The St. Andrew Society of Rio de Janeiro was founded in 1906 by a group of Scottish businessmen intent on supporting local charities by organising social events of a Scottish nature for the enjoyment of the local community at large. The world has changed dramatically in so many ways since the days of these pioneers, particularly in the speed of travel and  communication. For three quarters of the 20th century, the international community in Rio de Janeiro ambled along, happily making its own entertainment in blissful isolation. In less than a decade, Skype, Sky, Facebook and frequent flier air miles have closed the divide between continents. Laptops and Blackberries are consuming our leisure time. People are whizzing back and forth like never before. Tradition has been trampled over in the rush for new gadgetry.

Nevertheless, the St. Andrew Society of Rio de Janeiro has held on to its core values and in the midst of a world wide economic depression, we have had record attendances at our events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland´s national bard, Robert Burns. This has been due largely to a group of long term Scottish residents in Macae who work offshore. With their assistance and the continuing staunch support of the Copacabana Palace Hotel, York Group, Core IRM, TSC Offshore, LBH Brasil and the Macae Oilmen´s Golf Association, we can look forward with a certain amount of optimism.

Our traditional events spaced out over the year are: A Robert Burns celebration, sprinkled with local wit. A golf competition between the Society and the Macae Oilmen, followed by a Ceilidh. A golf tournament for Society members for the magnificent eighty year old Quaich trophy, followed by a Ceilidh. The Caledonian Ball in the magnificent ballroom of the Copacabana Palace Hotel with the Iain MacPhail Scottish Country Dance Band from Edinburgh. The Macae Ceilidh in the Sheraton Hotel, Macae, with the Iain MacPhail Scottish Country Dance Band. Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday from April till October.

The Society is directed by a small but dedicated group of office bearers.

• Our President: Jimmy Frew, is retired, but still active and he´s Tam the Chanter.
• Our Vice- President: Robin Brown is also retired, a crack golfer and he´s a mean guitarist.
• Our Treasurer: Chris McLauchlan, is a Chevron executive and he rounds up the numbers.
• Our Secretary: Fiona Brown, translates, an actress and she´s Minnie the Moose.
• Our Membership Secretary: Suzan Carter, represents Bupa and she can pull in the crowds.
• Our Dance Instructress: Audrey Hieatt, is a travel agent and she cracks a mean whip.
• Our Golf Captain: Philip Healey, owns Rili Insurance, scrutinises the score cards and he´s Holy Willie.
• Our Committee Members: Anna Campbell, is a sworn translator and she does the shopping. Moira McLauchlan, is a company secretary and she ties up all the loose ends.
• Representing the Society in Macae are Pete Campsie of Brasdril; Rob McInnes of Core IRM and Ewen Florence of Transocean. 

There is no need to be Scottish in order to join this Society.  Membership entitles the members to receive updated communications, the Umbrella and first choice to attend the Society’s events at special prices.

Saint Andrew Society - Rio de Janeiro
Rua Real Grandeza, 99
Botafogo
CEP 22281-030
Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brasil

For more information on the Society and how to join, please contact us.