30 November

If the credit crunch means you can’t celebrate Scotland’s national day in the land itself then don’t fear. Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, is a mere three hour flight from Australia’s east coast.

Scots founded Dunedin in 1848 with plans to create “New Edinburgh”. They travelled across treacherous seas in cramped conditions in search of a better life. The word Dunedin is the Gaelic translation for Edinburgh. Dunedin’s town centre and place names are based on its northern hemisphere sister city.


Caber tossing and kilt dashing at the Scottish Highland Games

What? The 147th annual Highland Games sees pipe bands, Scottish dancers and marchers compete. Have a go at the kilt dash, tossing the sheaf, caber tossing, carrying the stones and watching the crowning of Otago Queen of Heather.
When? Sunday 29 November 2009
How much? NZD$5 (AUD$4) gate entry
More information: www.otagocaledonian.org.nz


Knees up Scottish style at the Dunedin Scottish Week

What? Celebrate Dunedin’s Scottish heritage with daily performances from dancing groups, pipe bands and guest speakers. Have a knees up Scottish style at the annual Ceileidh – a night of Gaelic music, whisky and dancing.
When? 21-29 November 2009
How much? Various prices including free events
More information:www.otagocaledonian.org.nz


Uncover settler stories at the Otago Settlers Museum

What? Established in 1898 this social history museum tells the story of Otago settlers from early Maori, Chinese gold miners and the epic voyages made by Scots. The Smith Gallery displays 700 of the collections 20,000 portraits. Tours of the museum and Dunedin city bring the settler stories alive.
How much? Museum entry is free and a one hour guided city walk is NZD$20 (AUD$16).
More information: www.dunedin.govt.nz


Participate in tradition with a haggis ceremony

What? Groups that want to be entertained should try Piping Hot Haggis who offer a range of haggis ceremonies and Scottish dancing. Haggis ceremonies originated when internationally renowned poet Robert Burns took the national dish as a focal point and metaphor for staying true to your own country and beliefs.
A Burns statue occupies The Octagon in the city centre. Reverend Thomas Burns, nephew of the famous poet, was the spiritual guide of the first Scottish settlers to Dunedin. It is believed that descendants of Burns still exist in Dunedin today.
How much? See the Burns statue for free in the Octagon. Enquire with Piping Hot Haggis about group entertainment options.
More information: www.pipinghothaggis.co.nz


Walk the city heritage highlights then get spooked on a ghost tour

What? City Walks have teamed up with Hair Raiser Tours to show you the city’s heritage by day and ghosts by night.
Heritage highlights include First Church which the Scots built in response to the Free Church movement. Saint Paul’s Cathedral in the town centre was the first parish church built in 1862 and the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first University built in 1869. Once familiar with the city get to know its ghosts on Hair Raiser’s ‘Six Feet Under’ tour through Dunedin Gothic Northern Cemetery. This night time tour uncovers the truth behind grave robbers, bizarre rituals and resident hauntings.
How much? A city heritage and ghost walk costs NZD$50 (AUD$40)
More information: www.citywalks.co.nz and www.hairraisertours.com