Pictou Bee Press

09/15/2025

09/15/2025

252 years ago today, the Ship Hector arrived in Pictou after 11 long weeks at sea.

She set sail from Scotland in July of 1773 with 189 Highland Scots on board. When she reached Brown’s Point on September 15th, only 171 had survived the perilous journey. But their struggle was far from over.

With the guidance and generosity of the Mi’kmaq people, these settlers endured unimaginable hardships and went on to establish the first permanent Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia — making us the true Birthplace of New Scotland.

Their story, and that of the Mi’kmaq who came to their aid, is one of resilience, courage, and shared humanity.

Today, we honour our ancestors — and we also honour the Mi’kmaq, whose land, knowledge, and resources made survival possible.

This is a story of perseverance, partnership, and the beginnings of a new home.

09/12/2025

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

Earlier this summer, Heather Miller organized a MacLellan Clan reunion of forty Ship Hector passenger descendants in British Columbia.

She has kindly shared a few photos of this happy event showing family members proudly wearing their Hector pins.

In 2023, The Pictou Bee Press commissioned this special limited-edition pin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the ship Hector in Pictou, Nova Scotia, in 1773. This handsome souvenir pin is a modified likeness of a medal produced in 1923 to mark the 150th Hector anniversary.

https://pictoubeepress.com/Current-Offerings/250th-Hector-Souvenir-Pin

09/07/2025

After the rain, the Haggi decided to celebrate with a picnic and jug of whiskey. They stopped to sniff the flowers, found a delightful patch of heather, stopped to use the wee hoose, and encountered what they think might be a woolly mammoth. The encounter was a peaceful one. Hope your day is filled with happy adventures. Have a haggirrific day!

Thank you to Tracey Truly at A Little Character, who made these amazing haggi, based on the character in the children's book, "Hanging Out with the Haggis".

09/07/2025

Thank you from the Haggis to Ashley and Carrie for a great time at read it again new& used books and gifts bookstore yesterday. Your bookstore is now one of his favourite haunts. It has so many wonderful places to explore.

A big shout out to Ann Landells, who made the felted haggis based on a character in the children’s book, “Hanging out with the Haggis”.

09/06/2025

09/05/2025

On this day in 1899, Helen Creighton was born in Dartmouth, NS.
As a folklorist, she collected over 4,000 traditional songs, stories and beliefs over several decades. She wrote 13 books, including the best-selling Bluenose Ghosts in 1957. She earned the Order of Canada in 1976.

09/05/2025

This beastie wants to be your bestie!

Come meet “The Haggis” at read it again new& used books and gifts bookstore, Saturday, September 6th, 203 Archimedes Street, New Glasgow at 11am.

09/05/2025

Did you know that Nova Scotia’s mythical haggis is believed to live in Pictou and Antigonish Counties, and Cape Breton?

Come hear more about this kilted beastie this Saturday (September 6th) at read it again new& used books and gifts bookstore, 203 Archimedes Street, New Glasgow at 11 am.

The Haggis will be there in his best kilt. Photographs with him are most welcome. This beastie wants to be your bestie!

09/03/2025

The Haggis will be there! Come and have your photo taken with him.