Winnipeggers gathered for the annual Canadian Kilt Skate at the Riley family duck pond in Assiniboine park to celebrate Scotland’s contribution to Canada’s multicultural heritage on Monday.

The kilt skate began in 2015 as a nationwide initiative to connect cities through a shared cultural celebration.

In Winnipeg, the event is typically held at Assiniboine park with help from the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg and draws a big crowd.

“We won this contest, if you wanna call it, in 2021 and I believe we won it again in 2023. It’s just based on spirit and interest in the number of people so there’s probably about 100 people out here today,” said Peter Heavysege, past president of St. Andrew’s Society.

“It’s just a way for families to come out and enjoy and maybe a chance for us to share some Scottish culture. There’s a large Scottish population in Manitoba second, third, fourth generation and so on, and its family day in many provinces but we’re celebrating Louis Riel Day but it’s also a great day to bring out families and just have a skate,” Dwight Macaulay, president, St. Andrew’s Society.

Mayor Scott Gillingham was among the skaters out at the duck pond.

“I’ve got Scottish heritage on my mother side, so I’m proud to be joined today and joining the saint Andrew society for the great Canadian kilt skate. It’s a perfect day. The weather is unbelievable here at Assiniboine park, the duck pond and so we are just out, a lot of us, skating in kilts!” Gillingham said.

Eight-year-old Luke Jakilazek has been attending the great Canadian kilt skate since he was two months old.

“It means a lot to me, I get to see some of my Scottish friends here, its really nice!” said Jakilazek.

“Growing up and everything I remember going to the legion’s and stuff like that and for all the Scottish parties and everybody and it’s just important that we keep up the heritage and there’s a big Scottish community here in Winnipeg in real Scottish pride here in Canada as well and we just wanna keep that going throughout the generations,” says Graham, Luke’s father