The Clan are in town. Many visitors to the Ballater area for Victoria Week might think that the rallying cry of Cairn-na-cuimhne has gone out through the Hills and Glens to call the Farquharson Clan to group up and be ready for action. Well, that is what has happened.

Clan Farquharson, easily recognised by their various tartans, are holding the Clan annual gathering in Ballater through Victoria Week. The first of our duties is for our kilted members to the join the procession to the Ballater Highland Games at Monaltrie Park. This is a particular honour as our Chief, Captain A. C. Farquharson of Invercauld, is Chieftain of the Games. We haven’t yet formed a team for the tug-o-war or the Hill Run but if a challenge is thrown down then count us in.

We are running a Clan tent at the Highland Games so please come along and meet us, sign the visitors book, and also enjoy a wee dram or two.

Further events include a Ceilidh at the Victoria Hall on Friday and it is open to all. Tickets are available from the tourist information office by the Old Station or through the Clan. It is a ‘bring your own drink’ event.

We will also enjoy a Farquharson Historical Tour of the Ballater area run by Geoffrey Farquharson, our Historian . Our formal Clan Dinner complete with Pipers. The all important AGM. Church with the Royal Family at Crathie on Sunday morning and formal proceedings finish with a visit and prayer at the Clan Farquharson Cairn on the south side of the Dee overlooking Balmoral Castle.

Clan Farquharson reunions restarted in 2001 and we have been meeting on Deeside in August since then. Long may it continue. If you would like to join us then please be assured that you are more than welcome and we are ready to greet you.