Come along and play a tune or just listen and discuss the classical music of the Highland Bagpipe at Ipswich Pipe Band Hall, lion & Moffat Sts. Info: 07 3397 4512 or www.qhps.org

Eight week course aimed at beginners (and improvers). Learn the basic steps and formations along with some simple but fun Scottish country dances. A great way to keep fit and make friends. Classes will then continue with casual/weekly payment options, welcoming batches of new dancers at specified intervals. Once you feel confident you can progress ... Read more

A night of music, dancing, games and haggis tasting, featuring Celtic trio Telenn Tri in the Sports Centre, 546 Portrush Rd. Dress with a touch of tartan. Book at www.trybooking.com/389537

Ceilidh night with Scottish Highland and Country dancing, music by Stringfiddle and Newcastle RSL Pipe Band at Club Macquarie. Info: Robyn Smith 02 4959 5123 or www.hvsc.org.au

The Boondooma Highland Games at historic Boondooma Homestead with Celtic music, stalls, ceilidh, Scottish food, pipe bands and Kirkin O' the Tartan. Info: 07 4168 0159 or www.boondoomahomestead.org.au

A convivial lunch with panoramic overlooking the striking greens of Glenelg Golf Course. Scottish dancers, pipe music, Clan displays, haggis and guest speakers entertain guests during the annual Clan MacLeod luncheon. Book your tickets for individuals or tables of 8 through Nicole Walters, Secretary, Clan MacLeod SA. Info: 0415 654 836 or [email protected] or see ... Read more

Come along & enjoy a night of Scottish entertainment. Listen to the pipe band, watch Highland dancing display & participate in Scottish Country Dancing. No experience required as all dancers are called. Cost of the evening is $10pp & Under 13 free, school-children over 13 $5.00 & a plate of food for supper at Drayton ... Read more

Highland dance competitions at Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College, Canterbury Rd. Info: 0400 932 346.

At the Walrus Bar, Regatta Hotel. Info: 07 3397 4512.

A little bit of Irish & a wee bit of Scottish. A morning Celtic show featuring the beautiful mezzo soprano voice of Kathleen Moore, and the hilarious stand-up comedy of Bubble at Ipswich Civic Centre, 50 Nicholas St. Info: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au

Bring your friends and family for a night of joyful dancing to Brisbane's premiere Scottish ceilidh band at Red Hill Community Sports Club, 22 Fulcher Rd. Info: www.facebook.com/CeilidhClan

The Scotch College, Hawthorn and Old Scotch Pipes and Drums bands will be performing a concert at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College. The concert will showcase the talents of current Scotch boys and Old Boys who continue to play beyond their school years at a entertaining evening of Scottish music. Tickets are just $5 ... Read more

Piping and drumming competition hosted by Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band at Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, 63 Nicholas St. Info: www.ipswichthistle.com

Knox Solo and Band Contest, includes A Grade Piping Solos at Knox Grammar School, 2 Borambil St. Info: Judith McGhie: 02 9487 0420 or [email protected]

Celebrate all things Scottish at the largest Highland Gathering event held in Western Australia! Gather your family and friends to enjoy the visual spectacle of kilts, bagpipes and a medieval fair at this free community event.The morning begins with the fun and quirky Perth Kilt Run, the only fun run in Australia that’s done in ... Read more

Piping event at Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band Hall, cnr Lion & Moffat Sts., Limstone Park. Info: 07 3397 4512.

Featuring music by ARIA Award winning Chris Duncan & Catherine Strutt, it will be a night of energetic and popular dances in The Rocks. Includes supper (BYO alcohol). Tickets $35pp. bInfo: 0435 154 433 or www.sotr.org.au/chaos

Everything from Scottish pipe bands, Celtic bands, Caber Toss, Tug-Of-War, Celtic dancers, Highland dancers, Celtic choir and more at Tomaree Sports Complex, Dick Burwell Oval AFL field. Info: Ron Swan on 0418 495 336 or www.clansonthecoast.com.au

Celebrate with Sydney Thistle Pipe Band at UNSW Roundhouse, Anzac Parade with pipe band performances and 2 course meal. Info: [email protected] or www.trybooking.com/WRZS

Highland dancing competitions and events at St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School, Whittington St. Info: 08 8281 9680.

Pipes & drums competitions and events at Brisbane Boys College, Moggill Rd. Info: 07 3359 4512.

