The Genetic Makeup of an American Scot
Class and Sass… the genetic makeup of pretty much anyone in This Family. How did we celebrate our American Scottishness this month? Appropriately.
We joined the St Andrew’s Society! And we went on a Kilt Krawl!
St. Andrew’s Society
The St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles was established in 1930. The purpose of the society is to promote Scottish history, traditions, and culture. It is not a religious organization or affiliated with a particular clan. Originally St. Andrew’s Societies were established in the United States to assist Scots emigrating from their homeland to new destinations. It was a place to go and be amongst ones own so there was an instant community. People in the society helped each other out in things like securing work and living accommodations and general camaraderie. Isn’t that a lovely thought?
These modern days St. Andrew’s Societies serve as service organizations that host cultural events, social events, support community, and support youth pursuing Scottish cultural traditions such as bag piping, Highland dance, and learning Gaelic. They can be found all over the world promoting the preservation of Scottish heritage and culture.
Meet and Greet
Sage and I went to the annual meeting and fell in love immediately. The head of St Andrews Los Angeles personally walked Sage and I around to every person introducing us. It was hospitality I don’t see a lot of these days. I was touched. Everyone was so kind and happy we were there. Truly welcoming. Of course there was food and drink and lots of kilts. Fabulous.
Shortly there after, I went to a board meeting. Since it was just before Easter, I brought home made apple butter and biscuits in a spring presentation. In April we will be attending the Tartan Day celebration sponsored by St Andrews. I wish I had ridiculous stores to tell about the annual meeting and the board meeting but it was nothing but class.
There was coffee and food and coffee samples to take home. Of course, there was excellent sense of Scottish humor and yet a board meeting full of planning wonderful events for the community. I have found my people.
Biscuits and Apple Butter 
Coffee!!!! 
Agenda
And then there was the Kilt Krawl…
We started at the Tam O’Shanter, which was once a favorite haunt of Walt Disney and the original imagineers. And for the record, yes I searched the entire restaurant and bar until I found his ‘spot’ where I promptly sat down and attempted to channel the Awesome that is Walt Disney. Josh had Scottish beer but I stuck to ginger beer. (I love ginger beer!) We did enjoy something on the menu called ‘bacon’. I mean, how can you not enjoy something called ‘bacon’ It was actually bacon wrapped around dates filled with cream cheese but it was absolutely fabulous! We also ate something called rarebit but it was really cheese. To recap: Ginger beer, bacon, Walt Disney and cheese. WINNING!!!
We joined the St. Andrew’s crew to walk to the second location which was a couple blocks away. The highlight was when this kilted and sashed bunch of us (Oh yeah I full on wore my MacGregor sash!!!) crossed the main thoroughfare and someone leaned out of their car at a stop light to yell, “FREEDOM!!!!!!” (If you have watched Braveheart, you know why this is an epic moment.) We all yelled back, fists pumped high in the air. Braveheart soundtrack now playing in my head…It was great! Best…Day…Ever!!!
Just before we arrived at the second location, one of the kilted ladies stepped on, well I don’t know what, but she went , as my grandmother would say, ’ass over tea kettle’ and we all learned first hand what is under a kilt, at least on a woman. But you know what? Three Scot gentlemen jumped to her rescue! Who says chivalry is dead? Thankfully she had on underwear. Also, she wasn’t hurt. In fact she got up, wild hair everywhere and led the charge to the next location! That’s a hearty Scot for ya! You go girl!
Josh and Jen at the Tam 
Rarebit and Bacon 
Sitting in Walt’s ‘spot’ 
Standing next to the table hoping magic will rub off on me
All Good Things Must Come to an End…at least for now…
Josh and I had to leave to relieve Madison of Sage duty so she could go to work but not before we poked our heads in the last pub just to see. It was another English pub and cute but I have to say the Tam won for overall character. Interesting things to know is that The Tam is owned by the Lawry family, as in Lawry prime rib and seasoning salt and it is the oldest family owned and operated restaurant in Los Angeles. It was the inspiration for the buildings in Walt Disney’s Snow White and because of the imagineers helping to build it, it became the first building known as storybook architecture. This was my first Kilt Krawl and even though we were only there for a small portion, it was great. Friends and memories were made.
