The Highland Clansman

Glenfinnan (Gleann Fhionnainn)

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:07:48 GMT

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.

Battle of Killiecrankie (Cath Raon Ruairidh)

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:51:44 GMT

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

Lochearhead Highland Games

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:03:55 GMT

I was at Lochearnhead Highland Games on Saturday with Clann Gaidhealach. What a day it was, great weather, lots of tourists and a great day of games and competitions. All the Clan tents were there and they had there banners flying proudly. It was great to see so many people in attendance even under the current climate and everyone enjoyed themselves.

This was a promise kept to Donald MacLaren of MacLaren, Chief of the Clan MacLaren that we would return this year to support their games and we got a very warm welcome typical of Highland Clan hospitality.

Bannockburn 2008

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:06:48 GMT

I attended the Bannockburn Commemoration yesterday and a service was held by the Scottish Templar Knights.

Myself, Dad, Ralph, James and Zac (2nd event) were there as Clann Gaidhealach (The Highland Clansmen) the new Group that we are putting together.

It was good to see some members of Na Fir Dileas (The Loyal Men) in support.

There was a lot of tourists at the battlefield and Ralph was continually getting his photo taken, posing.

The Templar's had quite a large turnout and my Grandson was asked to lead the procession to the monument.

The weather held and as you can see from my photos Ralph brought out the bagpipes to entertain the tourists.

Whiterose Jacobite Night

Sat, 24 May 2008 19:32:40 GMT

I had the pleasure of attending the Whiterose Jacobite Night on Saturday and what a night it turned out to be. Kevin and Dougie were in fine voice and the kept a large audience entertained all evening with there music. There were also people from the audience who went on stage to add to the night. I would like to take this chance to offer Kevin and Dougie all the best in their new venture and if this was anything to go by it should be a great success.

Culloden 2008

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:16:31 GMT

I attended the Gaelic Society's Annual Commemoration at Culloden on Saturday. The turnout appears to be getting better every year and the weather although sunny was very cold. All the Clan Standards were flying proudly and it was good to see so many different groups present.

After the sevice we had a hot bowl of soup and then returned to the battlefield just in time to see and hear Clann an Drumma burst into life, they were amazing.

After that we paid a visit to The Clava Cairns - or more correctly Bulnaraun of Clava - which is one of the best preserved Bronze Age burial sites in Scotland.

It was then of to visit our old friends the MacDonalds for an evening good food, good drink and great company.

Law Hill, Dundee 2008

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:08:15 GMT

I attended the commemoration on Saturday 12th April of Bonnie Dundee raising the Standard of King James, 6th of Scotland and 2nd of England at Law Hill.

With me were my Grandson's and Ralph who was taking the photo's on the day and what a great job he made of it.

In attendance were people from all different Groups and a lot of people who were there for the first time.

Kenny who organises the event started of with a story about Bonnie Dundee and his wife at Dudhope Castle and then it was onward and upward to the top of Law Hill where I was very privileged to be asked if I would unfurl the Standard.

After a speech by Kenny and a toast to the King with the standard unfurled we then took photo's at the monument.

The weather held well for us and everyone had a great time.

Battle of Falkirk Commemoration

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:24:02 GMT

I was at this commemoration on Saturday 19th January and what a great day it turned into.

The Scottish Knights Templar lead the commemoration with a short service, a minutes silence and then the laying of the wreaths.

There was a good turnout from various different groups and when the commemoration was complete we all returned to the Hurlet Bar for a dram and a hot, spicy, scotch pie which was greatly appreciated.

In the bar we had of a sing song with the aid of Gordon and his bodhran and it was great to be able to sit down and have a blether with everyone.

Rob Roy Commemoration, 2007

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:11:23 GMT

I attended the annual Rob Roy event at the Kings House Hotel Balquhidder. The weather was good to us this year but because of illness there was a very poor turnout. The march started about 1pm and everyone got to the graveside without getting wet. There was a speech which was listened to by a lot of tourists who were watching with interest. The tourists asked a lot of questions and took a lot of photos and when I get them I will put them into an album.It was then back to the Kings House for an evening meal. After the meal it was onto the entertainment by Kevin Wilson which I have been told was superb as usual.

ST ANDREWS RALLY EDINBURGH, 2007

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:56:00 GMT

On Saturday 1st of December a few hundred patriots mustered in Edinburgh, to celebrate our Nations patron Saint, Saint Andrew and myself, George and my eldest grandson were in attendance. A rally is organised every year to celebrate this day on the busiest street in the Capital, Princess Street and although the weather was meant to be bad there was still a good tumout.

Stockbridge Pipe Band led the march, and the Saltire's were flying high and proud as we stopped traffic. Princess Street was full of Christmas shoppers and delighted tourists. They enjoyed the traditional flavour of the march and took lot's of pictures.

