September Gathering at Union Jack Pub

The pub meeting in Scottsdale aimed at expat Scots now living in the Valley went with what can only be described as a swing and a good old Scottish singsong. It also attracted several new Society members, and we hope to see them at future events.

Among those who attended at the Union Jack pub were expats from Glasgow, Dundee, Ayrshire, Oban, Falkirk, Aberdeen, and elsewhere. They were joined and given a warm Arizona welcome by many other members of the Society who pride themselves on their Scottish roots.

The Union Jack made a great job of catering for us, and several Arizona Scots have posted on the website that they were sorry to have missed the event - so perhaps it is something we can repeat in the not-too distant future.

In the meantime, start learning the words to your favourite Scottish songs so you can join in with Duncan from Oban who loudly regaled the company with his Scottish repertoire.

Rosie McCaffrey's

An Arizona institution has come to an end with the closure of Rosie McCaffrey's Irish bar in Camelback Road, Phoenix. The bar, along with Seamus McCaffrey's and The Dubliner, became a focal point of Celtic culture in the Valley.

A message by owner Seamus McCaffrey posted o the Caledonian Society website read, "I originally opened the first Irish Pub in Phoenix, Arizona (The Dubliner) almost 40 years ago. My American dream continued when I opened Seamus McCaffrey’s in downtown Phoenix.

"Throughout the years I worked hard to help expand the local Irish community, bring Guinness on draught to Arizona, and ultimately bring a little piece of home to the desert. I opened Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub over 20 years ago, which sadly has now come to an end.

"On behalf of myself and my family, we would like to thank all the great Rosie’s staff, bands, and the distributors we’ve had over the years. We also want to give a big thank you to all the loyal customers for making it possible to own this establishment. It has been such a joy and privilege to serve my community throughout the years through the charity work that I've been involved in. Owning this pub and your patronage has made it all possible. We are forever grateful for all the memories."

Sarah Holbrook, originally from Glasgow and now living in Scottsdale, had no hesitation when asked about her Favourite Scottish song. It is ‘Caledonia’, the song that brings a lump to the throat of every Scottish exile.

Sarah said. "Like all Scottish expats I am proud of my homeland. I have this feeling of pure joy when I hear another Scottish accent, it stops me in my tracks. I instantly feel the need to share stories of home. However, nothing gets me like the lyrics of Caledonia. The line 'Caledonia, you’re calling me and now I’m going home'.

The song totally captures the feeling of having Scotland in my heart. It is a very authentic little love song for the place where I grew up, maybe that’s why it pushes buttons in people.”