July 4, 2018
Anyone with even a drop of Scots blood should be drawn to Boondooma Homestead next month by the skirl of pipes and the beat of drums at Scots in the Bush.
The ninth annual celebration of everything Scottish will be held from August 17-19.
The history of Boondooma Homestead, which is located at 8262 Mundubbera-Durong Road, dates back to 1842 and three Scottish squatters: Robert and Alexander Lawson, from Kilmarnock, and Robert Alexander, from Mauchline.
Family names from an old Kilmarnock map re-occur on Boondooma Station.
These days the Boondooma Homestead complex is owned by South Burnett Regional Council and is operated by the not-for-profit Boondooma Museum & Heritage Association.
This year’s Scots In The Bush program will begin on the Thursday evening with a ceilidh (ie a country dance) with music provided by the Ishka Ceilidh Band.
Those who enjoy Scottish country dancing will be able dance the night away with old Scottish favourites.
Four pipe bands are expected to come along, including the Noosa and District Pipe Band has supported the event for many years and will again provide the much-loved pipes and drums.
Some new talent will also be on the program, including the Morton Bay Fiddle Club, Limerick Modern Celtic Band, David Rowan (piano accordion) and Vince Pagett.
Some old favourites, including Brian Letton, Celtic Thunder Oz, Velcro, Darrel Craft, and Tartan Time will entertain the crowd.
Celtic Psychosis will also be on the stage again, aiming to raise the roof on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
As well as celtic music, there’ll also be plenty of Scottish-themed foodstuffs to enjoy.
Aberdeen sausage, Scotch eggs, haggis, neeps and tatties will be available alongside the more usual fare of fish and chips, and hamburgers.
Other Scottish favourites available will shortbread, Dundee cake, Scottish pancakes, Highland scones and Scotch tablet.
The Address to the Haggis will be offered by local Scotsman Gervais Fullerton on Saturday at lunch time.
Dancers from The Rum City Highland Dance Studio, from Bundaberg, and Amy Boreham, from the Burdekin Celtic dancers, will delight the crowd with traditional dancing.
As well as the music, food and dancing, the popular Highland Games will be on the program again.
On the Saturday afternoon, patrons young and old will be invited to participate in games such as Tossing the Caber (20kg and 30kg), throwing the haggis, foot races, and Putting the Boondooma Stone.
A highlight of the festival is always the Clan and Tartan Parade.
People wearing tartan dress can register and names, clans and tartans will be announced.
During this part of the program, the group will sing “Gathering of the Clans” and “The Tartan” accompanied by The Morton Bay Fiddle Club.
Once again stall holders are welcome and stalls showing Celtic memorabilia will be on display.
Clans have been invited as well, and some will display banners and have clan memorabilia on show.
The traditional church service on the Sunday morning in the homestead garden will be another highlight of the event. This service will include The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan.
Pastor Bal Sami from the Wondai-Proston Baptist Church will conduct the service, including a blessing of the clans, families and tartans.
- For further information contact Bev and Jim on (07) 4168-0159, Judy Brandt on 0427-364-026 or email info@boondoomahomestead.org.au
