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Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Clan Circular

 

Dear Clan Member,

Your Invitation to the North East Clan Fortnight Sat. 18th July to Mon. 3rd August 2009.

Why not complement your visit to Edinburgh during The Gathering by coming to see your Clan’s actual homeland where a warm welcome awaits you during the North East Clan Fortnight – Saturday 18th July to Monday 3rd August. Why not book online for a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

 

Unite at the start of the Fortnight with other Clansfolk at the ecumenical Homecoming service at Aberdeen’s oldest former cathedral, St.Machar’s Kirk, where representatives of all three faith traditions will celebrate our shared religious heritage and remember those forebears who found their way to foreign lands.

 

Next day update your knowledge of North East Scotland’s archaeology, architecture, heraldry, clan tartans, verse and song at the conference “Your North East” hosted by The University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute at historic King’s College Conference Centre. Tickets should be pre-booked and can be purchased online from the Elphinstone Institute: elphinstone@abdn.ac.uk

 

Timed to follow the Conference, Aberdeen's professional tourist guides are offering a short walking tour of Old Aberdeen to discover the hidden secrets of this historic part of the city, including King's College Chapel, with its stunning medieval woodcarving. An experienced local “Blue Badge” guide will offer an entertaining, informative commentary of this picturesque part of the City; to reserve your place at a cost of £15, please contact elma@tourism.force9.co.uk

 

In the evening enjoy the National Trust for Scotland's presentation of the Scottish premiere of the Burns’ inspired Opera “Ae fond kiss” , and World premiere of the RAF Opera "MacRobert's Reply" both at Haddo House Hall, near Tarves. Formerly owned by the Earls of Aberdeen, the House and surrounding beautiful landscaped parkland, are now cared and conserved by the National Trust for Scotland. Tickets for all performances can be reserved by contacting Irene Durno:- idurno@nts.org.uk, or purchased from the end of March online from: www.thebooth.co.uk

 

At the end of Fortnight, come and proudly march with other Clan kinsfolk in the International March of North East Clans at Aboyne Highland Games where the salute will taken by The Marquis of Huntly, “Cock o’ the North” and Chief of the House of Gordon. You will be welcomed by your own Chief at their Clan tent and invited to march with them into the Arena accompanied by local pipe bands. It is hoped that the Gordon Highlanders worldwide regimental family will be represented by the 48th Toronto Highlanders and the Cape Town Highlanders. Tickets available on the gate [£6 per head in 2008] – please advise if an overseas visitor and you will be directed to the overseas tent. www.aboynegames.com

 

Finally, Scotland’s largest two-day Agricultural Show at Turriff is hosting Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham in concert and is arranging an Overseas Visitors tent where stewards will provide an especially warm Homecoming Welcome. Tickets available on the gate [£10 per head in 2008]– if an overseas visitor you will be directed to the tent www.turriffshow.org

 

Whether your ancestors were landowners, clan members or your family had humbler Scottish origins, or whether you just enjoy Scotland, you’ll find our NE Clan Fortnight gives you an insight into Scotland’s past, present – and perhaps the future – we hope to see you here!