An Interview with The Scots' Charitable Society

Find out about the work of The Scots' Charitable Society, originally founded in 1657 in Massachusetts, with its aim to help those of Scottish descent in need and providing scholarships to young Scottish-Americans. We speak to the President of the Society, Scott McKenzie, about heritage, history and hopes for the future.

Scott McKenzie

Personal Connection to Scottish Culture

What is your personal connection to Scottish culture? 

My Scottish Ancestry, I descend from clans MacKenzie, MacNeil, Hamilton, MacGregor to name a few.

Have you celebrated your Scottish heritage from a young age? 

It was only in my early 20’s when I discovered my rich Scottish ancestry that I begun celebrating my heritage.

What aspects of Scottish heritage resonate most strongly with you, and why? 

Scotland’s history, especially its fight for independence and how many Scots played a key role in the founding of the United States.  As a Scottish-American, this means much to me.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Scotland? If so, what were your experiences and impressions? If not, is it on your list of places to visit? 

Yes, I had visited Scotland twice, once to Glasgow and once to Edinburgh.  I found the native Scots to be hardy souls who seemed to take a shine to Americans of Scottish descent.  At two different pubs, I discovered the Scots were drawn by my American accent and became quite enamoured when they discovered I had a Scottish last name . . . they bought me drams!  As the old Scottish proverb goes, “Under an old, tattered coat can be found a rich heart.”

What does being a member of Clan MacKenzie mean to you? 

Being a seventh generation Scottish American, I didn’t think much of my last name until I discovered the rich history of this one powerful clan!  It gave me a new sense of identity and strength of character.

Are there any facts or stories about the Clan that you particularly enjoy?  

Yes, I enjoyed learning how Clan Mackenzie, a small family surrounded by larger and stronger clans, rose to power and gained much favour from the king who in turn gave them vast last lands in the Highlands.

Are you actively involved in any MacKenzie Clan activities or associations? 

I once held the position as regional representative of the Clan Mackenzie society, but involvement in the Scots' Charitable Society occupies much of my spare time.

We of course have to ask, Do you have a favourite tartan MacKenzie or Not? If so, what is it and why?  

Of course, the Mackenzie tartan is my favorite, but my second favorite is the Black Watch (42nd Highland Regiment) tartan. I have always been attracted to the dark greens and blues of these tartans.

How did you first become involved with The Scots' Charitable Society? What drew you to the organisation? 

Shortly after I learned about my rich Scottish ancestry, I attended my first Highland Games at Loon Mt, New Hampshire.  I remember getting up very early to drive to the games.  The weather was overcast, and when I arrived at the games, I had taken notice of the surrounding mountains as I got out of my car, the overcast day had become misty, and off in the distance, I heard the skirl of bagpipes.  It seemed as if I had been mysteriously transported to the Scottish Highlands. At the games, the first tent I visited was the Scots’ Charitable Society and when I enquired about the organization I was fascinated by their history.  I was told the society was founded by former Scottish POWs who were transported to the American colonies to work as indentured servants at the Saugus (MA) iron works where they labored 12 hours a day, digging bogs for iron, chopping down trees or working in front of a 2,000 degree furnace. And what impressed me the most, despite all their suffering, was the fact that the first group of Scots who had fulfilled their indenture had the presence of mind to collaborate with local Scots to create a society to buyout the indenture of fellow Scots.

Can you describe your journey within the Society, from your initial involvement to becoming President? 

The Scots' Charitable Society is comprised of wonderful people who have big hearts and powerful spirits.  I have been a member for 43 years and for the first 20 years, I was just a member going to quarterly meetings and periodically attend Highland Games. Then in the early 2000s I joined the Marcom committee and after a couple of years I became the Chairperson of the committee.  Then in 2018, I was nominated and became Vice President and in 2024, I became President.

What does your role as President entail? What are your key responsibilities and priorities? 

My role as President is to oversee the affairs of the society subject to the approval of the Board of Government (BOG). I preside over the BOG and Membership meetings and provide a course of the direction for the future of the society. In my first year, we added 20 new members to the society, brought back the Tartan Ball which sold out and raised money for our scholarship program.  Our tents at various Highland Games had attracted an increased interest in the society.  We expanded our SCOTLINKS page by adding 40 new Scottish organizations, clan societies and pipe bands.  My favorite project was creating an audio version of our society’s history, this was a team effort and the end result exceeded all my expectations!  I encourage all Scots and those of Scottish descent to visit this page on our website, and listen for themselves.  It has only been available for a couple of months and it has been downloaded about 200 times!

