This quaich is one of four that were handmade by Dr Ivan H Crowell in honour of the Society's 150th anniversary in 1975. The matching trays were presented to the Society on November 30 1981 by H. George MacGillivray (1920-1984), in memory of Robert E MacGillivray.
The Quaich is Scotland's traditional drinking vessel, and its history is part of a rich tapestry of Scottish ritual, folklore, and mystique. The term Quaich comes from the Gaelic word ‘cuach’ meaning cup. It is Scotland’s traditional cup of friendship or love, used for celebratory toasts with Scottish whisky. They are often referred to as the "Bonnie Prince Charlie” Quaichs because of the 1746 prototype (now in the National Museum of Scotland) that was given to Flora MacDonald by Prince Charles Edward Stuart - also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Flora MacDonald (1722–1790) is famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Flora had proven herself a trustworthy and loyal friend; hence the tradition of drinking from the quaich - as confirmation of trust and friendship - since both the giver and receiver must use two hands and cannot use a weapon.
Another popular theory suggests the cup's shape is traditionally derived from a scallop shell, used by pilgrims in medieval times to drink water from springs and streams. In 1926 the Society celebrated King George V's Birthday (June 3) by motoring to Joseph Thorburn's farm at Limekiln. There, in keeping with medieval rituals, members ceremonially drank from a cold spring located on the farm, which was purported to be a fountain of youth. Hence began the tradition of annual Society picnics on the Thorburn farm.
Quaichs continue to be used by the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew, as part of the celebratory induction toast when new members are formally welcomed into the organisation.