In the summer of 2004...

...my husband Charles Robertson and I were enjoying a starlit evening in the Muskokas. The conversation went to the history of our ancestors and after a few wee drams we decided it was time The Beach had it’s own Ceildh. We talked for hours about how great it would be to have Pipes & Drums in Kew Gardens as well as Scottish, Irish and Welsh vendors, food and entertainers. We talked about the fact that we had so little time and absolutely no sponsorship. Against all odds we decided to go for it and The 1st Annual Beach Celtic Festival debuted on September 17, 2004. The only media we had were great photos and coverage in Beach Metro News - we were amazed at the turn-out of over 1,500 people in Kew Gardens.
    So here we are - four Beach Celtic Festivals under our belts! With God’s Grace it will be here for many years to come.
Slainte!
Sandy Graham-Robertson & Charles Robertson

Charles Robertson is a world champion Highland Dancer, retired military officer from the Airborne Division in Lahr, Germany and current volunteer with The 48th Highlanders of Canada. His Parents, Grandparents & Aunties and Uncles all originally were born in Scotiand, so he is truly a Highlander in his blood and heart.

Sandy Graham-Robertson is from Montreal and is the daughter of a Highland Dancer Mima Sutherland & Sandy’s Grandfather Donald Sutherland was the Pipe Major of The Black Watch of Canada in WWII. Her other grandfather Peter Graham was sent from Scotland to Canada as a Quarrier child or what was known as The Home Children. Sandy was brought up to be proud of her heritage and between Charles and herself they are raising two boys Graham Maclean Robertson and Ian Sutherland Robertson with knowledge of their wonderful heritage. Sandy’s brother Donald also resides in the Beach.

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