The Leslie Global Diaspora Foundation is an active member of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA) with Lewis Johnson serving as the Southeast Regional Commissioner. At highland games, COSCA provides a service to the public by helping individuals who are exploring their possible Scottish roots and to answer clan-related questions. At the Virginia Highland Games – August 30-31, 2025, the COSCA team included Lewis and Christine from the LGDF joined with Emma who serves as COSCA’s Mid-Atlantic Commissioner and John, President of COSCA, attended to answer questions.
The weather was perfect for this event with sun, cool temps and a light breeze. As a result of the great weather, there was record attendance at these games and everyone in the COSCA tent stayed busy responding to questions. It is remarkable how much interest people have in wanting to determine if they have Scottish ancestry and clan connection. We were able to direct people to clan organizations who were at the games or to websites where they could learn more. We explained the concept of clan septs and how a Scottish name could be a sept of two or more clans.
COSCA is a membership organization which provides technical service for clan societies and associations. As part of the outreach, a visit to each clan tent for a brief “check-in” is part of the services at the games. Also, COSCA promotes learning opportunities at Scotland universities, Time was spent with representatives of three attending universities developing a COSCA strategy for encouraging student recruitment for programs in Scotland.
Pictured is Emma and Chris at the COSCA tent.