Building Community Across Borders: The Caledonian Society of Spain
When you find yourself living far from home, one of the most powerful forces that keeps you rooted is community. For James McSwiggan and the growing network of Scottish expatriates in Spain, that community has found a name and a mission: the Caledonian Society of Spain.
From Inspiration to Action
James, a 20-year veteran of international investment banking, moved to Spain five years ago with his family. While he and others had integrated beautifully into Spanish life, learning the language, celebrating local traditions, raising children, something was missing. They could watch Burns Night from afar or celebrate St. Andrew’s Day in small, scattered pockets, but there was no unified platform to bring the Scottish community together while honoring their heritage.
The idea crystallized during conversations with friends from Ireland. Rather than dilute the vision with multiple cultures, James and others decided to focus on something uniquely Scottish. After all, it made sense: Spain and Scotland share a long history, and Scottish culture already had pockets of celebration scattered across the country, from Highland dance clubs in Barcelona to the curious village of Teba, which hosts annual Games celebrating historical Scottish-Spanish ties.
The Caledonian Society of Spain was officially inaugurated on Burns Night 2026 at a Scottish-themed venue called the Calanmore in Málaga. What started as a formal charter signing with 55- 60 people has already sparked genuine momentum.
More Than Just Burns Night
The society isn’t a stuffy heritage organization; it’s a living, breathing community hub. Beyond the formal calendar events (Burns Night, St. Andrew’s Day, Tartan Day), the society hosts casual gatherings: Six Nations rugby viewings, beach paddle tournaments, seaside lunches, and picnics.
But the headline event is something spectacular: Highland Games on the beach. Picture it: athletes in kilts tossing timber on sand while Spanish onlookers watch in amazement. It’s a fresh take on tradition, blending Scottish culture with the coastal Spanish lifestyle. James is already in talks with local government to make it an annual fixture.
There’s also a cèilidh in the works for St. Andrew’s Day, a traditional Scottish dance that most of them learned in school and promptly forgot. The beauty of a cèilidh is that it welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level, and creates moments of joyful chaos (and laughter) as people remember, or learn for the first time, the steps.
A Network Built on More Than Nostalgia
What makes the Caledonian Society special is that it’s not exclusive to Scots. The inaugural Burns Night brought people from Canada, Australia, and Spanish families with Scottish connections. There were integrated families, Irish spouses with Spanish partners, Australian-Scottish descendants, all united by a shared spirit.
The society has already uncovered hidden talents in the community: bagpipers, whisky experts, kilt sellers, and people with deep knowledge of the historical trade routes between Scotland and Spain. One particularly fascinating discovery? The sherry casks from Jerez de la Frontera that make the journey to Scotland, get filled with whisky, and are sealed for 15-20 years before returning. It’s the kind of cross-cultural story that makes the society’s mission feel even more vital.
Growing Beyond Málaga
Right now, the society is rooted in Málaga and AndalucĂa, but the vision is genuinely national. There are plans to connect with Highland dance groups and Scottish communities throughout Spain, from Galicia in the northwest to Barcelona in the northeast. The longer-term dream is a network of local hubs that coordinate for major events, possibly bringing 200-300 people together for Burns Night celebrations.
Logistically, it’s ambitious (Spain is large), but the infrastructure is emerging. Members enjoy perks like subsidized trips to Teba or group visits to other regions. The society is negotiating discounts with hotels, kilt sellers, and Scottish food suppliers, real, practical benefits that make membership feel valuable.
How to Get Involved
For the curious: Friends of the Caledonian Society is free to join and gives access to newsletters and open-day events.
For the committed: Membership costs €35 per year and unlocks closed events like Burns Night, discounts at partner businesses, and subsidies on group trips.
Where to find them:
- Instagram and Facebook: Caledonian Society ES
- Website: caledoniansociety.es
- WhatsApp: Contact details available on social media
Why This Matters
James speaks movingly about legacy. With three children in Spain and no plans to leave, he wanted to create something that would outlast his presence, something rooted and meaningful. That sentiment resonates through every member. In a world where expat life can feel temporary, the Caledonian Society of Spain is proving that you don’t have to choose between your heritage and your home. You can build something that honors both.
The beach Highland Games might look unusual to Spanish observers, but that’s the point. It’s tradition adapting to a new place, maintaining its soul while embracing its surroundings. That’s the real legacy, not just preserving the past, but creating space for a future where Scottish culture thrives in Spanish sunshine.
Watch the Full Interview
Catch the full conversation and discover the vibrant Scottish community thriving in Spain! In this episode, Chris Cassidy sits down with James McSwiggan, founding president of the Caledonian Society of Spain, to explore how Scots are building community, preserving heritage, and creating unforgettable experiences in AndalucĂa.
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