Brimbank residents can hear poetry by Robert Burns, toast Saint Andrew with a Scotch whisky or simply gather their clan and have some fun at the inaugural A Scottish Weekend in the West festival that starts on Friday, November 25.
The festival’s brainchild and co-owner of Kilted Haggis Scottish Cafe and Restaurant, in Deer Park, Elisabeth Paterson, said the western suburbs was rich with Scottish history and a fitting place for the three-day festival.
“Keilor is a Scottish word,” she said. “It means galore, plenty of.”
Ms Paterson said Brimbank had other Scottish connections, including the festival’s venue at Overnewton Castle which was built by Scotsman William Taylor in 1849.
“The unicorn comes from Scotland, too,” she said.
Ms Paterson, who migrated to the area with her family from Scotland 11 years ago, said the festival was the first of its kind in Victoria and she created it to support local businesses and the community after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Ten other local Scottish businesses are also involved in the festival, which coincides with St Andrews Day on November 30 which honours Scotland’s patron saint the apostle, St Andrew.
The event held at Overnewton Castle, 51 Overnewton Road, Keilor, begins with Robert Burns poetry reading on Friday, November 25, high tea on Saturday and a festival that includes Scottish music, food and craft as well as Highland sword dancing and pony rides on Sunday.
Details: Elisabeth Paterson at contact@kiltedhaggis.com.au or (03) 8385 7455.
