Archie Edgar, Scottish by Birth

Archie Edgar (2nd from left) always makes time for golf whenever he visits the place of his birth, Scotland. His favorite courses are North Berwick and Cruden Bay.

Archie’s life is marked by the pursuit of connection. A first-generation Scot, Archie was born in 1960 in the small town of Carrick, 24 miles south of Glasgow. His Scottish roots have remained a constant source of pride and identity throughout his life.

Archie’s journey to the United States began when his father travelled across the Atlantic in search of a new life for his family, leaving Archie and his siblings in the care of their mother. The second of 13 children, Archie’s mother instilled in him a deep connection to their large extended family. Even after her passing in June, Archie cherishes the time spent with cousins and other relatives during family gatherings in Scotland. Archie and his sister Greta, who still lives in Scotland, remain very close and talk weekly

Archie’s early years were shaped by this duality of separation and connection. He moved to the United States at age 13, where he would eventually gain American citizenship in 1983. Despite the geographical distance from Scotland, Archie remained steadfast in his love for his homeland. His membership in the Stewart Clan and his regular trips back to Scotland, including a memorable golf tour with friends, show his enduring commitment to his heritage.

Archie earned a degree in Aerospace Technology and began his career in Columbus, Ohio. Over the years, he transitioned from construction of planes to sales, eventually earning an MBA as well. Toward the end of his career, Archie focused on helping small, foreign companies establish themselves in North American markets, a role he found particularly fulfilling.

Retirement also given Archie and his wife, Lindsay Weston, who is also of Scottish descent, the opportunity to spend more time with their family, especially their grandchildren. Golf has been a central part of Archie’s life since 1992, when he joined a golf course in Columbus. Even now, in retirement, Archie continues to play two to three days a week.

Archie’s connection to the Chicago Scots began in 2015, after he moved to Chicago. He quickly became an active participant in events like the Kilted Classic, Feast of the Haggis, and Burns Supper. Recently Archie and Lindsay became Life Members of Chicago Scots. They were delighted to learn about the Chicago Scots’ partnership with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) which provides Chicago Scots members with reciprocal membership of NTS and significant travel benefits in Scotland. Archie feels fortunate to support an organization that not only celebrates Scottish heritage but also serves seniors and their families at Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. Archie was particularly impressed by how Caledonia handled the COVID-19 pandemic, with no resident lives lost—a testament, he says, to the exceptional care provided by the community.

For Archie, being Scottish is more than just a family history—it’s a source of pride and strength. Archie is Scottish by birth and by heritage, but he believes that one can be “Scottish by inclination,” embracing the values and traditions that define the Scots. His pride in being Scottish is evident, not only in his commitment to Chicago Scots but also in his desire to pass on this legacy to his children and grandchildren.

Whether on the golf course, traveling with Lindsay, or spending time with his family, Archie continues to live life with a sense of gratitude and pride, carrying his Scottish identity with him wherever he goes. Reflecting on how lucky he feels to have found a home within the Chicago Scots, Archie says “Chicago Scots is a big part of me connecting with my roots.”

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