Clan gathering
AROUND 700 Macleans from as far as Mexico gathered at Castle Duart on Mull on Saturday for the Clan Maclean Association’s 125th anniversary.
AROUND 700 Macleans from as far as Mexico gathered at Castle Duart on the Isle of Mull on Saturday for the Clan Maclean Association’s 125th anniversary.
Sir Lachlan Maclean, 28th chief of Clan Maclean, said the five- day programme of events proved ‘ very happy and successful’, when he was able to show worldwide supporters of the Castle Duart Appeal how their donations were being spent on repairs. Calum Maclean was also installed in Tobermory as the chief’s new piper. The fundraising raffle, drawn by Lady Maclean, raised nearly £10,000 alone. Among the 10 unique prizes were a signed copy of the late Sir Fitzroy Maclean’s book
The Isles of the Sea, a silver kilt belt engraved with the Maclean battleaxe, a silver Iona Maclean Galley brooch, and a specially-woven scarf in a unique Maclean tartan.
The week also saw whisky tastings with Charles and Hector Maclean featuring rare malts from Tobermory Distillery, trips to Allan Maclean’s restored tomb in Morvern and the Bloody Bay battle site, helicopter rides, and the launch of the new distillery visitor centre at Drimnin. Friday’s ceilidh concert attracted a 500-strong audience split between the marquees at Castle Duart and Tobermory.
Two hundred and forty people attended the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at Tobermory Parish Church on Sunday June 25, when the tartans of Clan Maclean, and other clans and countries, were blessed by the Rev John Paton, Minister of the North Mull Churches, who also preached. The service was conducted by Canon Allan Maclean, formerly Provost of St John’s Cathedral, Oban, assisted by Abbot, the Rt Rev Patrick Maclean OSSP, from North Carolina. Mrs Pat McClean, Oregon, called forth the tartans from the congregation. Organisers Anne and Allan Maclean also wished to thank the Scottish Clan Event Fund and Argyll and Bute Council for their financial contributions.