Dolans Inn And Guest Houses

The town of Pictou is renowned...

by Lisser

The town of Pictou is renowned as the 'Birthplace of New Scotland'. It was here that the first Scottish settlers landed in 1773. There were 189 passengers who boarded the Hector at Loch Broom in Scotland and dared to make the journey toward a new life in Nova Scotia. The arrival of the Hector marked the strengthening of Nova Scotia's ties to the heritage and culture of Scotland- a connection that would continue to grow and contribute greatly to the development of Nova Scotia over the next two centuries.

In all of Nova Scotia, and...

by Lisser

In all of Nova Scotia, and Pictou being a good example, there is a very distinct Scottish culture. It is really unlike anything else in all of Canada. There's lots of bagpipes, kilts and beer :) People are so friendly and welcoming. We're as proud of our past as of our present day way of life.

JITNEY TRAIL LOCATION: Pictou...

by Lisser

JITNEY TRAIL
LOCATION: Pictou Waterfront to Brown’s Point

DISTANCE: 3 KM (one way)

DESCRIPTION: flat, partially paved, along waterfront. Suitable for walking, cycling, cross-county skiing, running and wheelchairs.

FLYING VISIT - 2007

by Tricky_Dicky69

"Worth a short visit."

We had visited Pictou briefly in 2005 as we drove through on our way to Cape Breton but decided to stay for a night this time round. The town is definitely worth a visit but only for a day or two. The boardwalk on the waterfront has a few attractions, shops etc.

"The Braeside Inn"

We had no accommodation booked in advance and decided to stay at The Braeside Inn as we had looked at the website before when we were doing our research for our first visit to NS. Nice hotel.

"What's that smell?"

Unfortunately there is a hulking great factory or industrial plant of some sort straight across the water from Pictou. The view is less than picturesque but the worst part is the nasty smell that envelopes Pictou when the wind is in the wrong direction.

The History of Pictou and the Ship Hector

by Lisser

The Ship Hector is everything to our town. It is our past and our hope for the future. About 12 years ago it was decided that the ship would be reconstructed. On Sept. 17th 2000, the Ship Hector was launched into Pictou Harbour.
On September 15, 1773 an old Dutch cargo ship, well past her prime, arrived in Pictou Harbour. In her hold '200 tons burthen' were 33 families, 25 single men, their agent and a bagpiper. These children of Scotland were carried forth on this voyage by a decision to leave their homeland. Inextricable from the memory of all onboard was the image of Scottish retreat, which they were continuing 25 years after the Battle of Culloden.

The voyage had been much longer than expected, and lives had been lost. Blown many weeks off course it seemed even fate was against their heavy-hearted decision. These families clung only to the knowledge that they were fleeing more than physical hunger, they were fleeing from a famine of spirit. Indeed, life in Scotland had become insufferable. To bow to a distant monarch was a reality that could be shirked in their hearts. To lose their land was a great burden to be endured. But there could be no denying the pain borne by the removal of their tartans and their pipes, for these were the essence of a Highlander.