Bloody clan feud relived at gathering

One of the last known feuds between two Scottish clans was brought to life in dramatic style at a gathering yesterday.

Around 150 members of Clan MacThomas assembled for a show of strength at Clach na Coileach – known as the Cockstane – near Glenshee.

They travelled from as far afield as Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Norway and America, as well as parts of the UK.

Fresh from an appearance at the Edinburgh Tattoo last week, the clan got together for a weekend of events including a tour of clan territory, genealogy research and a special feast in Pitlochry hosted by 19th chief Andrew MacThomas of Finegand.

The gatherings are held every three years.

There was also a spectacular re-enactment of one of the clan’s darkest chapters, a 1673 clash with the Farquharsons.

The feud is one of the last recorded clan clashes in Scottish history.

The families fought over disputed grazing rights in upper Glenisla. Farquharson of Broughdearg was killed in the skirmish, as were two sons of chief Iain Mor MacThomas.

The lawsuits that followed the battle crippled the head of the MacThomas clan and when he died three years later, his remaining sons were forced to sell up the family land. Afterwards, the clan began to drift apart.

Re-enactments were performed by members of the Earl of Loudon’s Regiment of Foote under the direction of their commanding officer Rab Taylor.