What do you find most rewarding about being involved with the scots' charitable Society? 

For me, one of the greatest joys is helping others.  Our motto is “Scots helping Scots” and it gives me much pleasure that we provide scholarship funds to deserving young men and women, or provide funds to those who desperate need it.

What are your hopes for the future of The Scots' Charitable Society? 

My hope is to continue increasing membership, expanding awareness and involvement within the Scottish community and to continue helping fellow Scots.

What would you like to share with those interested in learning more about Scottish heritage or getting involved with the Society? 

I learned long ago, to know where you are destined, you need to know where you came from. I found that learning the rich history of Scotland and that of the society, had awakened something that had been dormant throughout my childhood and adolescent years.  When I started to understand the people, culture and history of the Scots, I found a strong, indescribable sense of belongingness that remains with me to this day.  Learning about the Scots' Charitable Society’s rich history that runs in tandem with American history only fortified this feeling.

Can you share an overview of the history and mission of The Scots Charitable Society? 

On January 6, 1657, twenty-eight “Scottish men” signed the “Laws Rules and Order of the Poor Boxes Society” in Boston, Massachusetts and formed the Scots’ Charitable Society.  The founder stated that “…our benevolence is for the releefe of ourselves being Scottishmen or for any of the Scottish nation whome we may see cause to help…” Going on 368 years later this dedication to benevolent acts continues to guide the work of the Scots’ Charitable Society.

It is likely that the Society was founded in part to assist a specific group of destitute Scots – those captured by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 and those captured exactly one year later at the Battle of Worcester. Prisoners from both battles were sold as indentured servants to the London Company of Undertakers, a venture capital group in London investing in the first successful iron works in the American colonies.  Bound to the Iron Works at Lynn, now Saugus, in Massachusetts, most of the indentured Scots were required to complete seven years of labor for the company.  It seems the indentures began to expire between 1655 and 1657 when the Scots’ Charitable Society was formed. The founding indentured servants, now released, aligned themselves with local Scots to form the society.

What are some of the Society's most significant achievements or contributions throughout its history?  

Over the years, we have helped or contributed to the Scottish community in a variety of capacities, but most notably, the society has granted over $2M in scholarship funds to young men and women attending college and have provided over $500,000 in financial aid to those who have experienced unfortunate circumstances. We have sponsored awards for highland dancers and pipers.  We live by our motto, “Scots helping Scots.”

How has the Society's focus or activities evolved over time?  

Today, the society has three pillars, Relief, Scholarship, and Culture, although, through most of its history the Scots' Charitable Society has provided financial aid to Scots or Scottish-Americans who needed help with shelter, food, and other types of needed living expenses.  About 60 years ago, the society embarked on providing scholarships and has been generous to qualified applicants ever since.

How does the Society preserve and promote Scottish culture and heritage?  

The Society typically works to preserve and promote Scottish culture and heritage through several key activities:

Cultural Events and Festivals: The Society organizes a tent at various Highland Games throughout New England, traditional Scottish music and dance performances, and festivals such as the Tartan Ball and St. Andrew's Day celebrations. These events serve as opportunities to showcase our society and Scottish traditions, engage with the community, and attract local attention to Scotland's rich heritage.

Education and Outreach: Our historian provides lectures on the society, Scottish history and culture, sometimes writing articles, or newsletters that focus on Scotland’s culture and achievements.

Supporting Scottish Arts and Crafts: We fund trophies for bagpipe playing and highland dance competitions.

Research and Archiving: Our society historian may collect, preserve, and catalog historical documents, artifacts, and records relating to the society and its members. This can include everything from genealogy records to ancient manuscripts, ensuring that the history of the society remains accessible to future generations.

Advocacy and Representation: The Society is committed to the awareness of issues important to Scottish identity, diaspora and advocating for the continued promotion of Scottish culture both in the United States (primarily New England), Canada, Scotland and abroad.

Community Engagement: The Scots’ Charitable Society hosts gatherings, workshops, and social events to strengthen the bonds within Scottish communities, primarily in New England, allowing members to connect with their heritage on a deeper level.

Thank you, Scott, for taking the time to speak to us about your heritage and The Scots' Charitable Society. It's been great to learn more about what you do!

 

If you'd like to don your best tartan and celebrate Scottish heritage, head to The Legendary Scots' Charitable Tartan Ball on Tartan Day on April 5th, 2025! With live music and entertainment from top local Scottish artists, a three course meal, raffles and a Ceilidh, it's an event not to be missed! Get your ticket here.