Fàilte gu taigh na h-Alba – Welcome to the House of Scotland

House of Scotland membership is open to anyone of Scottish ancestry or with an interest in Scotland and Scottish culture. Monthly membership meetings are generally held the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Please contact us for more information! https://www.houseofscotland.org

Tha sinn an dòchas ur faicinn a dh ’aithghearr! – We hope to see you soon!

House of Scotland Cottage:
The House of Scotland cottage is open most Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We hope that you will stop by for a wee chat and to learn about Scottish culture!

House of Scotland Pipe Band:
The House of Scotland Pipe Band performs throughout San Diego and the western United States, taking part in parades, festivals, and many other celebrations. The band practices every Monday night in Balboa Park at the Hall of Nations, just a few feet away from the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Beginners and advanced musicians alike are very welcome. Instruction is free. See https://www.houseofscotland.org/pipe-band.html for more information.

Gaelic Class:
The House of Scotland sponsors classes in Scottish Gaelic. Beginner classes are started once a year, and lessons are held on a weekly basis. Intermediate and Advanced classes are continuing and held on a weekly basis. Use the contact form on our Website to receive up-to-date information: https://www.houseofscotland.org/contact.html

Tartan Day:
Usually observed by the House of Scotland on the first Saturday in April, it is a day to recognize the achievements of people of Scottish descent throughout the world. Music and dancing are highlighted on stage, featuring the House of Scotland Pipe Band and other area performers. The lawn is filled with clan tents, vendors, traditional foods for sale, children’s activities, and a resale shop.

Lawn Program:
Usually held the last Sunday in October, the date is selected for its nearness to Halloween which evolved from the Celtic festival of Samhain. Entertainment includes performances by the House of Scotland Pipe Band, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and Highland Dancers. Traditional hot foods and desserts are also offered for sale.

December Nights:
Usually held the first weekend in December by Balboa Park, the House of Scotland participates in the International Spirits Garden selling beer and a selection of single malt Scotch whiskys. The Pipe Band offers desserts, including bread pudding with Scotch whisky sauce, sticky toffee pudding, and a wide variety of wonderful homemade cakes and cookies A specialty of the House of Scotland is an amazing dessert called "Death by Chocolate."

The national flag of Scotland is the Saint Andrew's flag, also called the Saltire.

The San Diego Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans:
This event is held the last full weekend of June at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista, CA. The Highland Games feature Highland dance competitions, drum major, pipe band and individual piping and drumming competitions, sheep dog trials and Scottish Country Dance demonstrations. There is a clan tent area and numerous vendors selling Scottish merchandise. See https://sdhighlandgames.org for more information.

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society:
The San Diego Branch has weekly Scottish dance classes in Balboa Park and North County. See https://www.dancescottishsd.org for more information about classes and events.

Flag: Saint Andrew's flag, also called the Saltire
Land Area: 30,416 Sq miles                               
Population: 5,454,000 (2019 estimate)
Capital City: Edinburgh                                       
Language:  English (official), Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Scots
Form of Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Scottish Parliament established 1999 )
Export: Gas & oil, food & beverages, textiles, renewable energy