This group is a fun loving group and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
This sounds like so much fun! I’m glad you “found your people”!
haha I have found I relate to a lot of different people but yeah, this is a great group
Such fabulous opportunities to keep the culture alive in families!!!
Thank you Annette!
I’m all about the Kilt Crawl lol we have the bagpipes to lead the way! Great writing, we all could use a little history to make us feel more connected ?
That is indeed the hope here… to get people a wee bit more connected 🙂 Thank you Angela!
I love this – but just can’t get over the fact that you were standing right next to that desk!!! Do you feel any of Walt’s magic rubbed off?? Any pixie dust lying around?
It was actually his lunch table. He ate lunch there almost every day so he and his imagineers called it The Commissary. I sat in his spot. He always sat with his back to the wall so he could see who was coming in to talk with him. I do the same thing LOL I have several excellent Walt Stories coming up! He’s a hero. 🙂 As for pixie dust, I certainly hope so! 🙂 Interestingly enough I have a photo of my youngest sitting in his spot with a beam of light that is coming from, well we never did figure out where it came from, but shone all around her. I like to think it was Walt giving her a hug.
What a great idea, I’m sure you guys had a fun time. Thanks for sharing
I think any time you celebrate culture and family you can’t go wrong. 🙂
I love this idea! Its awesome that you are embracing your history! What a great experience
Thank you! It’s sun for sure!
What a great way to celebrate all things Scot!
Siante!
Oh my gosh, I think this would have been a blast. My Scottish roots are slim, but they are there and I would have loved it all!
We’ll take you! LOL We’re cool like that! I’m a mutt myself… just experiencing as we go
What a way to embrace your roots! Thanks for sharing this entertaining and fun post. P.S. love the “what’s under the kilt” referral!
Glad you enjoyed!
How fun! For years I thought I was primarily Irish, but then around 20 years of age I learned that I was more Scottish. I will have to check in to get more information on my heritage.
ha! I think that happens a lot actually. Ancestry DNA pulls out all sorts of surprises. Happy exploring. let me know if I can help in any way
Love your post! How fun. I have Scottish roots too. I’m a card carrying member of Clan Maitland from the Borders. I’ll be in Scotland this July for a Clan Gathering. I’m so excited! I love and appreciate anything Scottish. Glad to connect.
SIante! Have so much fun! I hope you’ll follow along our once a month posts as we explore and have fun.
Kilt and Krawl hahaha I love it!
it’s fun right!
Ok, so I’m not sure what a ‘crawl’ is…. but it sounds like you had a wonderful time. I love the passion you express for your heritage, it’s awesome! And it’s wonderful that you’ve found a real community of people who are kind, chivalrous and caring! Thanks for sharing!!
What a great time!
What a great time! We have just started piecing our history together but it’s been so fun so far…
This looks like so much fun! It looks like a great way to celebrate your heritage.
It is! For sure a fun way to explore
What an amazing tale!
The Disney gal in me smiled at your telling of finding THE BOOTH. The Braveheart moment seems like it was probably a thrill. The woman going do not must have been a sight to see. You certainly had a full experience!
How fun! We just did our DNA tests and found out we are mostly Scottish and Irish. I’m really excited to start digging into our history more!
How fun. This is just so cool. I love when people come together to celebrate heritage. Also how cool to go somewhere and think “Walt Disney was here…” I live in KC and we drive by his old studio and geek out a little bit every time.
Me too!!! Oh I have some fun Walt Disney stuff coming up!!! You’ll love it!
What a fun time! Bacon, ginger beer, cheese and Walt Disney sounds perfect to me too.
RIGHT?!?! Let’s be friends.
I love this. My family is from Ireland, England and Scotland. My nana was so proud of her Scottish heritage. I need to look into this more.
OOOOO let me know if I can help!!!
What a great time! I feel like people do not love their ancestry like my grandparents did. I am glad to see you are embracing it!
I agree… and I also feel if people did do that then we would find more reasons to connect and share stories.Can’t go wrong with education of yourself and talking… that builds community 🙂
Sounds like an awesome time! I love the kilt krawl!! This is such a fun read!
Oh I’m glad you enjoyed!!
This is awesome and what a great way to embrace your heritage. I love any kind of “crawl”!
It’s a hoot! I’m all about fun ways to celebrate!