Chicago Scots is proud to introduce Cailin Bell and Arran Watt, the 2025 Saltire Scholar Interns who will be working Chicago Scots events this summer and volunteering for life enrichment activities at Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.
A flagship program of Entrepreneurial Scotland, the Saltire Scholars are outstanding university students seeking life and work experience abroad. It’s one of the ways Entrepreneurial Scotland is realizing its vision to build the most entrepreneurial society in the world.
Members can expect Saltire Scholars to bring fresh ideas and dedicated support to Chicago Scots activities this summer. They will be actively involved in our events, communications, and community initiatives. Please take a moment to review their backgrounds. We invite our Governors, members and donors to reach out to them with welcome messages and questions.
Caitlin Bell, from Dunfermline Fife, has deep love for Scottish music, food and cultural events. Along with pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations at The University of Dundee, Caitlin works part-time in St Andrews within hospitality and has also spent a summer working at the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her enthusiasm for sharing Scottish heritage and a deep commitment to cultural preservation makes Caitlin an ideal fit for keeping Scottish traditions alive at Chicago Scots. This is Caitlin’s first visit to the U.S. You can reach her at CaitlinBell@caledoniaseniorliving.org
Arran Watt, from Edinburgh, brings a lifelong passion for Scottish culture, rooted in family, sport, and music. A third-year Psychology student at the University of Strathclyde, Arran also has hands-on experience in hospitality from working at the Edinburgh Festival, where he welcomed international visitors and promoted Scottish culture. He is excited to gain practical experience in nonprofit management and community outreach. Arran was drawn to Chicago Scots dual mission of culture and care because of his family’s first-hand experience with elder and dementia care. Arran can be reached at ArranWatt@caledoniaseniorliving.org
“This is our 17th year hosting Saltire Scholars,” said Gus Noble, president. “We were one of the first host organizations in the U.S. to sign on. Every intern has been superb. So it is with Caitlin and Arran. If they represent the next generation of Scots, then Scotland has a very bright future. Please join me in welcoming Caitlin and Arran to our Scottish family!”
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.