For more information and pictures go to;

http://www.cranntara.org.uk/stday07.htm

Scotlands National Flag

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:16:00 GMT

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.

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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

Links

Sun, 13 May 2007 20:59:28 GMT

Kevin Wilson Singer/Songwriter

The Modern Day Jacobite

Edinburgh (The Jacobyte)

http://www.clanadonia.co.uk/index.htm

Kingdom of Alba

Prestonpans

The Trybe

The House of Stewart

Culloden Moor

Malt Whisky Links

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The Thistle, Emblem of Scotland

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 22:16:49 GMT

Why a thistle you may ask. A strange choice. Wales has a Daffodil , England has a Rose and Scotland has a Thistle.

Well when the Danes attacked a Scottish castle in the middle of the night they took their shoes off so they would not be heard. Upon reaching the castle moat, they jump in expecting to swim across only to find that there was no water but only thistles. Upon hearing the screams of the Danes the Scots were awoken and the Danes fled. When a English Princess married a Scottish Prince it was called the marriage of the Thistle and the Rose. To a lot of Scots it was also a reminder of home and that Scotland may not be the most fertile of places but, it cannot be grasped without a lot of pain.

The Lion Rampant

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 19:24:56 GMT

The lion has been used as a heraldic symbol by Scottish King's for many centuries. William, King of Scot's (1165-1214) was know as "The Lion" when he decided that the lion would be used on his own Coat of Arm's. The Scottish Lion Rampant has always been shown as standing erect on it's hind legs with it's forelegs extended and was alway's shown on the King's shield. It has been suggested that the King's of Scotland kept a real lion when they were in residence at Edinburgh and Stirling castles. Both of these castles have a building inside them named "The Lion's Den"

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Photo Album: Killiecrankie 2008

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:05:41 GMT

Killiecrankie 2008

Jim Singer and Kenny of Crann Tara lead us off

Clann Gaidhealach and Na Fir Dileas

Dad and Dale

Dad, Dale and Fishy

The younger members of the Groups at the summit

Me at an old highland village

Killiecrankie

The standards flying over the battlefield

A big Saltire!!!

The service

More Photos...

Photo Album: Glenfinnan 2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:05:52 GMT

Glenfinnan 2008

James at Glenfinnan

The stone where the Standard is believed to have been raised

Glenfinnan

On top of the monument

A very busy Loch Shiel

Targe

Clann Gaidhealach

Derek and Loren

Derek offering to assist Bill

Jacobite Standard

More Photos...

Photo Album: Lochearnhead Highland Games

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:46:15 GMT

Lochearnhead Highland Games

Me, Dad and James

The band begins the march

Clann Gaidhealach at Lochearnhead

A young Pretender

Clan Standards

James

Piping Competition

Keeping the tourists happy

Clan tent

Pipe Band

More Photos...

Photo Album: Bannockburn 2008

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:14:22 GMT

Bannockburn 2008

Me meeting Ken of the Knights Templar

Ken telling us about the Knights

Ken Shirra of the Knight's Templar during the service

Ralph laying the wreath on behalf of Clann Gaidhealach

Ralph giving a tune on the pipes

Myself, James and Zac

James and Zac

Clann Gaidhealach (Highland Clansman) members at Bannockburn

Photo Album: Whiterose Jacobite Night

Sat, 24 May 2008 20:45:53 GMT

Whiterose Jacobite Night

Whiterose

Kevin

Whiterose and Na Fir Dileas

Me in full swing

Me with Kevin and Dougie

A young man joins the fun

A Bonnie lass gives us a song

Dougie

Photo Album: Culloden 2008

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:55:00 GMT

Culloden 2008

Clan Stone

Standards Flying

The Na Fir Dileas Standard

Culloden 2008 009

Young ladies flying the flag

The Wreaths

Encouraging the young enthusiasts

Four generations together

A lone Piper

The Clava Cairns

More Photos...

Photo Album: Living History

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:29:51 GMT

Living History

This is me walking the hills and you can see Balquidder below

The Macgregor's grave

Here I am in Sutherland

Teaching the history at school

This is me and Julie at Glenfinnan

Loch Lomond

On top of the Devil's Staircase in Glencoe. (June)

Gullane 2007

Photo Album: Law Hill, Dundee 2008

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:36:47 GMT

Law Hill, Dundee 2008

Everyone meeting in the car park

Kenny with the Standards

Me and my Grandson's

Having a blether

Getting started

A lone Highlander on his way to the top

The Clans gather

Kenny doing the speech

The Clans gather

Me and the Guy's

More Photos...

Photo Album: Lochearnhead Highland Games

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:23:20 GMT

Lochearnhead Highland Games

The Pipe band warming up

All the Clans getting ready for the march

The march is under way

Ralph at the Clan tent

Some visitors wanting to get into the atmosphere

The Piobaireachd Competion is well under way

An american visitor

Lochearnhead Highland games (26)