The Highland Clansman

On Saturday 11th April I attended the commemoration in  Dundee to remember John Graham of Claverhouse, Bonnie Dundee who in 1689 raised the Royal Standard in support of the Jacobite cause on Dundee Law. This event was organized by Kenny Borthwick who started us off at Dudhope Castle and led us with a Piper up to the monument. Kenny made a speech then I was given the honor of unfurling the Royal Standard, then the Piper gave us a tune. The weather was glorious and after the commemoration Kenny kept everyone entertained with his stories about Bonnie Dundee.

I attended the Hawick Reivers Festival today and although it was cold the sun was out and everyone was having a great time.The procession started at 10.45am lead by Hawick Mosstroopers.  This took us to a 16th century market and encampment where we took a step back in time with the help  re-enactment groups, crafts people, musicians and traders. I then found the Medieval Market – Continental Style where you could eat food from all over Europe and of course I tried everything from soup, roast beef, garlic prawns and in the end I had enough. For more information about this event go to Hawick Reivers Festival.

This event is well worth the visit.

I attended on Saturday 17th January the commemoration for the Battle of Falkirk which took place in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army routed the regular Hanoverian army led by Lieutenant General Henry Hawley. The Jacobites emerged victorious. Hawley claimed to have lost only 280 casualties, but his losses were much greater. Around 350 royal troops were killed, wounded or missing, and some 300 captured. On the Hanoverian side, Sir Robert Munro and three lieutenant-colonels were killed. The Jacobite losses were around 50 dead and 80 wounded. The service was led by the Scottish Knight Templar and there was a good turnout on the day. After the service it was back to the Hurlett for a hot pie.

I attended the Rob Roy Commemoration and it was great to see that there was representatives from Clann Gaidhealach, Na Fir Dileas and the Strathleven Artizans present. The day went well. The weather held for the march and for the ceremony after which it was  back to the Kings House Hotel (Balquhidder) where the hot food and drinks were served. Well that's the last event of 2008 which has been a difficult year but I am now looking forward to 2009.

Slainte,

From The Highland Clansman

Thanks to Scott Adams for the photographs

Well, what a weekend. First I was of to the St Andrews Day march in Edinburgh with Clann Gaidhealach and I am proud to say that my brother put on my late fathers plaid and carried on the tradition of having a "Bill Wilson" at all the St Andrews day marches in Edinburgh. Then we went onto a night out in Winchburgh organised by Kate and Mike on behalf of Rachel House,Scotland's first children's hospital. The entertainment was Ted Christopher and then a band called Trilogy. The Saltire's were flying proudly at both events. On the Sunday (St Andrews Day) it was on to the Victoria Inn in Carronshore and what an atmosphere. Kevin and Dougie, Whiterose were playing and they brought the house down. This wee pub is great place to visit and you will get a warm welcome by the staff and the locals.

I attended the annual Sheriffmuir commemoration with Clann Gaidhealach. It was great to see so many friends and other groups in attendance and the weather was superb for the days march. At the half way point drinks and sandwiches were supplied which were greatly appreciated. We met Wilson with his daughters and then onto the monument where a service was held by Ken Shirra of the Scottish Nights Templar, wreaths were laid, we had a minutes silence and then the proceedings were closed with a  lament on the bagpipes.. A good day was had by all and as usual it was well organised by Na Fir Dileas.

I attended Glenfinnan on Saturday and what a great day it turned out to be. In attendance were Clann Gaidhealach and Na Fir Dileas.  Derek brought with him Loren Teague a lady friend and novelist from New Zealand who wrote "Highland Rebel" which is a story of love and sacrifice.  We attended the highland games, had something to eat and then after a lot of picture taking by the tourists it was of home. Everyone had a great day and the weather was superb. Roll on 2009.

On Saturday 26th I attended Killiecrankie with some members of Clann Gaidhealach. Organised by Crann Tara, the event recalled how Bonnie Dundee, John Grahame of Claverhouse, led his army against the government troops led by General Hugh MacKay. At 12.00 noon Kenny Borthwick, who organised the event opened the day in the Old Blair car park, giving a brief insight into the war council that was held the night before the battle in the banquet room of Blair Castle. Then the present “troops” were led up the gruelling hill by the standards of Grahame and King James. For once the Young Pretenders (kids) outdid the Old Pretender (Kenny) and arrived first at the summit. At the Cairn on the battlefield, David R. Ross and Andrew Murray Scott both made speeches and wreaths were laid in  remembrance of those who gave their lives. A short prayer was said followed by a musket salute and a minute of silence.

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

The Scottish national flag is a white-on-blue saltire (i.e. a diagonal cross on a coloured background) and it derives from the shape of the cross on which Scotland's patron saint, St Andrew, was crucified. In 832 AD near the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford, a battle was fought which led to the adoption of the Saltire as Scotland's national flag. A joint army of Picts and Scots under the High King of Alba, Angus mac Fergus, was invading Lothian which at that time was still Northumbrian territory. Angus's force was surrounded by a larger army of Angles and Saxons and fearing defeat, the king led prayers for deliverance. Angus believed he had received a divine sign when above him in a clear blue sky, he saw a great white cross like that of St Andrew's. The king vowed that if, with the saint's help, he gained the victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland and his cross the flag of Scotland. Angus did win and the Saltire duly became the national flag

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