Notice of Annual Meeting – March 14, 2025
The Scottish-American Society of Rhode Island cordially invites you to join us on March 14th for our Annual Meeting and the election of three members to our Board of Directors.

When: 1:00 PM on March 14, 2025 at 55 Alhambra Circle, Cranston, RI.  Please note that location will be confirmed upon final tally of attendees.
Agenda: A vote will be conducted at the Annual Meeting to elect three persons to the membership of the Board of Directors for a period of five years.
Final Nominees: Gail Kelleher, James Kelleher & Leo Kennedy
Nominating Candidates: If any member wishes to nominate additional candidates, please email the name/s to Cathy Poirier at cath251@hotmail.com no later than February 14, 2025.
RSVP Instructions: If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please RSVP to Cathy Poirier by February 14, 2025.
Voting Instructions: By February 28th, the final list of candidates for the three positions on the Board of Directors will be posted here. Voting will be done in-person at the meeting on March 14th, but you may send a proxy to vote on your behalf if you are unable to join us. If you intend to send a proxy, please notify Cathy Poirier no later than February 28th.

Burns Anniversary Committee of Rhode Island is proud to present the 61st Annual Burns Night Supper and Dance on January 25th, 2025. It will be held at Rhodes-on-the Pawtuxet Ballroom, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI. Doors open at 5:45 pm with cocktails (cash bar) and dinner seating beginning at 6:30 pm. Entertainment will be provided by Fellswater and RI Highlanders Pipe Band. The evening will include a traditional Haggis Ceremony, presentation of The Immortal Memory, Scottish Raffle and Ceilidh dancing.

To join the celebration download the reservation form and return with payment.

You may also purchase your ticket electronically by using the buy tickets button below. (nominal service charge will be applied to your purchase)

This is a formal event - Scottish dress is encouraged but not required! 

If your wardrobe is lacking, please visit our Shop where ties and sashes in the official Rhode Island Tartan are available for purchase at a reasonable price.

Advance Reservations postmarked on or before January 6th - Adults - $ 75 ($85 for beef); Children 12 and Under - $30. 00

Reservations postmarked after January 6th -  Adults - $85 ($95 for beef); Children 12 & Under - $40.00                                    

ticket buying period has closed

no refunds, but a cancellation list will be maintained. if you wish to be on the cancellation list to purchase available tickets, email standrewssociety1923@gmail.com

Endorsed by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. Member 1007 Robert Burns Federation. Sponsored by Walker’s Shortbread.

Click here for a full description of this event.

Please join us at St. Michael’sl Church for A Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan.

This Scottish American tradition is generally considered a rededication (of clans and others) to God’s service. While 18th century Scots had to hide their ancient clan tartans in the Kirk (church), today Scots and those of Scots descent, celebrate both their national and their religious heritage with a Kirkin’.

St. Michael’s Church is located at 399 Hope Street, Bristol, RI The service will be followed by a Coffee An’. Lunch will be at Aidan’s Pub immediately following the Coffee An’.

Please plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m.

For more information, please contact Richmond Cargill - riscotty12@gmail.com - 508-644-9820

The Tartan Bash will be held on November 2, 2024 at Chelos Banquet Room, 2225 Post Road, Warwick, RI.  There will be a cocktail reception from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m., followed by a full buffet.  The night will include the traditional Address to a Haggis and and plenty of Ceilidh Dancing,  Oh yes, and Haggis!

Wearing of the Tartan is encouraged!  If your wardrobe is lacking, please visit our Shop where ties and sashes in the official Rhode Island Tartan are available for purchase at a reasonable price.

Member prices: Adult ticket is $50

All Children 4 - 10 years - $25; Buffet is FREE for All Children Under 4!

Non-member prices: Adult ticket is $55  

You may download the reservation form here. Please allow enough time for your registration form to be delivered via postal service by October 22nd.

YOU MAY ALSO ORDER YOUR TICKETS USING THE Buy Tickets Button BELOW NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 22nd @ 12:00 NOON

Note: No Tickets will be mailed!

