North Otago Scottish Society Inc

10/05/2026

17/03/2026

Ferry Chaos as Haggis Gang Hijack Whisky Lorry Bound for Ireland's St Patrick’s Day

A lorry carrying thousands of bottles and a selection of barrels of premium Scottish whisky destined for Ireland ahead of Saint Patrick's Day has been ambushed and robbed by a roaming gang of wild Highland Haggis just moments before boarding a ferry.

The truck had arrived at the port ready to sail across the Irish Sea, delivering its valuable cargo of Scotch whisky to Irish pubs preparing for one of the busiest drinking days of the year. Demand for Scottish whisky in Ireland had reportedly surged this year, with many Irish drinkers quietly admitting they planned to upgrade from Irish whiskey to Scotch Whisky for the celebrations, because it its obviously better.

However, the delivery never made it aboard.
According to witnesses, a herd of around twelve suspiciously well organised Haggis emerged from nearby bushes just as the lorry queued for the ferry ramp. The animals reportedly surrounded the vehicle before one particularly large specimen, believed to be the group’s leader, climbed onto the step of the cab and began aggressively headbutting the driver’s door.

The startled driver fled the scene moments later after noticing several of the creatures had already begun rolling whisky barrels off the back with surprising coordination.

Port staff say the gang then disappeared into nearby hills with the stolen cargo, leaving behind only tyre marks and broken crates.

A spokesperson for the ferry terminal said they had never seen anything like it.
“Normally the Haggis just wander around the car park begging for teacakes. This lot clearly knew exactly what they were doing.”

The lorry driver was unharmed but said he had no intention of attempting to retrieve the cargo.
“I’m not arguing with a gang of drunk Haggis,” he said. “Especially ones that have already tasted the goods.”

Irish pub owners awaiting the shipment have reportedly been forced to continue serving Irish whiskey instead, a situation many customers have described as “deeply disappointing but unavoidable.”

Meanwhile wildlife officials are warning locals to stay clear of the hills this weekend, as sightings of unusually confident and extremely merry Haggis have already been reported staggering around the area in good spirits and ready to party all day tomorrow with the stolen good spirits.

26/01/2026

It was wonderful to have Gavin Cain - Chief of the Waimate Scottish Society with us for our Burns Supper. They are holding their own celebration this Saturday night. If you are around the Waimate area why not pop along!

22/01/2026

150th Games are on soon!!!
A reminder - FREE ENTRY for spectators!
Watch:
- solo pipers (first time since 2018!!)
- Highland dancers
- Speed skaters
- Track cyclists
- Athletes

These have high-quality judges with them, so they will be performing well!

Want to have a go?
Participate:
- All-comers (5km road race, Heavy ball throw, Tossing the caber)
- Childrens athletics and Roadster races

PLUS see the showcase of Penny Farthing bicycles racing in proper attire! With the Steel Bikes showing their stuff too.

And to finish off, the Triathlon Skate. Skate - bike - run.

31st January 2026
9:30am start (Childrens Athletics up first)

13/01/2026

09/12/2025

⛔: Council declines to renew land lease for car park

The Waitaki District Council today declined to renew the lease of land owned by Oamaru Squash and Badminton Club and Otago Scottish Society between Tees and Tyne Street.

This land had been used as a free car-park by locals and tourists for decades, under a leasing arrangement between Council and the two landowners.

The previous Mayor and Councillors decided not to renew the lease in July 2025, as it sought cost-savings in the Long Term Plan 2025 – 2034.

Council officers were asked to explore alternative ways to provide parking on that land which reduced the cost to the ratepayer.

A proposal for renewal involved a leasing fee of $20,071 split between the two landowners. This would have been recouped by installing paid parking meters on the site, so the revenue from users could offset the leasing fee paid by ratepayers.

However, Council resolved to not renew the lease. The site will return to the Oamaru Squash and Badminton Club and Oamaru Scottish Society for their management.

It will no longer be considered as a free parking area managed by Waitaki District Council. All parking signage will be removed shortly.

08/09/2025

Countdown to Installation of the Chief

🥁 Did You Know? | Day 1 of 7
The Scottish Society of New Zealand was founded in 1902, inspired by the incredible visit of Sir Hector “Fighting Mac” MacDonald, a celebrated Scottish hero.

When Sir Hector toured New Zealand, he stirred a wave of pride and excitement among Scots living here. His visit ignited a movement — bringing together those with Scottish ancestry to connect, celebrate their heritage, and keep traditions alive.

For 123 years, the Society has continued that mission — promoting connection, community, and culture through music, dance, events, and friendship.

📅 Join us on Sunday, 14th September at 2:00 pm as we celebrate this legacy and install our new Chief, Stu Gordon, at the Scottish Society Hall in Christchurch.

02/08/2025

19/07/2025

Good times at the North Otago Scottish Society Open Day today. Thanks to everyone. We're there again tomorrow 9-1pm to chat about the future of the Society and the Hall but no piping nor dancing this time sorry

18/07/2025

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 19TH

Anyone with an interest in any aspect of Scottish Culture, the Gaelic language, historical Ōamaru, or just curious, is invited to drop in on our Open Day, Saturday 19th July between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to discuss ideas or plans, and to see what we're thinking.
Inspect NOSS and North Otago Highland Pipe Band archival material, Highland dancing at 1pm, pipers and drummers. Refreshments.

H. Machin Secretary NOSS
0212380377