Our History
The Antigonish Highland Society was founded on April 22nd of 1861, by a group of our Scottish forefathers to aid the poor and needy, to promote the improvement and general welfare of our native country and to preserve the national spirits, dress, music, customs and traditions of the Caledonians; to perpetuate the language, literature and athletics of Scotland.
The all-male (at the time) society adopted a uniform that consisted of a plaid and bonnet. They celebrated their culture at picnics, dinners, Highland balls and held meetings to discuss how to best promote their traditions. The first celebration was a dinner held on St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th of 1861. Honouring the patron saint of Scotland has been one of the important traditions that the Society has preserved since its inception.
In the past, the challenges have been many, yet the descendants of the first Caledonians have survived and prospered. Today, their descendants can be found through Antigonish County and beyond.
The Antigonish Highland Society continues to promote and preserve the dress, music, customs, traditions, language, literature and athletics of the Caledonians and Scotland. The Society, largely through the initiative of Rod J. Chisholm, influenced the Town of Antigonish decision to dub the community “The Highland Heart of Nova Scotia.”
Our Vision
To be a community organization that serves past, present and future generation of Gaels. We are providers of and advocates for authentic living expressions of Highland Scottish heritage.
To create a living and vibrant Scottish culture in Antigonish and be the conduit for the North American Gael to their heritage.
2023 Current Board of Directors

Pictured: Left to Right; Leon MacLellan, Johnann LeBlanc, Operations Manager Dan Cochrane, Duncan MacDonald, President Joe MacDonald, Chief of the Clans Carol Anne MacKenzie, Robert Cochrane, Vice President Tyler MacKisoc, Treasurer Harley MacCaull, Peter MacKenzie, Colin Chisholm and Secretary Gerardine MacLean
Missing: Darren Thompson
Joe MacDonald
President
Tyler Mackisoc
Vice President
Gerardine MacLean
Secretary
Harley MacCaull
Treasurer
Dan Cochrane
Operations Manager
Carol Anne MacKenzie
Chief of the Clans
Robert Cochrane
Director
Duncan MacDonald
Director
Johnann LeBlanc
Director
Leon MacLellan
Director
Peter MacKenzie
Director
Darren Thompson
Director
Colin Chisholm
Director
Past Presidents (Since 1950)
- Carol Anne MacKenzie (2021-2022)
- Bill Fraser – (2020-2021)
- Robert Cochrane – 2018/2019
- Harley MacCaull – 2017/2018
- Paul Boyd – 2016
- Joanne Smith – 2015
- Ronald B. Chisholm -2014
- Iain Boyd – 2013
- Irene MacLeod (Deceased) – 2012, 2011
- Robert Cochrane – 2010
- Danny Gillis Jr. – 2009, 2008
- Carole Gillies – 2007
- Darren Thompson – 2006
- Leo MacDougall – 2005
- Robert Murray – 2004, 2003
- John D. Beaton – 2002
- Terry Penny – 2001
- Charlene MacFarlane – 2000
- Dave MacLean – 1999
- Ronald B. Chisholm – 1998
- Rod J. Chisholm (Deceased) – 1997
- Gerry Gillis – 1996
- Iain Boyd – 1995
- Tom MacIsaac – 1994
- Ronald B. Chisholm – 1993
- Dr. John Hamilton – 1992
- Dave MacLean – 1991
- Martin MacDonald – 1990
- Ronald A. MacDonald – 1989
- Leo MacDonald – 1988
- Liz Chisholm – 1987
- Dan MacInnes – 1986
- Tom MacIsaac – 1985
- A.G. MacDonald (Deceased) – 1984
- Donald Beaton – 1983
- Dr. William Shaw (Deceased) – 1982
- Bill Kiley – 1981
- Wilena Penny (Deceased) – 1980
- John Ross (Deceased) – 1979
- Donald Beaton – 1978
- Joe C. MacLellan – 1977
- Daniel P. Gillis (Deceased) – 1976
- J.K. MacDonald (Deceased) – 1975
- James Fraser – 1974
- Dr. Ray MacLean (Deceased) – 1973
- Rod J. Chisholm (Deceased) – 1972
- Donald MacNeil (Deceased) – 1971
- William MacIntosh (Deceased) – 1970
- Terrance Thompson (Deceased) – 1969
- D. Charles MacDougall (Deceased) – 1968
- Leo Chisholm – 1967
- John Hugh MacKenzie (Deceased) – 1966, 1965
- Ernest MacNaughton (Deceased) – 1964
- Bill Chisholm (Deceased) – 1963
- C.I.N. MacLeod (Deceased) – 1962
- Howard MacDougall (Deceased) – 1961
- Ernie Gourley (Deceased) – 1960
- Hugh J. MacPherson (Deceased) – 1959
- Gerald Cunningham (Deceased) – 1958
- Donald Gillis (Deceased) – 1957
- Carvel MacIntosh (Deceased) – 1956
- Rod C. Chisholm (Deceased) – 1955
- Percy Archibald (Deceased) – 1954
- Alex J. MacDonald (Deceased) – 1953
- J.R. Kirk Jr. (Deceased) – 1952
- Angus R. MacDonald (Deceased) – 1951
- Roy Cunningham (Deceased) – 1950