This summer marks a new adventure for the Fraser Highlander organization. Cicerone Tours, a Quebec City based tour company has purchased a Fraser uniform from the Quebec garrison. They supply costumed guided tours of the Hotel Chateau Frontenac, and Vieux Quebec. Each guide has a historic character whom they portray during these walking tours. In this instance the Fraser character will be “Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser” of the 78th regiment. The tour guide who will portray Malcolm has never worn a kilt before. However, he is one of the many descendants of Malcolm Fraser, as he had remained in Canada after the Seven Years War, and was granted lands by General Murray, and had numerous children, some legitimate and others not so much. Jacques Fraser is one of these French speaking descendants and was hired recently by Cicerone Tours.
Captain Ewen Booth of the Montreal garrison who lives near Quebec City and has started his own tour guide business (Le Chardon et la Fleur de Lys) has a partnership with Cicerone Tours, volunteered to take Jacques Fraser on a walking tour of old Quebec to introduce him to the places where Malcolm Fraser had lived, and travelled. He also showed him the items of the uniform, their use and how to be worn. Ewen not only explained the history of the regiment, but of the modern organization today, as no doubt he will meet visiting Frasers from the numerous garrisons who may approach him. Photo of Ewen Booth and Jacques Fraser
Ewen’s tour business is based out of Montmagny, but he does offer two tours in Quebec City. He has developed a 3–4-hour walking tour of old Quebec, of the “Scottish History of Quebec”. This is based on his last 9 years of research and is only an introduction to the history with snippets of anecdotes to explain the impact of the Scots to Canada. (He will be conducting this tour wearing a kilt). His second tour is a day long tour and is a mixture of walking and travelling by van. It is the “Battles for Quebec” Tour. He will primarily discuss the Seven Years war, and the siege of Quebec, but will also introduce you to the other battles for Quebec. Ewen’s tours are historic based and are designed for a mature audience with an interest in history. Cicerone Tours are designed for the whole family in mind. Ewen’s historic character is Donald McKinnon, a former soldier of the 78th, 60th, and officer of the 84th regiment who remained near Quebec City and became an entrepreneur, justice of the peace and member of the legislature. Ewen lives in his 1767 home in Montmagny.
Despite that Quebec City boasts and promotes its French origins, there is a remembrance of its long Scottish roots.
- To experience a visit to Quebec City with Cicerone Tours: https://cicerone.ca/
- To have Ewen take you along with him on one of his journeys: https//ToursChardon.com.
- To learn more about the Fraser Highlanders: The 78th Fraser Highlanders - Home
Photos of 78th Frasers
