The powerful music and human rights project Daughters of Donbas – Songs of Stolen Children is set to tour Scotland this month. Highlights include performances at Celtic Connections on 28 January and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh on 29 January.
The project is led by Ukrainian singer Marichka, winner of the Amnesty International Prize. She has been traveling back and forth between Canada and Ukraine, working on this music project that deals with the ~20,000 Ukrainian children that have been abducted from occupied regions in Eastern Ukraine and taken to Russia – and one of the few stolen Ukrainian children who managed to escape from Russia, a 19 year old named Liza will be part of the tour (she sings too).
Daughters of Donbas Scarboroug Folk Fest
Jan 28 Glasgow Celtic Connections Jan 29 Edinburgh St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral Jan 30 St Andrews University
and they’ll also be at WOMADelaide in Australia in March (Peter Gabriel’s famous music festival) and Jan 27 in London Theatreship
Lisa, who sings and plays flute, is now 19 (and was 16 when she was taken from Mariupol). She kept a diary of her time in Russian camps.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/maple-taffy-being-poured-on-now-at-a-sugar-shack-in-quebec.jpg?id=56657545&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Get the maple syrup and popsicle sticks out. It's March, which means cabane à sucre season is officially here.</p><p>If you haven't experienced it yet, sugar shacks are a Quebec tradition where the magic of sugar maple sap turns into the golden syrup we all crave. But it's not just about syrup. The food is a feast on its own, with classic dishes like pea soup, baked beans, tourtière, omelets, and crispy pork rinds, all generously drenched in fresh maple syrup.</p><p>Many cabanes à sucres offer a behind-the-scenes look at how syrup is made, while others throw in some extra fun with wagon rides, snowshoeing, and live folk music, making for a perfect mix of good food and outdoor fun.</p><p>While it's definitely a rural activity, you don't have to travel far out of Montreal to find the real deal. Some of the best sugar shacks are just a short drive out of town. </p><p>Here are seven of our favorites. </p><h3>Au Pied de l'Érable</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$40/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 8785 rang St Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Run by third- and fourth-generation syrup makers, this family-owned cabin features an extensive menu full of classic Quebec fare like omelette soufflé served in a cast-iron skillet and maple sausages.</p><p>There's also a cozy walking trail, outdoor fire pit and mini farmhouse on site.</p><p><a href="https://cabaneaupieddelerable.com/" target="_blank">Au Pied de l'Érable website</a></p><h3>Cabane Panache</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>Free entry, food available for purchase</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>Promenade Wellington, Verdun, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>While the other places on this list are a short drive away, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache</a> can be found right in the heart of the city.</p><p>From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23, 2025, the 13th annual edition of the festival will be taking over Verdun's Promenade Wellington for a four-day celebration full of maple goodness. The free event will feature live music, cocktails, and plenty of syrup-infused eats for purchase.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache details </a></p><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><h3>Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $40/person on weekdays, $45 on weekends</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7000, rang Saint-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This sugar shack in Mirabel offers a delicious selection of local treats, including smoked ham, bacon, and jowl from a nearby butcher, plus homemade apple pie for the perfect sweet finish.</p><p>You can also meet farm animals, take a stroll through the scenic landscape, and visit their shop for homemade products and maple treats.</p><p><a href="https://aumilieudeschamps.com/reservation#reservation" target="_blank">Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs website</a></p><h3>Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$47/person</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>2, rue du Panorama, Laval, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>Just 35 minutes from downtown Montreal, this family-owned sugar shack serves up all the classic favourites, like mouthwatering sugar pie and pudding chômer.</p><p> Visitors rave about the warm, welcoming vibe here, with the friendly owners adding to the homely feel. As you dig into your meal, you'll be treated to Quebec folk music playing softly in the rustic atmosphere.</p><p><a href="https://auxvieuxchenes.ca/" target="_blank">Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes website</a></p><h3>Erablière Charbonneau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$44.95/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 45 Chem. du Sous-Bois, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Less than an hour from Montreal, Érablière Charbonneau combines classic sugar shack meals with outdoor fun. Enjoy hearty dishes like pancakes and ham, sip on wine or cocktails, and explore hiking trails, a mini farm, and play areas for kids. </p><p>It's a perfect spot for a family day out — and you can even bring your dog along!</p><p><a href="https://www.erablierecharbonneau.qc.ca/fr/erabliere" target="_blank">Erablière Charbonneau website</a></p><h3>Érablière Meunier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $38.27/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 325 Rang des 54. Richelieu, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Established in 1920 by Roger Meunier, this érablière keeps things simple and delicious, serving up all-you-can-eat sugar shack classics in a rustic setting. From maple-smothered sausages to crispy roasted potatoes, the feast is as traditional as it gets. </p><p>Live music, walking trails, and a mini farm add to the charm</p><p><a href="https://erablieremeunier.com/" target="_blank">Érablière Meunier website</a></p><h3>Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $39/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7940, rang St-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This family-run sugar shack has been welcoming guests since 1978. Enjoy activities like walking along a scenic trail, spotting red deer in their enclosure, and taking a sleigh ride.</p><p> Maple products are available for purchase at the shop, and guests are even welcome to bring their own alcohol.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cabane-%C3%A0-sucre-Famille-Ethier-100033418195320/" target="_blank">Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier Facebook page</a></p><p><br/></p>
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