Next time you take a stroll along Harbour Passage, you will find a new piece of history looking out over the water. Located across from the HMCS Brunswicker naval reserve, a newly unveiled granite monument celebrates over 200 years of Scottish heritage in Saint John. According to a recent report by CTV News Atlantic, the Saint Andrew’s Society of Saint John spearheaded the project to honor the contributions of early Scottish settlers and their descendants.

A Legacy Set in Stone

Formed in 1798, the Saint Andrew’s Society of Saint John holds the title of the oldest such society in Canada. For 228 years, the group has preserved Scottish culture and supported community members in need. Past president David Nickerson hopes the new installation inspires locals to connect with their roots.

“I’m so happy that people will get a chance to look at it, appreciate our history, and maybe it will excite more people to think about their heritage and what they could do to preserve it,” Nickerson told CTV News.

Design and Durability

The society previously maintained a commemorative garden near the old Barbour’s General Store at the foot of King Street. When developers tore down that site, members worked with the city to find a permanent home. The resulting two sided granite monument features laser engraved imagery instead of traditional bronze.

The front displays the Scottish flag, the lion rampant banner, and the Saint John tartan, alongside a brief history of the society. The back features a poem titled “The Preses’ Chair” by former member John Rogerson.

Past president Gerald McRae noted the upgrade from the old garden.

“We had a saltire and flowers, and we had to keep changing them and they would fade,” McRae said. “This is not going to fade away, so that’s what I like about it.”

A Solution to Plaque Thefts

The choice of laser engraved granite offers a distinct advantage over other city monuments. In recent months, thieves have stolen numerous bronze plaques from Harbour Passage and King’s Square. The city recently removed the remaining plaques from the King’s Square cenotaph to safely restore them ahead of Remembrance Day.

Because the new Scottish monument uses engraved stone rather than attached metal plates, it avoids this specific vandalism risk. Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie praised the addition to the waterfront.

“Saint John is such a diverse city,” MacKenzie said. “We have so many cultures here, and to have them displayed along Harbour Passage to show the visitors of Saint John exactly what Saint John’s made up of is a really nice feeling.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Saint Andrew’s Society monument located?

You can find the monument on Harbour Passage, directly across from the HMCS Brunswicker naval reserve in Saint John.

What is engraved on the monument?

The front features the Scottish flag, the lion rampant banner, the Saint John tartan, and a history of the society. The back displays a poem called “The Preses’ Chair” by John Rogerson.

Why did the society build a new monument?

The society previously had a commemorative garden near Barbour’s General Store. When that area was redeveloped, they partnered with the city to create a permanent granite monument on the waterfront.

Why is the monument made of laser engraved granite?

Laser engraved granite provides a permanent tribute that will not fade like the previous garden. It also prevents the theft issues currently affecting bronze plaques on other monuments throughout Saint John.