St. Andrews Queen of the Highlands

Hello, my name is MacKenzie J. Bruce, and I was the 2005 St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands. I would like to share with you a little bit about the experiences I had during my reign.

To begin with, you may wonder how and why I am qualified and was so lucky to be chosen as the Queen of the Highlands. Coming from a rich blend of Scottish roots, I was always aware of my heritage. Both my mother and father play the bagpipes, and at the age of four I began Highland Dancing. Since then I have continued learning about my Scottish heritage, and have been an active member of the Scottish community. When I learned early last year that there was going to be the very first St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands, I didn’t hesitate in applying. After being selected as a finalist I was chosen as the most qualified applicant. Then my journey began.

Since my coronation on April 2, 2005 I was very busy appearing at various Scottish events and parades throughout Michigan. Some include the Alma Highland Games, Canterbury Village Scottish Days, and the Good Morning America 4^th of July Parade in Plymouth, Michigan. At each venue I spent time promoting the Annual Games, mingling with the crowds, and speaking to audiences on behalf of the Society. Each parade, concert, and Scottish festival has been a unique experience where I had the opportunity to share my love of Scotland along with the passion I have for the awareness and involvement of Scottish heritage and arts.

On August 6^th 2005, I had the privilege of representing the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit as the Queen at their Annual Highland Games held at the Greenmead Historic Village in Livonia, Michigan. I spent the day meeting the entertainers, and enjoying the many festivities, and beautiful weather. Some of my duties as Queen included presenting the Highland Dance awards, as well as several piping and drumming awards. I also had a special photo session with children named “Photos with the Queen”, I even snuck in a photo with none other than Nessie! The day of the games and the Ceilidh, which was held the evening before, made a very exciting and eventful weekend I will never forget. Reigning over such an event as the Queen was an honor.

Being the very first Queen of the Highlands has been a pleasure. Of the many experiences coming from my Scottish roots, I have found none more fulfilling than this. I take great pride in my Scottish heritage, and there is nothing that could make me more excited that to be a Scottish Queen! This truly is an experience I will never forget. I anticipate watching the growth of the St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands in years to come, and take pride in knowing that it all began with me.

In closing, I would like to extend a very special thank you to the Queen of the Highlands co-chairs, Sheila and Bree Brownlee. Without their tireless efforts, the success of the first ever St. Andrews Queen and Court would have never been possible. Sheila and Bree's endless support have allowed me to enjoy this experience very much.

And thanks to you, members and supporters of the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit. I have been so lucky to represent such a dignified group of Scots.

Cheers,

MacKenzie J. Bruce
St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands, 2005