Each year since 1969, the holiday season steps off to a brisk pace with the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
The St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., began the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk on St. Andrew’s Day in 1969 when a bagpiper led a contingent of members to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House to lay a wreath on the grave of William Hunter, the founder of the original Society formed in Alexandria, Virginia. The commemoration was moved to the first Saturday after St. Andrew’s Day to allow for more members to participate. The event continued with the involvement of the Alexandria YMCA, since the wives of many Society members were members. The connection continued when the YWCA become the independent Alexandria Community Y in the 1970s and then the Campagna Center in 1991.
The weekend raises funds for needed social services in the City of Alexandria. Each year the weekend kicks off with the annual Taste of Scotland on the Friday before the event and the Walk itself on the first Saturday of every December.
The typical schedule of events for the day includes:
8:00 AM – Fellowship Breakfast – Break bread with Society members in the reception hall of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Virginia. The hall is located downstairs in the building just behind the church. All are welcome!
9:00 AM – Church Service and Wreath-laying – Society members and guests are invited to a church and afterwards the Society will once again honor William Hunter, founder of the St. Andrews Society of Alexandria, at a wreath laying service at his grave behind the church. The Society is honored to be joined by members of Clan Hunter and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
11:00 AM – Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk – The Society will form up near the corner of Wilkes and St. Asaph Streets in Old Town Alexandria. The order of the procession will be the banner, current officers, former presidents, gentlemen of the Society, and then family members and guests. All march in column of twos in route step. Kilts and highland wear are strongly encouraged!