Click here for a full description of this event.

The SASRI Book Club is hosting a Zoom call on March 25th at 7:00 PM with Author Joyce Peacock Lawton.  She will be presenting her new book, Look Back, Don't Stare.  Ms. Lawton wrote this book as an homage to her father, James Peacock who grew up within the close-knit, Scottish community of Pawtucket.

In her book, Joyce recounts the story of her father, James, through his own words, stories, and anecdotes. She accomplishes what we all wish to do-preserve the story of our parents and ancestors for generations to come, and keep their memories alive.

It's been estimated that the City of Pawtucket had a larger percent of Scottish people than any other city in the United States (circa 1911). Many of our members have roots in Pawtucket; this will be a very interesting evening for them and anyone else interested in RI Scottish history.

If you wish to participate in the Zoom call, please send an email to kellehergail@gmail.com and you'll receive a Zoom link on March 22nd.  

Burns Anniversary Committee of Rhode Island is proud to present the 60th Annual Burns Night Supper and Dance on February 3rd. It will be held at Rhodes-on-the Pawtuxet Ballroom, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI. Doors open at 5:45pm with cocktails (cash bar) and dinner seating beginning at 6:15 pm. Entertainment will be provided by Fellswater and RI Highlanders Pipe Band. The evening will include a traditional Haggis Ceremony, presentation of The Immortal Memory and Ceilidh dancing.  And don’t forget to try our signature cocktails!

The Burns Supper is endorsed by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. Member 1007 Robert Burns Federation.

Click here for a full description of this event.

We are offering FOUR different entrees: Chicken Marsala; Salmon; Portobello Mushroom; Short Ribs. Please note: Beef orders can only be made using a paper reservation form.

Ticket Pricing

If tickets are purchased by January 12th: Chicken, Salmon, Portobello - $70; Beef - $80. Children 12 and under - Chicken Fingers meal - $30

After January 12th, prices increase by $10: Chicken, Salmon, Portobello - $80; Beef - $90. Children 12 and under - Chicken Fingers meal - $40

Ordering Options

Ordering Closed

The Christmas Cèilidh is a potluck event open to members and their guests, and will be held December 2, 2023 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 670 Weeden Street, Pawtucket, RI.  The evening will include dancing, musical performances by members of the Society, and raffle baskets supporting our Scottish Dancing Club.  

Each guest brings a dish to share; this is a BYOB event if you desire.  This is a FREE event for members ; non-members pay a nominal entrance fee of $5 per person to be collected at the door. 

Attendees are kindly asked to bring a non-perishable offering for a local food bank.

Click here for a full description of this event.

The St. Andrew’s Society of Rhode Island invites you to join us in celebrating our 100th Anniversary on October 22nd. This event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI. Doors open at 5:30 pm with cocktails (cash bar) and dinner seating beginning at 6:15 pm.

Come enjoy uniquely Scottish entertainment, featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller extraordinaire Bill Harley, renowned Scottish singer and songwriter Jim Malcolm and more!. The evening will include a traditional Address to a Haggis, music by the RI Highlanders, Calling of the Clans, and Ceilidh dancing.

Raffle items include a handmade kilt by R&I MacDonald of West Calder, Scotland; door prizes will be pulled throughout the evening!

Tickets Prices:

$75 for Adults ($25 for children 12 and under for chicken fingers and fries) if postmarked on or before September 23, 2023.

$85/$30 for tickets postmarked after September 23rd.

Ticket Sales End October 18th.

special event attire - scottish dress encouraged but not required.

Many thanks to Bronze Sponsor Greenwood Credit Union for supporting our Centennial Celebration!

Voices Over the Water is a feature film by Guy Perrotta and Jane Ferguson, examining the Scottish identity in America. What is the truth behind Scottish cultural celebrations? What are the tragedies? What remains unspoken and misunderstood? What can we learn about our identity as Americans by looking back into this rich history?

