Victoria Scottish Community Centre

06/02/2026

Ahhh, summertime at Craigflower Manor. The water glistens as the wind rustles fresh leaves and the air is sweet. For your tour booking please email [email protected]. We look forward to your visit.

05/10/2026

In August 1852, Kenneth McKenzie, Agnes Russell-McKenzie and their five children boarded the Norman Morrison in England and set sail for Fort Victoria on Vancouver Island. Their purpose was to build a farm settlement known as the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, a division of the Hudson Bay Company, and would be called Craigflower Farm.

Along on the journey to help build the colony was the brother of Agnes McKenzie, Thomas Russell, and sisters Helen and Isabella Russell.

A few weeks ago I went up to Parksville to meet a few of the decendants of Craigflower Farm.

Mr. Ross Harvey (left), is the decendant of Kenneth McKenzie the III, and his cousins, Kerry Michael-Parker (right), is a decendant of Anges' brother, Thomas Russell, and Betty Bell-Hamilton (centre) is the decendant of Helen Russell.

For more settlement stories visit Craigflower Manor Farmhouse Museum. Email for your reservation at [email protected].

05/04/2026

"As folks across Greater Victoria get ready to celebrate all things Canadian this summer, View Royal is looking for volunteers to help it run its annual July 1 celebration.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Canada Day, locals are invited to celebrate Confederation at the Craigflower Manor.

In partnership with the Victoria Highland Games Association, the free, family-friendly event will bring the community together for a day of live entertainment, cultural displays and activities for all ages.

To help bring the gathering to life, the Town of View Royal is looking for help, and with flexible two- and three-hour shifts available throughout the day, there are a variety of ways to get involved.

Volunteer opportunities include event setup, event tear-down and cleanup and supporting performers on and off stage.

“With a range of roles and flexible shifts available, it’s a great opportunity to get involved, meet new people and support a community tradition,” the town said on its website.

Contact Gary Mathies at [email protected] to volunteer."

News story from the Goldstream News Gazette in comments.

04/29/2026

May is the peak of spring and a great time to visit Craigflower Manor Farmhouse for a tour. We have one extra day on our tour schedule this month for you to come out and enjoy this hidden treasure. See the poster below for details. Tours are by reservation only, or for inquirys at [email protected].

04/28/2026

CHEK News stopped by to capture a Wednesday night rehearsal with the Capital City Pipe Band at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre.

From chanter practice to full-band run-throughs, the story offers a great look inside the work that goes into pipe band performance.

We’re looking forward to seeing them, along with many other bands, compete at the Victoria Highland Games on May 16 and 17 at Topaz Park.

Link in comments!

04/28/2026

04/01/2026

Craigflower Manor Farmhouse Museum is open Saturday, April 4th, this Easter long weekend.
EASTER has been the most important date in the religious calendar since the very earliest days of Christianity. Traditions developed in the medieval times where churches held intricate rituals and dramatic religious ceremonies, and clergy and congregations all took part in various processions, vigils and plays over the Easter weekend.
In colonial beginnings, Easter celebrations would have been remarkably subdued, and is likely how Craigflower Farm settlers would have celebrated their traditions, however, including making a fine family meal.
As traditions evolved over time, blending religious observances with whimsical traditions began to flourish by the mid-1800s, and egg decorating and hunting became increasingly popular. For egg colouring, a simple method of preparing natural materials like onion skins, beets and flowers was used for dyeing.
It is very possible that the eight McKenzie children would have looked forward to this activity, family time and a holiday from school!

Below is the McKenzie dining room set for celebrating!

02/28/2026

Visit Craigflower Manor Farmhouse Museum in March 2026.
As the frost recedes and the sun begins to warm the earth, new growth pushes to the surface and blooms pop announcing the end of a long winter. Soon the equinox will mark the season ready for planting seeds, mating animals and celebrating a new cycle of life. Planting and raising stock would be at the forefront of everyone's mind at Craigflower farm, as this marked the importance of the survival of the colony for another year.

02/21/2026

Bottle Drive for the Capital City Pipe Band!

Support our youth band as they prepare to perform at the Highland Games!

📅 Saturday, February 21
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Victoria Scottish Community Centre
1803 Admirals Road

Bring your refundable bottles and cans and help send our talented young musicians to the Games. Every donation makes a difference.

Hope to see you there!

02/17/2026

We still have room on our tours for Saturday, February 21st at, 11am, 12 pm and 1pm, 2pm is full.

Email for your reservation at Manor@VictoriaHighland
Games.com

Looking forward showing this quaint early Farmhouse Manor and the story of the McKenzie's with you!