Clan history will be celebrated by visitors from around the world Skirmishes to be re-enacted

A bloody feud between two clans will be re-enacted in Glenisla as part of an international gathering of the Clan MacThomas.

Around 150 members and guests from around the world will assemble at the Clach na Coileach on the Old Military Road in Glenshee on Sunday August 27 for a display of their strength.

“Clansfolk will be coming from Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Norway and USA as well as from the UK,” said vice-president Robin Thoms.

The gathering runs from August 23 to 28 and, as part of the programme, coaches have been organised to take the clan members to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo where they have been invited to march on to the esplanade at the start of the performance one night.

On Saturday August 27 they have been requested to march at the opening ceremony of the Strathardle Games at Kirkmichael.

The Sunday programme starts with Andrew MacThomas of Finegand, 19th chief, being piped up to the Clach with his banner flying.

There will be another display of piping by the Ems Highlander Pipes and Drums – a Scottish band from Germany.

For the first time at a MacThomas gathering there will be historical re-enactments of clan skirmishes.

These re-enactments will be performed by members of the Earl of Loudoun’s Regiment of Foote under the direction of their commanding officer Rab Taylor.

After lunch there will be further displays of piping and a living history tent with show-and-tell displays of life in the 17th Century will be of interest.

At 3pm there will be a re-enactment of the 1673 bloody feud between the MacThomas clan and the Farquharsons, one of the last recorded clan clashes in Scottish history.

Members of the public are welcome at both free events. For information go to www.clanmacthomas.co.uk.

Attendees at a previous Clan MacThomas gathering in Glenshee.