Piping session, 3pm - 5:30pm, upstairs at The Last Jar - 616 Elizabeth Street (cnr Queensberry St). Info: [email protected]

Bagpipe performances at the Regatta Hotel, 543 Coronation Dr. Info: www.pipebandsqld.org

A collaboration between Scottish Fiddler Alasdair Fraser and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Stringmania is a celebration and exploration of the traditional arts - music, dance, language and song. Info: www.stringmaniacamp.com

Calling all Mackenzies and Septs to join together in a chance to delve into your family history and meet fellow clan members.This event is in conjunction with the Canberra Highland Gathering in Kambah including the Saturday night Ceilidh at the Burns Club. New members and families are welcome. Please contact Secretary Geraldine Fennessy: 0408 507 ... Read more

A free day of Scottish events includes the ACT Pipe Band Championships, Scottish heavy events, Scottish dance and stalls. A great day of Scottish fun and friendship at Kett Street Oval,  Kambah. Info: www.canberragathering.com.au

Clan Campbell Society Australia, Queensland's annual celebration dinner. Celebrate your Clan at the Clan Ceilidh at Riverside Receptions, 50 Oxlade Dr. Info: Peter Spencer: [email protected] or 0403 370 332.

Come along and play a tune or just listen and discuss the classical music of the Highland Bagpipe at Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band Hall, cnr Lion & Moffat Sts., Limstone Park. Info: 07 3397 4512.

Class for newer dancers who have already done a beginners course (or done at least a few weeks of SCD). Dancers who wish to revise or improve at this easier level are also very welcome. Pay for a course of 8 weeks or pay by the night. At Fort Street Public School, Upper Fort St. ... Read more

All Scottish clan families and those of you who enjoy Scottish culture and entertainment with haggis will be served during the lunch, entertainment from piper Hamy Marcelin and a display of highland dancing at the Fogolar Furlane Italian Reception Centre. Info: 08 8258 5756 or [email protected]

Fresh from performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Bands join with local musicians and dancers to present their Sounds of Scotland variety concert. Come along for a great night of Scottish entertainment at Brisbane Boys' College (BBC), Kensington Terrace. Info: (07) 3309 3500 or [email protected]

The clocks will turn back to 1743 with the magic of the Australian Standing Stones as a backdrop, you can lose yourself in the romance and drama of the Outlander series. Info: www.outlanderfangathering.com.au

** This event has been cancelled due to wet grounds** Presented by the Illawarra Pipe Band with pipe band contests, Scottish stalls and more at Dandaloo Sports Oval, Kanahooka Rd. Gates open at 8.30 AM and Massed Bands Closing ceremony at approx. 3.00 PM. Info: Alison 0414 928 016, [email protected] or www.illawarrapipeband.com

Simple Scottish dances for all the family to enjoy. Aimed at including children. No experience required, all dances will be walked through. Refreshments afterwards at Leichhardt Town Hall 107 Norton St. Info: www.trybooking.com/XAXU or [email protected].

Invitational Hornpipe and Jig competition at Emmanuel College, University of Queensland, St Lucia. Info: [email protected]

The Patron Malcolm Murry the 12th Earl of Dunmore and the Chairman of the Board of Governors Simon Abney-Hastings the 15th Earl of Loudoun on behalf of St Andrew’s First Aid Australia (SAFAA) and The Weary Dunlop Foundation present the Weary Dunlop Dinner at The Kelvin Club Melbourne. Info: St. Andrew's First Aid 0413 932 ... Read more

Hosted by Celtic Council of Australia, honouring the Celtic community, supper and The Argyll Highland & Irish Dancers and piper at The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169-171 Castlereagh St. Info: www.celticcouncil.org.au

This Scottish Highland Gathering will be held at The Entertainment Grounds and will feature the NSW Pipe Band Championships, and the Central Coast Scottish National Dancing Titles. Info: www.scottishspectacular.com

Piping event at Rochedale High School, 10am. Info: 07 3397 4512.

Learners, practice your Gaelic in a friendly environment with gentle guidance. Our learners’ group provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere to make use of your Gaelic, whether you have just a few words or are an advanced learner. Absolute beginners are also welcome to come and listen to the sound of this beautifu language, at Sydney ... Read more

Bands will play at various locations across the weekend with the Old Gaol Tattoo within the walls of the Old Beechworth Gaol. Info: www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au

Sydney Scottish Country Dance Society invites you to an evening of fun social dancing, accompanied by the magical music of Iain Mackenzie on accordion. Come along, bring a drink, enjoy the music and join the dance, no experience or Scottish heritage required. At Forestville Senior Citizens Centre, 2 Starkey St Info: www.trybooking.com/WTAO or [email protected]

Swing with your sweetheart, dance a reel with the rellies, fling with your friends, grab a group for the Gay Gordon, do it with Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band. They have the wonderful Borderline Kaylee coming from Melbourne to entertain us, including a dance caller, so no worries id you don't know the moves! Borderline Kaylee ... Read more

An illustrated overview of the history, religion, archaeology, art, language and literature of Scotland in the fifth to ninth centuries at Travelodge Hotel Newcastle 12 Steel St. Info: https://celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

A short introduction to the culture of the Celts, focussing on Iron-Age language, art and archaeology at Travelodge Hotel Newcastle, 12 Steel St. Info: https://celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

The New South Wales Pipe Band Association is proud to present Lincoln Hilton. Modern Piping a movement geared towards pushing the boundaries of pipes at Pennant Hills Bowling Club. Info: [email protected]

Highland dancing events and competitions at Salo Centre, St Ursula's College, Rome St. Info: 07 4637 0047.

