Events

Scottish-North American Leadership Conference

The CHICAGO SCOTS, the American Scottish Foundation and the Saint Andrew's Society of Detroit are delighted to announce that the 2011 Scottish American Leadership Conference will be held at the Kilgour Scottish Center in Troy, Michigan.

The theme of the conference is "Communicating Our Scottish Identity." The conference will be on Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd at the 2360 Rochester Court, Troy, Michigan.

The conference is an opportunity for those of us in the Scottish-American community to share views, values, experiences and best practices. The conference aims to raise awareness of Scotland and Scottish culture, to develop a better understanding of the roles, objectives and operations of the various government, academic, non-profit and private sector organizations that operate in the Scottish North American community and to identify opportunities to enhance communication and collaboration within the community. Representatives from every organization in the Scottish North American community are encouraged to attend.

The conference hotel is the Detroit Marriott Troy in Troy, Michigan. A block of rooms have been reserved for the conference. A standard room is $105.00. A continental breakfast will be avaliable at the conference at the Kilgour Scottish Center. To make reservations, please call (800) 228-9290 and mention M-8PLXC7. Transportation will be provided from the hotel to the conference.

Tickets for the conference and the banquet held on Friday night are only $120 per person. Tickets are also available for the banquet only ($60) or the conference ($60).

Tickets to the event are now available HERE!

Click HERE for the most recent agenda!

Frequently Asked Questions are available HERE!

Annual Burns Dinners

Burns Suppers are held around the globe to celebrate the life and work of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. These events are typically held in January, and consist in speeches, toasts to the Laddies and the Lassies, reading of Burns's poetry, the Address to a Haggis, and of course, much music, dancing and food.

The Chicago Scots have been holding its annual Burns Supper at various locations in and around Chicago. They are one of the spotlight events the Society holds every year, and it continually attracts a good crowd looking to celebrate the life of Robert Burns, to mingle with Society members, and to have a good time in the traditional Scottish fashion.

13th Annual

Burns Supper

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society invites Burns.

CHICAGO SCOTS

to an evening of cocktails, supper, poetry and dancing to celebrate the live and work of

Robert Burns.

The event will be Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Union League Club

(65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago) .

Feast of the Haggis

The "Feast of the Haggis" an annual event held by the Illinois Saint Andrew Society is one the Society's longest-running traditions

This formal event marks Saint Andrew's Day, a celebration of Scotland's Patron Saint. The Chicago Scots celebrate with a luxurious feast, guest speakers, dancing and other entertainment.

Charlie Trotter will be honored as the 2011 Distinguished Citizen at the Anniversary Dinner "Feast of the Haggis" on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Hotel InterContinental Chicago. Caroline Cracraft and Ed Diamond will also receive the 2011 Clanswoman and Clansman of the Year Award. Quinn Alexandra Shulski will be the Bonnie Bairn of the Feast of the Haggis. We will celebrate the 166th anniversary of the Society's founding.

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society's Annual Anniversary Dinner commemorates the 'Feast of Saint Andrews, Scotland's patron saint. Members and friends have gathered together at this gala dinner, known for many years as the "Feast of the Haggis," to proudly celebrate our Scottish identity and support the cultural and philanthropic work of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, including our Scottish Home for the elderly.

We hope you will be able to join us for an exciting program beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served in the Empire Room at 7:00 p.m., followed by entertainment and a live auction.

Charlie's Bio

CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER BACKGROUND

July 2010 - Charlie Trotter's is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. For over 24 years, the restaurant has dedicated itself to excellence in the culinary arts. Never willing to rest on its laurels, Charlie Trotter's Restaurant is innovative and progressive in the world of food and wine and has been instrumental in establishing new standards for fine dining.

The restaurant is recognized by a variety of prestigious national and international institutions. In 1995 Charlie Trotter's was inducted into the esteemed Relais & Chateaux and in 1998 was accepted as a member by Traditions & Qualité. It has also received Five Stars from the Mobil Travel Guide, Five Diamonds by AAA and ten James Beard Foundation awards, including 'Outstanding Restaurant' (2000) and 'Outstanding Chef' (1999). Wine Spectator named the restaurant 'The Best Restaurant in the World for Wine & Food' (1998) and 'America's Best Restaurant' (2000). Chef Trotter is the author of 14 cookbooks, three management books, and is the host of the nationally aired, award winning PBS cooking series, The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.

In 2000, Chef Trotter opened Trotter's To Go, a gourmet to go retail shop in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. He also produces a line of private label organic products.