Clann Gaidhealach

Clann Gaidhealach attend the Raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan on Saturday along with Na Fir Dileas (The Loyal Men). The groups marched up to where the Standard was to be raised and a after a speech by Colin Innes of Na Fir Dileas the Standard was unfurled.

The Groups then marched onto the Glenfinnan Highland Games where we had somthing to eat and then went down to the shore of Loch Shiel and as you can see from the pictures it was very busy.

We had a guest in the form of Loren Teague, novelist with us who had come along with Derek and we were able to get some amazing pictures with Loren's assistance.  The weather on the day was superb and after satisfying tourists from all over the world by getting our picture taken with them, we decided that it was time to head for home.

Clann Gaidhealach would like thank Loren for help in taking all the pictures and we hope that she enjoys her remaining time in Bonnie Scotland and that she has a safe journey home to New Zealand. 

All the groups gathered for an annual march that is organised by Kenny of Crann Tara. In attendance were members from Crann Tara, Clann Gaidealach, Na Fir Dileas, Siol nan Gaidheal to mention but a few. The march kicked of at 12 noon and we had excellent weather for walking. Some of the younger members of the groups took the lead and set a blistering pace, even Kenny had difficulty keeping up. When we reached the summit of the battlefield all the groups gathered with their standards flying proudly. We charged down the battlefield and then onto the monument for a short service for those who fell in battle with speeches from David R Ross and Andrew Murray Scott,the wreaths were laid and there was a musket salute. Afterwards the everyone returned to St Bride’s Kirk within the grounds of Blair Castle to lay a wreath at the tomb of John Grahame of Claverhouse, Bonnie Dundee.

For more information about the event visit;

http://www.cranntara.org.uk/killi08.htm

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/07/28/newsstory11717935t0.asp

Many people from all over the world descended on Lochearnhead on Saturday to see the Lochearnhead Highland games for 2008. Many Clans were represented including, Clans MacLaren, MacGregor, MacNab, Stewart and Clann Gaidhealach. The weather as you can see from the photos was good to us although there was a few drops of rain it did not dampen the day. At the start of the games there was a march into the games field led by Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band who were superb and the Clans marched in behind. There was caber tossing, high jump, races, bagpipe competitions, long jump and many other things happening. Everyone we spoke to was having a great time and we were given a very  warm welcome by everyone including Donald MacLaren of MacLaren, Chief of the Clan MacLaren.

The Battle of Bannockburn was fought on the 23rd and 24th June 1314. It was fought for the right of the Scottish nation to be free from the rule and tyranny of the English and their King.

The battle was the greatest victory Scotland has ever known and the defeat of the greatest Army in Christendom.

The army of King Edward the II of England, this army was in reality put together and trained buy his father King Edward the 1^st of England otherwise known as the “Hammer of the Scots”

King Robert the Bruce was one of Scotland’s greatest Kings, not only did he achieve the victory at Bannockburn but also brought us “The Declaration of Arbroath” and “Scottish Independence”.

Today we attended the commemoration of the Battle of Bannockburn and we joined the Scottish Templar Knight's who carried out a ecumenical commemorative service. It was good to see Kevin Wilson and his son Mickey of Na Fir Dileas who turned up for the service.

On the 24^th June 1314 Scot’s came from all over Scotland, fought together and gave their all for this beautiful country of ours and it should never be forgotten what they gave to ensure our Freedom from English domination.

Clann Gaidhealach attended the Medieval Fair at Traquair House today. This is Scotland's oldest inhabited house and date's back to 1107 it was originally a hunting lodge for the Kings and Queens of Scotland. Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuart's of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite cause.  There was live history demonstrations, falconry & birds of prey, spit roast & ale, Medieval Pageant & Combat Displays, Crafts including medieval tile making, historical glass, clothes, candles, calligraphy, green woodturning, willow working, clothes, candles and leather tankards. The fifth Earl, also  installed the Bear Gates in 1738. However, they were only in use for six years, when they were closed following a visit of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). The Earl of Traquair vowed they would never be opened again until a Stuart king was crowned in London. This was a great day out and one that should not be missed. Look out for 2009