Please join us at the screening on August 13th at the Showcase Cinema - Providence Place Mall. at 4:00 PM It promises to be a thought provoking and moving film! Wearing of Scottish Attire is highly recommended!

Buy tickets here (NOTE: on the voices over the water website, Scroll to bottom of the screen and Press 4:00 PM BUtton to purchase tickets)

Click here to view the trailer.

The St. Andrew’s Society will be marching in the Gaspee Day Parade! If you are interested in joining us, please contact us at standrewssociety1923@gmail.com If you plan are marching, please wear a kilt. For ladies that do not own a kilted skirt, please wear a skirt and sash (not trousers please as we are trying to look uniform).

This is a rain or shine event and will only be cancelled for extreme weather! In the event the parade is cancelled, an announcement will be placed on the Gaspee Phone Line - 401-781-1772 by 6AM.

Our group must be in place along the parade route by 9:00 AM! Since parking lots will fill up, please plan on being at the staging area by 8:00 AM

Click here for participant parking information.

At the end of the parade, shuttle buses will be available in the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet parking lot to return participants to the parking lots near the staging area.

As we continue to celebrate our 100th anniversary, SASRI is sponsoring an on-line Zoom event with the New England Historic Genealogical Society entitled Getting Started in Scottish Research. This free event is your chance to ask questions related to Scottish ancestry. Participants will be muted but will be able to submit questions via Zoom. We hope you can join us! Please use the link below to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-started-in-scottish-research-tickets-618318927557

We are celebrating Tartan Day with a Scottish Flash Mob at the new train station in Pawtucket time to be decided)!

If you don't know, a flash mob is a public gathering at which people perform an unusual or seemingly random act for a brief period of time (like a choreographed dance), then quickly disperse.

We have  reserved practice space at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 70 Pettaconsett Ave., Cranston at 7:00 PM for March 1 & 15 (as well as April 5th if necessary) to learn a short dance number to the music of  The Sky Boat Song.

If you have a kilt or kilted skirt, wear it.  If you don't, no worries!  Tie on a piece of tartan - Let's show Rhode Island who SASRI is!

Send us an email if you want to be part of the mob — you only live once, so live Scottish!

We are On for March12!

Who's up for some fun? Come try your hand (and broom) at Curling, the renowned sport that originated in Scotland! Join us in the beer garden at The Jealous Monk, 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT on Saturday, March 12th from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. 

The Jealous Monk offers a full bar and 32 types of craft beer for purchase to slake your thirst.  We will provide appetizers as well as some very basic instructions on how to play.  The beer garden is a great space featuring outdoor heating and picnic tables. Being an outdoor gathering, the event is weather dependent. This FREE event will be from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, but all are welcome to migrate into the bar and restaurant area afterwards.  It looks like it will be a lot of fun, so bring a friend or two!  All are welcome!

If you are coming, please send an email to Jim Kelleher ASAP so we will be sure to have enough food on hand!

This event is sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of RI - www.sasri.co

Scottish Dress Encouraged but Not Required!

The St. Andrews Society along with the Mayor of Pawtucket and Patricia St. Germain will host a Flag Raising Ceremony at Pawtucket City Hall to honor the contributions of Scottish immigrants and Scottish Americans who helped to build the city of Pawtucket and its economy in the last century.

The event will include an honor guard and ceremony, the Mayor’s welcoming address, remarks by Patricia St. Germain and by Society Member Fraser Lang, flag raising, and musical accompaniment by Pipe Major Debbie Kane. Refreshments to follow.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Jim Kelleher (notonedime55@gmail.com) or 401-524-6035 as soon as possibe so we may plan refreshments. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Pawtucket City Hall

137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket RI 02860

The Christmas Cèilidh is a potluck event open to members and their guests, and will be held December 3, 2022 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 670 Weeden Street, Pawtucket, RI.  The evening will include dancing, musical performances by members of the Society, and raffle baskets.  

Each guest brings a dish to share; this is a BYOB event if you desire.  This is a FREE event for members in good standing*; non-members pay a nominal entrance fee of $5 per person to be collected at the door. 

