The Board of Governors cordially invites everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination to celebrate Scotland, and the very best qualities of the Scots at Chicago Scots’ 181st annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala.
5:00PM: A Conversation with The Honourable Jim Webb
6:00PM: Cocktail Reception with Scottish Flair
7:00PM: Awards Dinner Program
Presentation of the Haggis & Banquet Dinner
Awards, Toast & Tributes
Highland Dance and Bagpipe Performances
Traditional Scottish Ceilidh
Registration will start October 5, 2026.
WHEN
Saturday, December 5, 2026
WHERE
Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Map and Directions
During America 250, we gratefully recognize the legacies & accomplishments of our fellow Scots.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
Jim Webb
It is a privilege to recognize Jim Webb for a lifetime of extraordinary service, leadership, and devotion to country. Graduating first in his class from Marine Corps Basic School, Jim served as a Platoon and Company Commander with the 5th Marines in Vietnam, where his courage under fire made him one of the most highly decorated Marines of the war. His government service includes Assistant Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, and U.S. Senator from Virginia, where he wrote and passed the post-9/11 bill, the most important veterans legislation since World War II. A prolific writer, Jim is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and author of ten books, including Born Fighting, his acclaimed history of the Scots-Irish and their profound influence on America’s culture, politics, and democracy.
KINSMAN & KINSWOMAN
Alex & Irene Gonzalez
We are proud to honor Alex and his wife, Irene (posthumously), for the remarkable values of duty, family, and culture that defined their 63-year marriage. Following Alex’s Army service and a 30-year career supporting NATO military installations and Air Force installations around the world, Alex and Irene retired to Chicago to be near their son, Charlie, and his family. For over 20 years they supported Chicago Scots events and cultural programs to benefit the Scots charitable purpose at Caledonia Senior Living. We salute and thank Alex, and remember Irene, a proud Glaswegian who fully embraced and represented the best qualities of the Scots, whose influence continues to endure in the family they nurtured together.
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.