Calling MacLennan descendants to Strathpeffer
Strathpeffer will be the backdrop for the Clan MacLennan Gathering in July this year.
Chief Ruairidh MacLennan of MacLennan said: “I hope MacLennan descendants will join us at Strathpeffer for six days of fun and fellowship”.
Bookings are now open.
The storied origins of the Clan MacLennan focus on the area around the Five Sisters of Kintail.
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The Clan became loyal supporters of the McKenzie (later “Seaforth”) chiefs from the 1300s – including roles at their strategically located Donan’s island (Eilean Donan), Kintail.
By the 1500s, the McKenzies, with McLennans and other supporters, had acquired the main route from west to east – through Strathconon, and, by 1630, controlled Lochalsh, Lochcarron, Applecross, Gairloch, the Isle of Lewis, and parts of the Black Isle.
In the 1620s, the powerful Seaforths established their principal castle at Brahan near Strathpeffer.
The fort on Eilean Donan was destroyed by English forces in 1719 and would remain in ruin for over 200 years.
Neil McLennan, chairman of the clan’s Scotland committee, said: “We’ve developed a highly varied program to suit a range of interests and different ages”.
Events will run from Wednesday, July 3 to Tuesday, July 9 and Mr McLennan added: “Due to the success of our 2018 Gathering, this year we have found a larger venue for the 2024 Gathering - in an attempt to accommodate greater numbers than ever”. The Ben Wyvis Hotel will be the venue for many of the activities.
MacLennan descendants from many countries have already committed to attending the Gathering and are looking forward to meeting Scottish MacLennan descendants.
The programme:
Wednesday, July 3: Guided tour to the ancient vitrified fort on Knockfarrel. From there a Clan guide will point out places where MacLennans lived and other significant locations.
Thursday, July 4: Clan genealogy with a full day of activities and a wide range of speakers, including a leading DNA researcher from Strathclyde University. The Clan has an extensive genealogy resource at www.clanmaclennan-worldwide.com.
Friday, July 5: 10am to 12.30pm, Clan Parliament, to be held in the Caberfeidh Shinty Club Rooms in the grounds of Castle Leod, Strathpeffer. The afternoon will see a tour of places around Strathpeffer connected to Maclennans and in the evening there will be a grand buffet and ceilidh in the Strathpeffer Pavilion.
Saturday, July 6: 10am-12.30pm a tour of Ord Distillery, opened in 1838 by Donald McLennan, followed by a visit to a nearby water-powered corn mill. The afternoon will see a tour of Castle Leod suitable for younger attendees, with a formal dinner from 7-9pm and an informal music session from 9-11pm.
Sunday, July 7: Invitation to join the congregation at Strathpeffer Church of Scotland for worship.
Monday, July 8: Walk the “McLennan Way” as described in free eBook “A guide to some MacLennan Places across Scotland”, finish with lunch at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel; coach trip to Eilean Castle and Kintail.
Tuesday, July 9: – Fringe Event - a day at Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness.
Bookings can be made via the “2024 Gathering” link on the Clan MacLennan worldwide website - www.clanmaclennan-worldwide.com
