Bannockburn 2014

**AcuteEnigma** · 5th October 13, 01:18 PM

They are asking people who live in and around Bannockburn to dig up their gardens to look for swords and stuff.

http://www.battleofbannockburn.com/u...rn-needs-you!/

**MacThomas** · 6th October 13, 08:09 AM

In your opinion, do you think Bannockburn will be the biggest clan gathering in 2014 (I'm planning to come) or would it be Highland Homecoming, Inverness 2014 (opening weekend) : please advise, thanks in advance

**Jock Scot** · 6th October 13, 08:15 AM

Inverness 2014?

**MacThomas** · 6th October 13, 08:18 AM

Yes this the link (sorry for that): http://www.clans2014.com/highland-homec ... ness-2014/

**Jock Scot** · 6th October 13, 08:25 AM

I have to confess that I have no knowledge of it!

**cessna152towser** · 6th October 13, 08:28 AM

In your opinion, do you think Bannockburn will be the biggest clan gathering in 2014 (I'm planning to come) or would it be Highland Homecoming, Inverness 2014 (opening weekend) : please advise, thanks in advance

I would expect Bannockburn in June would be the biggest gathering of the diaspora because of the re-enactment also taking place. The Bannockburn organisers have said they are limiting the number of clan tents to 40, and I see that some of the clans from the north of Scotland do not appear to be represented among those attending, so it is possible that Highland Homecoming in September could also have as many clans represented. It all depends on what you want to see and do. If I was a MacThomas, with their highland Clan Chattan connection, I might be inclined to opt for Inverness.
Thinking back to 2009, the undoubted highlight for me, as a Cunningham which is a lowland family, was the Muster of the Clans at Selkirk in the September, and although significant numbers of overseas visitors attended and were greeted by Scottish based hosts on the clan tents, the event was limited to the Lowland and Border clans.
It would be nice if you could come to Bannockburn as I will be there with my clan tent, but I have to be honest with my advice, it could be a difficult decision for you, do both if you can afford it!

**Bluescelt** · 6th October 13, 08:49 AM

Jock's advice is sound and is what I've tried to do on my visits. It's not to say that you can't have a lively in-depth conversation with a Scot. I spent an hour talking economics, politics and culture with a shop owner and it was very interesting. Treat those you meet as you wish to be treated and you will have a great time. Unless you're a masochist, then please disregard my last sentence!

**Bluescelt** · 6th October 13, 09:40 AM

Alex,
is the Muster of the Clans a newer event? it sounds like a good idea. I hope the idea of clan gatherings is getting more popular in Scotland. I think there would be a lot of interest for clan-centric events if there was a concensus among Scottish based clan societies to organize them. You've seen the clan representation at the NH Highland games a few years ago and I'm sure you enjoyed some aspects of our take on a clan village and had reservations on others. I think it would be great if at some point there could be a annual/semi annual gathering of the clans in Scotland with a AGM for the Standing Council of Chiefs. If it was held in conjunction with a highland games it would be a big draw.
I see in a post above they are trying this in Inverness. I hope it is a success and that the clan societies have a roll in planning it.

**cessna152towser** · 6th October 13, 12:06 PM

is the Muster of the Clans a newer event?

The Muster of the Clans was held only in 2009 and was an initiative from Richard, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry and hosted on his Bowhill Estate, Selkirk.
So far I have not heard whether the event is to be repeated in 2014.

You've seen the clan representation at the NH Highland games a few years ago and I'm sure you enjoyed some aspects of our take on a clan village and had reservations on others.

I particularly enjoyed my visit to the NH games in 2010 which as you may recall was also the occasion of worldwide gatherings of Clans Cunningham and Buchanan.
Sadly the games here in the lowlands have few if any clan tents. Aboyne Highland Games in the north-east of Scotland have a clan village at their games which is similar to that which you would find at a games in Canada or USA.

**EagleJCS** · 6th October 13, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

The Muster of the Clans was held only in 2009 and was an initiative from Richard, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry and hosted on his Bowhill Estate, Selkirk.
So far I have not heard whether the event is to be repeated in 2014.

His Grace is the Chief of Clan Scott. I haven't read anything in the Clan Scott Society newsletters about a full-blown Muster of the Clans for 2014 as there was in 2009. There will a Clan Scott Gathering June 25-27 hosted by Buccleuch (or at least organized by the Buccleuch Group). (Visits to Clan Scott related locales in the Borders, a welcoming supper on June 24 with Buccleuch, etc.)