Happenings at McDougall Cottage

Explore all our events, including date, time, and fees, at the museum's events calendar. Below are descriptions of events and other happenings at the cottage.

Spring Events 2013

April 18 – The skirl of the pipes will resound in the Cottage once more as Robin Aggus (MIR 2011) returns to enthrall us in an evening of Scottish music. Fiddler Dave Neigh enriches the mood. 7 p.m.

April 19 – Day off school? Grab yer granny, or any adult ye like and head to the Cottage fer an afternoon of entertaining, interactive activities. ‘Tis fun… and ‘tis free!! Drop in anytime ‘tween 1 & 4 p.m.

April 21 – Our Tartan Tea promises traditional Scottish treats and sweets…….with marvelous melodic backdrop provided by Brian Sinclair and his mandocello Still great value at $12.50/person but ye must reserve. From 2 p.m.

Wee Quilt Challenge 2013 - Greetings from the Auld Sod

McDougall Cottage will be showcasing its strong Scottish heritage by hosting its annual "Wee Quilt Challenge" in the spring. This mini-challenge invites quilters from all parts of Canada (and of course, Scotland) to submit a wee quilted creation no larger than 24" x 24". View the Wee Quilt Call entry form.

This year's theme challenges quilters to capture in their textile art, memories of the homeland be they fictional or true life personal experiences. Perhaps you've travelled to the "auld sod" and sent home postcards of favourite landscapes, or you may be an armchair traveler or a family historian with a vivid imagination. So conjure up your favourite image of the "auld sod,"quilt it and make it picture perfect but don't forget to include a piece of plaid.

The "Greetings from the Auld Sod" Quilt show will open in April and run through Labour Day. The artists will be honoured at a Scottish Tea Wednesday, May 22, 2013 when bonnie wee prizes will be awarded. Please join us form 4 - 6 p.m.

Musician-in-Residence 2013: Fiddler Dan MacDonald

May 9 – Concert

In this concert, Dan unravels the history and mystery of Cape Breton music. The halls’ll be ringin’ fer sure. From 7:30. Admission is by donation, call ahead to reserve.

June 15 – Adult Fiddle Workshop

Beginners are welcome at this adult workshop presented by McDougall’s 2013 Musician-in-Residence, Dan MacDonald. Dust off yer fiddle and give us a call. Two hours fer 20 bucks. Great value….and the jokes are free!! 1 – 3 p.m.

Fisherman-in-Residence 2013: Ian Colin James

May 11 – Fly Tying Workshop

“Productive Grand River Flies” (fer brown trout and smallmouth bass.) Bring along yer fly tying kit and join one of the legends of fly fishing, McDougall Cottage’s resident fly fisherman fer this afternoon workshop. $25 includes instruction and materials. Laughs are free. Beginners welcome but please register.

June 8, 2013 – Fly Fishing on the Grand

Meet Scotsman, Ian Colin James, fly-fisherman, author, "Fumbling with a Fly Rod," environmentalist, and comedian. .

Get ready to grab yer waders ‘n rod ‘n head down to the River. We’ll be castin’ off early but ‘tis sure to be fun and informative. Ian’s the “best in the biz”! The fee includes transportation to the “pool” and a full-day of instruction. Call for more information and to register.

Educational Programmes

Scottish Traditions and Celebrations

Attention Grade 2 teachers! This exciting programme complements Ontario's Grade 2 Social Studies' unit, Heritage and Citizenship - Traditions and Celebrations. During a two hour visit to the Cottage, students learn about the McDougalls and the Bairds, two of the many Scottish families who settled in the Galt area of Cambridge. Explore some of the traditions the Scots brought along from the old country, taste traditional baking and investigate the wearing of the kilt.

Kids in Kilts

Ya dinna need ta wear a kilt ta know that kids are kool. That's why, one Saturday afternoon each month, the staff at McDougall Cottage host a special FREE craft event just for wee laddies and lassies, three years and up. Ye can drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.

May 18	May Day Flower Basket or Garlands
June 22	Garden Trolls from Nature (with Sarah)
July 13	Wind Chimes
Aug. 17	Twig Weavings
Sept. 14	Burlap & Felt Wall Hangings
Oct. 12	Fun Foam Leaf Prints
Nov. 16	Graham Cracker Cottages
Dec. 7	Decorative Bead People

Tartan Teas Dates 2013

Share a cup of tea and a yarn or two during our Tartan Tea events.

April 21	Tartan Tea
May 12	Mother’s Day Tartan Tea (2 seatings - 1 – 2:30 & 3-4:30)
June 16	Strawberry Tartan Tea
July 17	St. Swithin’s Day Tartan Tea
July 28	Tartan Tea
Aug. 14	Mid Week Tartan Tea
Aug. 25	Tartan Tea
Sept. 22	Carrot Sunday Tartan Tea
Oct. 20	Tartan Tea
Nov. 24	St. Andrew’s Day Tartan Tea
Dec. 8	Winter Solstice Tartan Tea

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