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    • A Celebration of Scotland's Treasures

    Save the Date | Thursday, April 16, 2020

    Please join us this spring for an evening of Scottish music, dining, and dancing! The festive occasion has celebrated Scottish heritage, from poetry and dancing to whisky and haggis, for more than a decade. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Great Scot Award, and this year, we are delighted to honor award-winning crime novelist Denise Mina.

    Denise Mina

    2020 Great Scot Award Honoree

    The recipient of the 2020 Great Scot Award is award-winning crime novelist Denise Mina, whose novel Conviction was published to critical acclaim earlier this year.

    Mina is known as one of the major figures in the genre of Tartan Noir, which merges the traditions of Scottish literature as practiced by Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle with the hard-boiled anti-heroes of American detective fiction.

    In addition to Conviction, Mina is the author of the stand-alone true crime reimagining The Long Drop, as well as the Paddy Meehan, Alex Morrow, and Maureen O’Donnell series. She received the John Creasy Memorial Award for best first crime novel for Garnethill and has twice received the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

    “We are thrilled to honor one of the leading voices in contemporary crime fiction at such an exciting moment in her career,” said Charlotte Lyeth Burton, chair of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA. “Denise Mina’s novels brings the gritty city of Glasgow to life for readers from far beyond Scotland. In many ways, the city itself is a character as much as it is the setting for her work.”

    The National Trust for Scotland cares for nearly 100 natural and cultural heritage properties across Scotland, including several important sites in Glasgow that have literary connections to Ms. Mina’s work: Alexander “Greek” Thomson’s Holmwood House and the Tenement House, located in the Garnethill neighborhood.

    Tickets will be on sale early spring 2020. 

    Looking Back

    2019 A Celebration of Scotland's Treasures

    The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA’s annual gala, A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures, drew tartan-clad international philanthropists to New York’s Metropolitan Club on Thursday, April 11, 2019. The Great Scot Award was presented to sculptor Andy Scott, best known for his monumental equine installation The Kelpies. Under the guidance of honorary chair Naoma Tate, and co-chairs Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer, Christopher Forbes, Joan Kahn, and Susi and Alasdair Nichol, the event raised over $310,000 to support the work of National Trust for Scotland, that country’s largest conservation charity.

     

    Event Photography

    Follow the links below to view photos from the 2019 A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures gala.

    Annie Watt Photography

    Matt Gillis Photography

    2019 A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures Image Gallery

    Andy Scott makes remarks as he accepts the Great Scot Award. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Paul Roberts introduced Andy Scott and presented him with the Great Scot Award. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Matt Gillis Photography.
    The Great Scot Award was presented to Andy Scott by Paul Roberts Vice Chairman of Lyon & Turnbull, President of Freeman's. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Andy Scott delivers remarks after receiving the Great Scot Award. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Auctioneer, Alasdair Nichol. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Patrick Duffy. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Jonathan Treat and Trustee Leslie Aitken. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Honorary Chair, Naoma Tate with Co-Chair Christopher Forbes. Annie Watt Photography.
    Ron Butler, Alasdair Nichol, Gavin Maxwell, Lindsay Maxwell. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Executive Director Kirstin Bridier with her husband Andrew Bridier. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Event Co-Chairs Joan Kahn and Christopher Forbes with 2016 Event Chair Jill Joyce. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Scottish Couturier Sandra Murray with Marcy Scott Morton. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Trustee Helen Sayles with her family and auctioneer Alasdair Nichol. Annie Watt Photography.
    Mitch Owens. Annie Watt Photography.
    Benefit Committee member Nina Christine Yacavino with Advisory Committee member Sondra Rapoport. Matt Gillis Photography.
    "We do what we do for the love of Scotland!" Annie Watt Photography.
    Peter McWhinnie, Christopher Gow, Christine Scott Morton, Keith Scott Morton. Annie Watt Phhotography.
    The dining room at The Metropolitan Club. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Matt Gillis Photography.
    Alasdair Nichol began the dinner with Robert Burns' 'Ode to a Haggis'. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Nicholas Villalon raised a toast with The Macallan 18. Matt Gillis Photography.
    bag pipes haggis
    The presentation of the haggis. Annie Watt Photography.
    Junior's Circle sponsor Kerry Joyce with her guests. Annie Watt Photography.
    Gala guests in the Metropolitan Club's magnificent dining room. Annie Watt Photography.
    Annie Watt Photography.
    Katie McNally & Friends. Matt Gillis Photography
    Scottish Country Dancing is always a highlight of the evening. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Scottish country dancing. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Scottish country dancing. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Matt Gillis Photography
    Scottish country dancing
    Scottish country dancing is always a highlight of the evening. Matt Gillis Photography.
    Silent Auction. Annie Watt Photography.
    The silent auction. Annie Watt Photography.

    About the Great Scot Award

    The Great Scot Award is presented annually to a Scot or American who has contributed to the countries’ shared heritage. The recipient is selected by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the award presentation is the highlight of the annual gala, A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures. 

    Great Scot Award Honorees

    2019

    Andy Scott

    Internationally recognized artist and sculptor of The Kelpies, the worlds largest equine sculptures.

    2018

    Mark Beaumont

    World record-breaking long distance cyclist.

    2017

    Ken Burns

    Documentary filmmaker and kinsman of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

    • Honorees 2008-2016

      2016

      Phyllis Logan

      Actor, best known for her roles as Mrs. Hughes on Downton Abbey and Lady Jane Felsham on Lovejoy.

      2015

       Sir Billy Connolly

      Stand up comedian, actor, musician, TV presenter, and artist

      2014

      Richard Scott

      10th Duke of Buccleuch and the 12th Duke of Queensbury

      2013

      Ian Gow

      Chief Curator, National Trust for Scotland

      2012

      The International Alliance for the Advancement of Scottish Roots Music

      2011

      Mrs. Thomas J. Hubbard

      Philanthropist

      2010

      Christopher Forbes

      Vice chairman of Forbes Inc., noted collector and connoisseur

      2009

      Alan Cumming

      Award-Winning Actor, Singer, Writer, Producer, Director, and Author

      2008

      Alexander McCall Smith

      Internationally Acclaimed Author

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