The St. Andrew’s Day Gala
“Feast of the Haggis”
The Saint Andrew’s Day Gala is Chicago’s longest running black tie event held every year since 1845 despite two World Wars, the Chicago Fire, the great depression, the great recession, and two pandemics.
Chicago Scots’ 180th annual Saint Andrew’s Day Gala will be held December 6th at the Palmer House Hilton.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
The Right Honorable Henry McLeish, former First Minister of Scotland
Commemorating a 30-year political career of distinction that included service in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s cabinet, an appointment as Minister of State for Scotland, and significant contributions to the Scotland Act which established Scotland’s first Parliament in 300 years. His proudest accomplishment as First Minister was mandating free personal care for the elderly. Today, McLeish continues his commitment to seniors as Chair of the Scottish Brain Health & Dementia Research Oversight Board at Alzheimer’s Scotland.
KINSMAN & KINSWOMAN
Kris and Fred Veenbass
We are grateful to Kris and Fred Veenbaas for 23 years of selfless dedication and volunteer service to Chicago Scots, particularly our Scottish
Festival & Highland Games. Together they have logged more than 1,800 volunteer hours across nearly every function of our Games. With infectious optimism they have shared the Scottish spirit of hospitality with thousands of attendees proudly representing our dual mission of culture and care.
ENTERTAINMENT
Winner of Britain’s Got Talent Jai McDowall
News Coverage
Elizabeth Dunlop Richter from Classic Chicago Magazine has written articles about the Feast of the Haggis the past four years. Use the links below to read the articles.
2023 – The Sound of Feast of the Haggis
2022 – Just What is a “Feast of the Haggis”?
2021 – Traditions, Tartans and Tastings: The Feast of the Haggis
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.