The Queensland Scottish Association (Inc) is a community-based organisation based in Brisbane. It was established in 1996 out of a desire to give due recognition to the contribution of Scots to Queensland’s history. The organisation bears, in commemoration, the name of a benevolent Scottish cultural group established in Brisbane in the 19th century. Our Association has identified the following as its main objectives:
• To raise the understanding, recognition, and acceptance of Scottish culture, and the promotion and preservation of its ethnic cultural identity.
• To cultivate a public awareness of the history and diversity of Scottish cultural activities in Queensland.
• To explore, research and document the social, cultural, educational, economic and political contributions of Scottish immigrants and their descendants to Queensland society.
The Association has determined a particular aspect of Queensland’s past on which to brand its activities. A significant moment in the history of the local Scottish community occurred when it chose to take a pro-active step during the War Scare of 1885, to raise a highland–style regiment. Recruiting local men of Scottish birth or descent to serve in the defence of the Colony of Queensland, this unit was known as the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps. The establishment of the Corps represented a noteworthy channelling of support and resources towards a common aim amongst a group of citizens whose actions were often disparate.
Consistent with it’s objectives, the Queensland Scottish Association (Inc) has created through the medium of living history and historical re-enactment, a signature entity that is colourful, active, and readily identifiable. By re-raising the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps (as it appeared during 1888) it has provided a tool to interpret and give meaning to aspects of Queensland’s past, using a process of education and entertainment that appeals to a wider community. A member’s committee provides input and direction, organising and prioritising the Association’s activities. Members actively and passionately contribute their skills and knowledge towards the project. This co-operative approach has proven to be a successful model for a small group to achieve a considerable outcome, and has allowed its exposure to a regional market for the service it provides.
In recognition of the development and presentation of the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps living history project, the Association won a Silver Award in the National Trust Community Award Category of the 2005 Queensland Heritage Awards. The award was given for ‘Excellence in Heritage Conservation Works or Action in 2005’. Specific mention was made of the "promotion of diversity of heritage" and "dedication and attention to detail."
• Membership of the Association is limited to individuals, but not by age, sex or geographic location. There is no facility for corporate membership.
• The Association has identified target member groups as individuals with an interest in all things Scottish, in local Queensland, colonial military of family history. Descendants of members of the original Association or of the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps are also being sought.
• Separate guidelines apply for membership of Queensland Scottish Living History,* but any QSA (Inc.) member may apply without any additional fees.
*Membership of Queensland Scottish Living History is defined by QSA policy. While the depiction of the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps will always be the main focus, there is considerable scope for member’s living history depictions. The simple guidelines being that the depiction must be set in Queensland and to have existed here in the year 1888.
Membership of the Association entitles you to:
• a bi-monthly Journal that concentrates on 19th century Queensland and Scottish history
• ability to research and publish in the Journal
• a chance to assist with the Association’s promotional activities
• opportunity to learn more about Queensland’s Scottish history
• a chance to be part of an active and focused group with similar interests
• ability to join and take part in living history displays (subject to guidelines)
• members of the Queensland Scottish Living History Project receive an additional monthly newsletter, and detailed background historical notes
• Members of the Association appear at public events around south-east Queensland up to ten times a year.
• The Association is involved in the promotion of Fort Lytton National Park as a local visitor and tourist destination. Members involved in Living History functions encamp on-site twice a year.
• Society members are involved in the research and reproduction of items of 19th century material culture and encourage membership of people skilled in historical research, sewing, carpentry, casting and moulding, blacksmithing, and leatherwork.
• The Queensland Scottish Association (Inc) publishes a bi-monthly journal, “Stand Fast!” that concentrates on 19th century Queensland and Scottish history. Members of the Living History wing also receive a monthly newsletter “Bydand” which concentrates on 19th century material culture, the history of the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps and the military history of Queensland.
• Membership has been concentrated in south-east Queensland, but we are keen to accept members in regional centres, particularly those with long Scottish community history. An extension of the living history group is being established in Rockhampton.
• Email us now for a membership application form, or write to:- The Secretary, Queensland Scottish Association (Inc) GPO Box 1226, Brisbane, Qld, 4001.
