25th Anniversary Gathering 4th – 6th June 2004
The 25th Anniversary Gathering weekend was a huge success. We had nearly 180 attendees from all around the world and the weekend went off without a hitch, thanks to all those who had put in so much time and energy. Events kicked off at 3pm on Friday with a formal opening ceremony. The standard was raised on the castle tower accompanied by the Chief's piper, Kate Paton, Chief Euan made a speech of welcome and Joseph Cairns, Chairman of the Britain and Ireland branch, said a prayer of welcome. The entertainment started right away with a most amusing and informative talk by Willie Ferguson of Bells of Dunoon, about the history and meanings of tartan. With the aid of a willing volunteer, Willie showed us how to put on a traditional Great Kilt. Following this was the drinks reception in the castle itself, which for many was the highlight of the weekend. Euan and Lisa took the trouble to greet everyone personally. Meanwhile an impromptu ceilidh was gathering pace in the marquee, aided and abetted by our friends Selkie, Malcolm from Strathlachlan who entertained us on the keyboard, and a number of members who sang, told stories and played on the pipes. Saturday morning kicked off with the Society's AGM, where the new Chairman of the Society, Doug McLaughlin of the Victoria branch, was formally voted in for his two year term. Then it was in to a hectic round of talks and entertainment. We were entertained by Alastair MacFadyen who talked on local history, Ann MacSween who took us on an informative tour of the old castle, Joe Cairns who talked on the Jacobites, and Tom McLachlan who talked on Emigration. We were also entertained by a display of Highland Dancing by the local ladies of Strachur. Saturday evening saw the dinner in the marquee and we dined like royalty on a fabulous spread provide by Inver Cottage restaurant. Following the dinner was the ceilidh and we danced to the local fiddle band and were entertained by Craig, a young piper from the village, Jane who sang some haunting Gaelic songs, Selkie (the fine band comprising Hector Gilchrist and Liz Thompson), Doug and Tracy who sang a duet and Mary and Laura who thrilled us with their Highland dancing. Mid-evening we held the raffle and auction and raised a good deal of money for the Lachlan Trust. We retired at midnight having finally been driven out by the midges! No rest on Sunday morning as there was the church service in Strathlachlan Church and then a talk by Martin Hadlington, the architect in charge of the project underway on the chapel. All too soon it was time for the closing ceremony when Chief Euan formally closed the proceedings. A wonderful time was had by all and we look forward to the 30th anniversary gathering in 2009.