killed during the battle of Killiecrankie, just a couple of miles down the road.

After an early afternoon check in at our hotel and time to catch your breath, we’ll head toward our evenings destination, a wedding and dinner at Murthly Castle (4) near Dunkeld. http://www.murthly-estate.com/page2.html We plan to be there around 4 pm to tour the glorious grounds of this 15^th century castle in daylight then move into the 17^th century chapel for the wedding of our good friends Randy Dedrickson and Susan Barry Hallenburg. We’ll have great music for the service featuring bagpipes, Susie Malcolm on harp and her husband, 2004 Scots Trad Songwriter of the Year, Jim Malcolm, singing and playing guitar. http://www.jimmalcolm.com/  The local minister, Rev. Bill Ewart (in kilt of course), will be officiating at one of his last services, as he is due to retire in April.

Once the service is completed we move into the castle for dinner and an evening of more great music. Jim will join us again in the evening and Scottish fiddler Pete Clark http://www.musicinscotland.com/PeteClark/ along with a pianist will perform and also play some dance music for us. Can you say ceilidh? (kay-lee)

I might also mention that our special guest for the evening (besides the bride & groom) will be the owners of Murthly Castle. Cool, huh?

So, there you go, four castles and a wedding. And this all happens within a 36-hour period.

The Celtic Force – Visit our website: www.thecelticforce.com

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The Celtic Force – Visit our website: www.thecelticforce.com

Stay Connected!