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 The Queensland Scottish Association (Inc) is a Brisbane-based community organisation. 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. During the Russian war scare of 1885 the local Scottish community chose 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.
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.
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."
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