Attendees are kindly asked to bring a non-perishable offering for a local food bank.

Click here for a full description of this event.

*Good Standing means annual membership dues are paid.

You are cordially invited to attend a High Tea at Trinity Confections, 1625 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI on Saturday, June 18th. The Tea will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. with seating at 11:45 a.m. The venue is charming but small, so all 32 seats have been reserved. It will be a private event for the Society.

The cost is $15 per member. Non-members are welcome at the full cost of the event, $33.60.

Please make your checks payable to SASRI and note “High Tea” in the memo section. Mail to Cathy Poirier, 153A Winter Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 no later than May 28th. This is a first come, first serve event. However, if we have more interest than the room can accommodate, a second High Tea will be planned so that no one who wants to attend will be left out.

If you have food allergies or require gluten free/vegetarian options, please advise. And if transportation is an issue, please contact Cathy Poirier (cath251@hotmail.com) and SASRI will do its best to arrange a car pool. Hope to see you there!

The Menu

• Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup

• Three Cheese and Herbed Quiche with Fresh Fruit

• Chicken Salad, Classic Cucumber and Ham with Herb Spread Tea Sandwiches

• Brie Cheese, Fig and Apple Canape

• Chocolate Chip Scone

• Tea Bread Slice

• Linzer and Iced Spice Cookies

• Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

• Truffle and Chocolate Covered Caramels

• Unlimited Tea (Regular and Decaf)

The Tartan Bash will be held on November 6th, 2021 at the Imperial Room, One Rhodes Place in Cranston, RI.  There will be a cocktail reception from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m., followed by a full buffet and carving station.  The night will include the traditional Address to a Haggis, Grand March and plenty of Ceilidh Dancing,  Oh yes, and Haggis!

Wearing of the Tartan is encouraged!  If your wardrobe is lacking, please visit our Shop where ties and sashes in the official Rhode Island Tartan are available for purchase at a reasonable price.

Member prices: Adult ticket is $50; Children 12 and under - $25. 

Non-member prices: Adult ticket is $55; Children 12 and under - $25. 

You may download and complete the reservation form for this event  and submit no later than October 22nd, OR you may purchase your tickets on line at https://tartanbash.ticketleap.com/ (nominal service charge of $3.50 or more applies).

No tickets will be mailed!  Please check in at the registration table the night of the event.

Click here for a full description of this event.

In 2019, the Festival Committee was dissolved and the planning for any future festivals placed on hold.

Click here for an article related to this event.

The RI Scottish Highland Festival is a day of athletics, music, and pageantry, as well as Scottish gifts and clothing.

Please join us on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 for an evening with Scottish singer and song writer Jim Malcolm.  This event will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 670 Weeden Street in Pawtucket, RI and is free for members.  Members and their guests must RSVP no later than March 28th to Gail Kelleher (kellehergail@gmail.com ), or call 401.461.9552 so we can better plan the evening.

This event will be opened to the public on March 1st, 2019.

Non-members are welcome to attend; the ticket cost is $15 per person. Please make your checks payable to SASRI, Inc. and mail to Gail Kelleher, 55 Alhambra Circle, Cranston, RI 02905 no later than March 28th. Note “Jim Malcolm” in the memo section of your check please.

Complimentary refreshments will be served during intermission.

Click here for Mr. Malcolm’s biography.

A Scottish dinner prepared by Chef Donald Blais is planned for March 9, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 670 Weeden Street in Pawtucket, RI.  The cost is $ 35.00 per member ($45.00 for non-members); seating is limited to 60 attendees - first come, first serve. Please mail payment for you and your guests post-marked no later than February 28th to reserve a seat.  Make checks payable to SASRI, Inc. and send to Gail Kelleher, 55 Alhambra Circle, Cranston, RI  02905.  Please note Scottish Dinner in the memo section of your check..

 THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

In addition to this wonderful dinner, we welcome travel journalist Peter Mandel as a guest speaker. Click here for a complete description of this event as well as the menu for the evening..