Come and celebrate St Andrew's Day with the Arafura Scottish Country Dancers. Enjoy the fun of great Ceilidh dancing—beginners welcome. Be entertained by the Darwin & Districts Pipes & Drums with toe tapping music from Murphy and Friends Folk Band. Delight in the variety of traditional Scottish fare. Listen in awe to Robbie Burns’ traditional ... Read more

Toowoomba Caledonian Society & Pipe Band is celebrating St. Andrew's Night starting at 7pm in the Drayton Hall, Brisbane St. Come along & enjoy a night of Scottish entertainment. Learn all the favourite dances (All called). Cost of the evening is $10pp Adults, School-aged children over 13 $5.00 & under 13 free & please bring ... Read more

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will hit the big screen in Australia for the first time. Audiences will enjoy a 90 minute programme of 2018’s show, ‘The Sky’s the Limit’. The world renowned Tattoo is full of pageantry, military precision, innovation, storyline, music and more and one of the top live experiences in the world. ... Read more

A lavishly illustrated exploration of Celtic art motifs and techniques through the ages. Explore the best, most intriguing and quirkiest of Celtic manuscripts, sculpture and metalwork of the bronze age, iron age and early medieval period at Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt St. Info: https://celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

Learn the basic design techniques of Celtic knotwork, as seen in manuscripts such as the Book of Kells. Draw your own Celtic knots as we guide you through the steps. Take home your own piece of original Celtic artwork, at Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt St. Info: https://celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

The New South Wales Pipe Band Association is proud to present Lincoln Hilton. Modern Piping a movement geared towards pushing the boundaries of pipes at Mex Club, Mayfield. Info: [email protected]

Official 40th Anniversary CD launch and Celtic Concert by the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band, featuring singing sensation, violinist and guitarist Eileen McCann at Pioneer Theatre, 12-14 Pennant St. Adults: $25/Pensioners/Under 18: $18. Info and tickets: 0426 134 058 or www.trybooking.com/XFUY

2pm at the Mitcham Village Institute, Cnr Princes Rd and Torrens St. Tickets: $15 $10 Concession Students  Under 12 free. Afternoon tea included. Info: [email protected]

At the Walrus Bar, Regatta Hotel. Info: 07 3397 4512.

Celebrate St Andrews Day! Bring your friends and family for a night of joyful dancing to Brisbane's premiere Scottish ceilidh band at Red Hill Community Sports Club, 22 Fulcher Rd. Info: www.facebook.com/CeilidhClan

Saint Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day. Celebrate St Andrew's Day (or in Scottish Gaelic 'Là Naomh Anndrais'), Scotland's patron saint!

Celebrate St Andrews Day with live pipes, food and fun at the Fox & Hounds Country Inn, 7 Elevation Dr. Info: 07 5665 7582 or www.foxandhounds.net.au

This year's ball, as well as celebrating St Andrew's Day, celebrates the 80th anniversary of the St Andrew Society of Western Australia, which was formed with the express purpose of celebrating St Andrew's Day back in 1938. The 2018 ball will be held in the Grand River Ballroom at the Pan Pacific Hotel at 207 ... Read more

Celebrate the Patron Saint of Scotland with bagpipes, song, haggis and more at Pullman Hotel, King George Square. Info: www.standrewsociety.com

Celebrate St Andrew's night with the Bydand Scottish Country Dance Class, enjoying a program of tartan and placename Scottish Dances at St Margaret's Church Hall, cnr Port Road and Woodville Rd. Info: www.rscdsadelaide.org.au

Enjoy a wee bit of Scotland, the event includes a Street March, then a full days drumming, piping and dancing at the picturesque Victoria Park. Info: www.daylesfordhighland.com

Celtic rockers Claymore and internationally acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle join forces for one special night at Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland St. Info: www.claymore.org

Piping event at Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band Hall, Cnr Lion & Moffatt Sts. Info: 07 3397 4512.

