The Guelph Mercury's Genealogy and Education Centre
The Guelph Mercury's Genealogy and Education Venue, situated within the picturesque Avenue of the Clans, provides the highest quality of programming with something to appeal to every interest. At the 2006 Fergus Scottish Festival, the Genealogy and Education Venue will offer lectures from our featured author, Scottish and Celtic related lectures. Witness the All Things Scottish Past and Present Fashion Show, sword fights, Scottish music and featured Scottish athletes, author lectures on writing, tartan weaponry, tartan pottery, scottish sculpting, and stamp displays. Spend time at the Historical Research Centre, Genealogy Research Centre and Tartan Research Centre and take in the numerous displays found within the venue. The Genealogy and Education venue offers enough to keep you busy all weekend!
Featured AuthorDiana Gabaldon is the world-renowned author of the Outlander series, featuring the Scotsman Jamie Fraser, an 18th century Scotsman, and Claire, his time-travelling 20th-century wife. The series is set in 18th century Scotland and pre-revolutionary America, and can be described as rooted in history but with a very strong element of fantasy and romance. Diana’s first book Outlander was published in 1991. It was soon followed by Dragonfly in Amber (1992), Voyager (1994), Drums of Autumn (1997) and Fiery Cross (2001). In addition, Diana has released The Outlandish Companion (1999) and Lord John Grey and the Private Matter (2003).
At the Games this Year:
Swordsman Hugh Slaven Robertson of "Fire and Sword, Living History Scotland"
Scottish historian, living history specialist, educator, storyteller, medieval weapons specialist and professional swordsman, Hugh Slaven Robertson will give demonstrations, lecture and role-play at the 2007 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Featured by the BBC and "Clansman In Battle" presentation, Hugh Slaven Robertson of "Fire and Sword, Living History Scotland" is considered one of Scotland's most astounding ancient weapons demonstrators and historical interpreters.
The action-filled demonstrations are both realistic and breathtaking. Demonstrating fighting in the style used by our ancient ancestors, "Fire and Sword, Living History Scotland" uses reproduction Lochaber axes, basket hilted broadswords, hand axes, dirks and targes. His authenticity and ferocity in combat has earned him a reputation that has extended to television. In the last five years, Hugh Robertson has undertaken combat scenes at many famous Scottish castles and battlefields for commemorations and in over twenty documentaries and video productions. Additionally, Hugh has worked with Scottish based TV companies and has also filmed for Japanese, English, French, American, Australian and Dutch productions.
Learn about the clansmen and how families lived and worked in medieval Scotland. Learn how to a wear a plaid, the history of dress and the highland experience for this year is the year of highland culture. An excellent interactive learning experience for the whole family.
