August 2013 : New York - Edinburgh
This month we are hearing once again from our Arts and Culture Consultant, Emma Robertson-Werner, who after 18 months with us in New York, has returned to Edinburgh.
You can really feel the excitement growing for next year; so much is planned. From the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Perthshire, to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and all the celebrations around the Bannockburn weekend, Homecoming 2014 plans are also growing in the States too as both side of the Atlantic celebrate Homecoming 2014.
But first we have 2013! There is lots to look forward to in the weeks ahead....
Best wishes,
Camilla G. Hellman, MBE
Executive Director
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EDINBURGH FESTIVAL SEASON BEGINS
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And this year, the sunshine may also play a starring role!
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 Edinburgh plays host to 12 different festivals each year. August is undoubtably the city's most action-packed month, with 6 of these festivals taking place!
The Jazz & Blues Festival filled the city with the sultry sounds of world renowned musicians in July.
And now, Edinburgh locals and lucky visitors are treated to thousands of events across all arts genres at The Edinburgh Art Festival, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Edinburgh International Festival, The Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh Mela Festival.
When visitors are not enjoying the plethora of performance events on offer in Edinburgh, they can relax with Spa treatments, or dine in Michelin starred restaurants.
The classic Balmoral Hotel and the modern Hotel Missoni each offer spa zen luxury in the heart of the city.
For upscale dining, Edinburgh offers up Restaurant Martin Wishart and The Kitchin - both 'down at the shore' in Leith - 21212, Number One (at the Balmoral Hotel), and Castle Terrace. There are many other stunning independent eateries to chose from, like new-comer The Gardener's Cottage - based in a cottage, which used to belong to the gardener of a city centre park!
Manhattan Theatre 59E59 Theaters is currently showing 16 plays in their 'East to Edinburgh' season which will all be travelling to Scotland to feature in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. New Yorkers can get into the festival spirit from just $12 per ticket! For more info. on all 16 shows & ticket booking click here.
Edinburgh has been called 'Auld Reekie' and 'Athen's of the North', but this month her 'Festival City' nickname will surely be the most popular! For full information on all of Edinburgh's year-round festivals please visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk
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NYC HAS A FRINGE FESTIVAL TOO... AND IT'S FEATURING AN IMPORTANT SCOTTISH STORY!
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The Mythmakers - a rivetting exploration of an unlikely friendship...
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Two towering icons, one intriguing friendship. JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan and RF Scott, Antarctic hero. Why did they fall out just before Scott's departure on his final, ill-fated journey.
"A potent vision of the power of words."
The play is set in the haunted hunting lodge in Glen Prosen in Angus that Barrie used as a summer retreat and where Scott paid visits and planned his expedition.
The Mythmakers is written by Rose MacLennan Craig and Richard White, directed by Sarah Jane Berger and presented by The So and So Arts Club in association with PurpleHays Productions.
Various performance times August 9-25 at VENUE #4: Teatro LATEA
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL JOHN MUIR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
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Friday, September 13, 12:30 pm | Tickets: Foursome $700 / Individual $175
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Golf Tournament Co-Chairs, John Hunter, Ian Phillips and Alan Bain warmly invite you to join them for a special day of golf. This year Scotland is celebrating, and recognizing, 'The Year of Natural' - and a leading figure recognized within the year is that of John Muir, who is considered the "Father of American Conservation". The John Muir Trail at Van Cortlandt Park The is in need of upkeep; please help us to help maintain the Trail by taking part in this event, and, if you are able, by making an additional donation to the Trail when registering. Full details on the day and registration (by mailable form or Paypal) can be found here.
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Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Monday 30 June 2014
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 Next June, Bannokburn Live will take place , as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations.
The event will commemorate the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn, and mark the opening of the new National Trust for Scotland state-of-the-art visitor centre at the heritage site.
Tickets for the weekend are now on sale here.
Adult - £20* | Concession/Child - £12.50* Family: 2 adults & 2 children (under 14) - £55*
The King's Ticket - £75* per day (A bespoke ticket featuring exclusive entry to the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre; designated seating at the re-enactments; a souvenir gift bag and a buffet Scottish Afternoon Tea.)
For more information & to register to recvieve news & updates, click here.
If you would like to apply for a Clan Pitch at Bannockburn Live, please
email bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk for an application pack (which must be returned by 12th August 2013). All applications will still be assessed and confirmations will be sent to the selected Clans /Families by 16th August 2013. Please note spaces are limited.
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VIEW FROM THE TRAIN - AUDIO & VIDEO GUIDES
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Audio paintings of Scotland's stunning train routes, with insight into where you are passing on each journey...
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A new website & App - View from the Train - has been launched and we love it!
'View from the Train' audio guides take you on a journey of discovery around Scotland...from the busy central lowlands to the wild and beautiful highlands, the railway network links together cities, towns and villages. You'll pass castles, forests and battlefields and travel through open glens and high mountains.
Now you can enjoy information and images on Scotland's nature, landscapes and culture wherever you are in the world!
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View from the Train: Passing Leuchars - Sands and Waters
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If you are planning a visit to Scotland and travelling by rail on these routes, or just simply wish to listen to the stories from afar, please visit
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"FORTRESS OF THE SEA" HMS EDINBURGH
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You can help by signing the petition...
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A movement is underway to keep the HMS Edinburgh permanently berthed in Leith Docks, Edinburgh. It is hoped that the ship could be docked beside the Royal Yacht Britannia and help to generate employment and, boost tourism.
If you would like to help, please click here to sign the petition, which will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence.
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STRENGTH, AGILITY AND TRADITION - HIGHLAND GAMES & FESTIVALS IN THE UNITED STATES
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August sees many Highland Games & Festivals taking place throughout the United States... |
The Association of Scottish Highland Games &
We are also honored to announce that at the July meeting of The Scottish Coalition USA, Alan L. Bain was elected President of the Coalition.
Members of the Coaliton comprise: The American-Scottish Foundation®, The Caledonian Foundation, USA, Inc. Scottish Heritage, USA The Living Legacy of Scotland, Inc. The Association of Scottish Games and Festivals Scottish American Military Society For more information on The Scottish Coalition USA, please click here.
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11th ANNUAL SCOTTISH NORTH AMERICAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2013
Friday 25 - Sunday 27 October, 2013 | North Riverside, Illinois
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The Conference is an opportunity for the Scottish-American community to share views, values, experiences and best practices whilst sharing news and raising awareness of Scotland and Scottish culture, to develop a better understanding of the roles, objectives and operations of the various government, academic, non-profit and private sector organizations that operate in the Scottish North American community.
In doing so the Conference sets out to identify opportunities to enhance communication and collaboration within the community. For more info. click here
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For more ways to support and become involved with the American-Scottish Foundation click here. |
Support the ASF, and save, by organizing your travel in advance through the comprehensive Visit Britain Shop, online! Click here. There are many discounts available on Scottish travel and attractions...

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The mission of The American-Scottish Foundation®, an international not-for-profit organization, is to establish links and strengthen ties between Scotland and the United States, through the pursuit of contemporary social, cultural, educational, and business activities.
The mission remains as relevant today as when ASF was founded in 1956 by Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton - to champion the extraordinary relationship between the peoples of Scotland and the United States - a bridge between the two great countries - seeking to strengthen & support the future of the Scottish American diaspora, and its legacy.
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With thanks to our sponsors and partners...
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