Meeting of Clan Chiefs at the Scottish Parliament on Friday 24th July 2009.

I had the honour of being invited by our Clan Chief, Capt.AC Farquharson of Invercauld to accompany him to this special event.

The first ever Clan Convention, organized by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, was held in Edinburgh on Friday, July 24, 2009 in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament. Over 100 of 140 Clan Chiefs were present with about 300 of their international representatives to discuss; how the Chiefs can use the clan system for increasing awareness of clan pride within Scotland; how to continue the growth of the clan societies abroad; improvement in the promotion of tourism to Scotland and other related subjects.

It was recognized in Scotland that the Gathering provided for the largest assemblage of Scottish Chiefs since Sir Walter Scott’s efforts at renewing Scottish identity after repeal of the Acts of Proscription and in conjunction with the State visit of George IV in 1822. This was a meeting of tribal leaders that has been over two and a half years in the planning.  I joined our Clan Chief at the Scottish Parliament building that morning to begin the registration process and the opening of the program by Alex Ferguson MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. His initial greeting was a “Welcome Home” Scottish Diaspora, in a heartfelt introduction that spoke of Scotland’s long in coming recognition of the Diaspora, and its acknowledged importance to Scotland and the Scottish culture going into the 21st Century.

The opening presentations addressed subjects that would be discussed in the “breakout sessions” later in the day. These subjects were “The Role of the Clan in the 21st Century”, “Scotland in the 21st Century”, “The Global Scottish Community and its Clan and Kinship Links to Scotland” and “Clan Chiefs: Linking the Global Community to Modern Scotland”. The comments were designed to “prime the pump” for active discussions in the smaller groups. In the final wrap-up session all of the comments and suggestions were summarized and presented by Danus Skene of Skene. Items covered: the recruitment through genealogy and clanship; fundraising for castles and lands; providing more information of clan history to instill even more pride in the family name; how to motivate and retain volunteers and how to increase international co-ordination. Points discussed on the subject of chiefs included: the importance of visitations to foreign societies at their Annual General Meetings and events; increase the exposure of the heir apparent to clan activities; certified genealogist networking with chiefs and members; perhaps a worldwide Council of Clan Societies working with the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs; how clan members should support and inspire the chiefs and the chiefs earning the members respect. An interesting perspective provided by a Clan Sutherland representative was their concern that the Sutherland Chiefs have been “wrongly identified” as being primarily responsible for the Highland Clearances, and hence a difficult time recruiting for their society… history remembered and alive.

The most problematic issue was how to increase awareness, pride and activity with the native Scots. Scotland, its land and history, seem to be taken for granted. There is much more pride with identifying with one of the football clubs than with the family name. Many agreed that the further away from Scotland the stronger the ties to its history and heritage.

It was felt that for younger people then the way forward  for contact is via social networking sites such as Facebook and by ‘maintaining the brand’ and keeping the associations ‘socially inclusive’. There are only 5 million Scots living in Scotland with another 35 million elsewhere. Contact with the Sept names was also an important part of keeping the Clan Associations alive.

Scotland’s notable current exports and plus points include whisky, golf, culture and traditions and genealogy, and a spectacular natural environment. The negative side was considered to be; lack of service, the weather, midges and the difficulty of trying to find a list of highlands games during visits.

Scots outside Scotland were deemed to have left mainly around the 1844 period as poverty took a tighter grip and the American Dream took over. Farming in Scotland turned to prosperity outside the country, oranges were grown replacing potatoes, freedom from landlords and escape from the ethnic cleansing of British rule. It was noted that many more Lowlanders left than the hardier Highlanders. Of course, Farquharsons are Highlanders!

The Lord Lyon reminded us that anyone can apply for a Coat of Arms and he told me over lunch that with the increasing strain of political correctness it is very difficult to refuse applications. So, if you fancy something to go in your hallway alongside the sepia map of your village many years ago, the history of your surname in unreadable medieval font and the tea towels and short bread from Balmoral then this could be the item for you.

There was a long of discussion later with Lord Lyon as to the creation and use of Coats of Arms. Whereas he has no control overseas, Heraldry is only allowed in Scotland if registered and approved by his office. The Clan Chief crest is the Chief’s property and should be differentiated from the Clan crest.
 
It was Lord Hay who urged the Clans not to follow the umpteen knick-knack shops around selling ‘Tartan tat’ and to respect and keep their identity. This was echoed by Donald MacLaren saying – ‘don’t loose your Scottish dignity for short-term profit’.

Bob McWilliam, President Emeritus of Council of Scottish Clans Associations USA highlighted the vast Scottish interest from the US. 170 associations and some 240 Games and many Burns groups. He asked Lord Lyon to consider allowing new Clan Chiefs rather than forcing them into extinction through very strict rules.

In the afternoon breakout session that the Chief and I attended, ‘Why do people come here’ was considered. Kinship, heritage, genealogy and roots. Many people feel spiritually cut off and Gatherings and historic events are most important focus points.

It was also recognized that the Clan affiliation is very important for tourism and there was a lot of disappointment that the Scottish tourist board don’t make more use of this.

A rather wretched fire alarm then took place. Due to all the one-way security doors inside and limited use lifts it took a good quarter of an hour to get 300 people into the rain outside and seeking cover. Maybe this was a ploy by the English to rid the country of the Scottish Chiefs in one fair cull. Upon re-entering the building security must have now been downgraded to nil as everyone was simply allowed back in without any searches or I.D. Oh what can change half an hour can bring to the big world of terrorism!

A worthwhile day overall provided we all carry back to our associations the enthusiasm and ideas from the meeting.

By Andrew Farquharson  August 2009