Windsor Community Gathers to Honor Scotland's National Poet
Windsor residents with appreciation for Scottish heritage recently came together for a special celebration of Robbie Burns Day, paying tribute to the renowned 18th-century poet Robert Burns. The event took place at the Windsor Public Library's local history branch, drawing approximately forty community members who share an affinity for Scotland's cultural legacy.
Poet Laureate's Personal Connection to Scottish Culture
Windsor poet laureate Peter Hrastovec, who is of Croatian descent, revealed how a chance encounter during Scotland's 2014 independence referendum sparked his deep appreciation for Scottish culture. While attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Hrastovec overheard students engaging in a remarkably civil discussion about the separation issue.
"One side was the yay side, the other was the nay side, having a very gentle discussion on the issues," Hrastovec recalled. "They wished each other well at the end of their discussion, fondly, and I thought, wow, the sensitivity, the civility."
This experience, combined with his enjoyment of traditional Scottish elements like haggis, whisky, black pudding, and bagpipe music, has given Hrastovec what he describes as a "great affinity" for Scottish people and traditions.
Local Writers Share Their Scottish Connections
The celebration featured readings from three distinguished Windsor writers:
- Peter Hrastovec, Windsor's poet laureate
- Laurie Smith, award-winning poet and short fiction writer
- Robert Stewart, local poet and former Windsor Star reporter
Laurie Smith, who has Scottish ancestry, shared how bagpipe music profoundly moves her: "If I hear bagpipes a mile away ... it makes you weep or cry." She grew up immersed in Scottish culture, recalling how her father called her "lassie" when she was young.
Robert Stewart highlighted what he most appreciates about Scottish temperament: "For me, it's the temperament and the personality. It's very the opposite of stiff upper lip. It's very emotional. It's very loquacious, like storytelling and reminiscence and nostalgia."
Celebrating Burns' Legacy Through Poetry
The event featured readings from Robert Burns' works, which are famously written in Scottish dialect rather than standard English. Burns, who lived from 1759 to 1796, remains Scotland's most celebrated poet, known for timeless works including:
- Auld Lang Syne, traditionally sung at New Year's celebrations worldwide
- Tam O'Shanter, a narrative poem considered one of Burns' masterpieces
- Scots Wha Hae, a patriotic poem that Hrastovec performed to open the celebration
The local writers also shared some of their own poetry during the event, creating a meaningful exchange between Burns' historical works and contemporary Canadian writing.
Robbie Burns Day's Significance in Windsor
Robbie Burns Day is celebrated annually on January 25th, both in Scotland and among Scottish communities worldwide. The Windsor event provided local writers with an opportunity to pay homage to a poet they love and admire while fostering community connections through shared stories.
"Sharing stories, which is an important part of the task of all of us as writers ... to engage other people into sharing stories," Hrastovec emphasized during the celebration.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, Windsor and Essex County are home to 50,565 people of Scottish ethnic or cultural origin, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Scottish heritage in the region. This celebration at the Windsor Public Library served as both a cultural tribute and a community gathering that strengthened connections to this rich heritage.
