Held on the grounds of one of Canada’s largest and more over-the-top houses, Chester Hall, on Nov. 14 was a dinner for 100 in support of the restoration of the Glenfinnan Monument in Scotland. This year the monument, one of Scotland’s more iconic landmarks set within the majestic Highland landscape at the head of the Loch Shiel near Fort William, will celebrate its 200th anniversary and it’s starting to show its age. In need of repair and vital conservation, The National Trust for Scotland, which has cared for the monument since 1938, has stepped in. With friends and supporters around the world, the organization is the largest conservation land manager in Scotland, working to preserve countless castles, gardens and collections for the enjoyment of generations to come.
This latest gala, held in Oakville, Ont., brought together prominent Canadians with Scottish ancestry to raise funds for the restoration. A handful of lots were auctioned off by Alasdair Nichol (familiar to fans of Antiques Roadshow) to raise major funds for the project. The auction block offerings included stays in historic homes – grouse shooting optional – and a Scottish landscape painting by Frances Macdonald. Later, there was a tribute to Turriff-born piper and composer Gordon Duncan by young piper Callum Harper, followed by Robert Lovie, a Scottish entertainer (who happens to live in Fyvie Castle, one of the trust’s many historic properties) and the evening’s host, who with the help of gala-goers, performed Bonnie Lass o’Fyvie and Bonnie Banks o’Loch Lomond.
In attendance, many in formal Highland dress: National Trust for Scotland Foundation’s chief executive Simon Skinner, vice-president Angus MacDonald, and the Canadian National Trust for Scotland Foundation’s Rebecca Goodwin; mining engineer and philanthropist Robert M. Buchan; Alexander McQueen-clad socialite Jill Joyce, who has also hosted events for the foundation; actor Ferelith Young; BrandActive partner James Burn; and philanthropist Nona Macdonald Heaslip. The event raised $150,000 toward the restoration.
Canada Club London dinner
The Canada Club in London – the oldest historic Canadian club on international soil – hosted its annual autumn dinner on Oct. 9, this year held at the Travellers Club on Pall Mall, the oldest surviving of the Pall Mall clubs. It was a fitting setting as John Geiger, author and Royal Canadian Geographical Society CEO, was this year’s guest lecturer. He spoke about his recent work on the Franklin Expedition, and on the discovery of Erebus. The dinner also honoured businessman, philanthropist, adventurer and Canadian bob-sledding Olympian Sir Christopher Ondaatje, who was presented with the secondever Canada Club Medal. The club’s patron, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, is the only other person to receive the honour.
Also in attendance: Dr. Rita Gardner, director of the Royal Geographic Society; Morgan Stanley’s Ian Gillespie; life-president of the James Caird Society Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of noted polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton; Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s Clara Gonzalez– Martin; Lady Kim Ondaatje; and Canada Club chair Lisa Tomas.