At the centre of Saint Columba’s federation of monasteries and churches, the island of Iona was a centre of learning. Spend the first half of this study day with this beautiful island and its intriguing history, at Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

The Book of Kells is a beautiful, illuminated manuscript made around 750, probably on Iona, Scotland. In this day-long event, we will consider the context of the church in Ireland and Scotland, and the relationship of the Book of Kells to Saint Columba, at Thirroul Community Centre, 352 Lawrence Hargraves Dr. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com/events/

Includes a presentation to the Burns Club with a Clan Douglas plaque to add to their collection. Meet members of the Scottish community at the Canberra Burns Club. Info: [email protected]

Learn about Christmas traditions in the Celtic countries. Write a Christmas greeting in your medieval or modern Celtic language of choice. Hosted by Australian School of Celtic Learning at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts 280 Pitt t. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

Presented by Tumbarumba Pipe Band and Khancoban Alpine Inn. A free evening of Celtic and Christmas music, including pipes culminating in Massed Pipe Band performances throughout the evening. Info: Joanne Lorimar 0417 219 743.

Scottish rockers Claymore are bringing together some of their musical mates for a special evening of entertainment with fantastic special guests Colin Lillie, Saoirse, the Hawthorn City Pipe Band and the Glenbrae Celtic Dancers at The Thornbury Theatre, 859 High St. Info: 03 9484 9831 or [email protected]

Wishing all our readers and friends a very Happy Christmas and festive season!

Traditional Scottish celebration – Untraditional Scottish band. Caledonian Castaways are a group of ex-pat Scots drawn from Melbourne’s blues/roots scene. Their original material covers amusing and heart warming stories about their various journeys from Scotland to Australia at Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland St. Info:  https://www.memomusichall.com.au/memo-gig/the-caledonian-castaways-pre-hogmanay-show/

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2019!

Start the year off Scottish at Australia's oldest continuous running sporting event with pipe bands, Scottish dance, stalls and more at Princes Park. Info: 03 5461 1480 or www.highlandsociety.com.au

Celebrate the classic Scottish treat today! Shortbread is so named because of its crumbly texture which is caused by its high-fat content, provided by the butter.   “Shortening” is its related word that refers to any fat that may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture.

Poetry is a fascinating and beautiful way in to language and culture. In this half-day seminar, we will read and discuss a selection of Scottish Gaelic poems and songs in Gaelic with English translations. No knowledge of Gaelic is required, at Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

A day-long introduction to the culture of the Celts, focussing on bronze-age, iron-age and early medieval language, art and archaeology. Prented by the Australian School of Celtic Learning at Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

Celebrate Robert Burns with the Hunter Valley Scots Club at Club Macquarie with food, music and dance. Info: www.huntervalleyscotsclub.org.au

Spend a day looking at early medieval Celtic illuminated manuscripts from the modest Book of Mulling to the extravagant Book of Kells. Our list will include Scotland’s only securely identified example, the Book of Deer, together with better- and lesser-known examples from various parts of Great Britain and Ireland, at Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, ... Read more

Presented by the Brisbane Clans Pipes and Drums at Gaythorne RSL. Info: 07 3369 2232.

RSCDS Western Australia Branch invites you to a  Summer “Keep in Touch” Dance at Melville Uniting Church Hall , 64 Kitchener Rd. Come along and catch up with your friends and  enjoy dancing in the air-conditioned hall. Info: www.rscdswa.com

Celebrate Robert Burns and Scotland at the Mornington Golf Club, wear some tartan and enjoy Scottish food, music and friends. Info: Alice Rooney 0488 600 655 or [email protected]

Includes the Address the Haggis, 3 course dinner, music and more at the Fox & Hounds Country Inn, 7 Elevation Dr. Info: 07 5665 7582 or www.foxandhounds.net.au

Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the poet’s friends, five years after his death.

Join the City of Hobart Pipe Band to toast the Immortal Memory. Whisky, haggis, bagpipes, The Iain MacLeod Ceilidh Band, dancing for everyone, fine company and excellent craic. Info: www.cohhpb.org.au

Presented by the Saint Andrew Society of Western Australia  at the Parmelia Hilton. Info: www.saintandrew.org.au

Celebrate Robert Burns and all things Scottish - A great gathering. with Address the Haggis, Whiskey for the toast, Haggis Neeps n Tatties & Cranachan desert, Highland dancing - Bag pipes & drums, Live singers & guest speakers where the lads take on the lassies, Loads of laughs and lots of banter. A fairly traditional ... Read more

Enjoy our traditional Burns Supper Ceilidh, and celebrate the life of Rabbie Burns. Including a traditional supper while you are captivated by the address to the haggis and all the formalities at Ipswich Masonic Lodge, 82A Nicholas St. Info: [email protected] or 0429 362 142.

The Caledonian Society of WA invites you to celebrate Australia day with us. Bagpipes, ceilidh band, dancing and supper! All welcome, especially families at Bob Daniels Community Centre, 895 Beaufort St. Info: [email protected]

Major General Lachlan Macquarie, CB (31 January 1762 – 1 July 1824) was a colonial administrator from Scotland. Macquarie served as the fifth and last autocratic Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821, and had a leading role in the social, economic and architectural development of the colony, celebrate at this dinner at  ... Read more