Lamb Dhearg Clann Domhnuil                June 2009

Again, it has been a while since my last newsletter, but I have not been idle.    The last year being busy with Clan Donald, the Victorian Scottish Union, Scottish Rite, and family.   Clan Donald is still in the fore within the Scottish Societies in Victoria, with my wife still holding office as Secretary to the Victorian Scottish Union, and my cousin Christina Milne Wilson about to take the honorary office of Chief of the Victorian Scottish Union for a year.    Myself, as well as holding office in several Scottish organizations, I am about to step up to Senior Vice President in the Victorian Scottish Union.

My wife and I have travelled to South Australia for an impressive dinner with Clan Donald South Australia, to meet with their executive, as well as being a guest at a meeting of the South Australian Scottish Associations.   We had attended earlier in 2008, being interviewed on the South Australian Scottish radio, attending the Mount Barker Highland Gathering, and an excellent dinner held by Clan Donald South Australia.    

I was also invited by the Scottish Australian Heritage Council in New South Wales to attend their festivities in Sydney in late November 2008; attending the Kirkin O’ the Tartan at Saint Stephens Uniting Church, the Parade up MacQuarie Street, and the Heritage Festivities in Hyde Park.   I was also able to meet with the Executive of Clan Donald New South Wales the next day.

The Clan Tent has been erected again at all the major Highland Gatherings within Victoria, with Daylesford in December.   Closely following was Maryborough on New Years Eve with the traditional Hogmanay Party at the Maryborough Highland Society.   Maryborough is the oldest continual, and wealthiest Highland Society in Australia, established in 1851 by the Scots flocking to the area for the Gold Rush.   New Years day festivities include the Maryborough Athletics and Highland Games, where the Clan Donald, Clan Sinclair, Clan Grant and the Victorian Scottish Union shared two tents sites.   Sadly, no other clans were represented.

Berwick Highland Gathering Memorable for the Wrong Reasons

 Berwick Highland Gathering was held on a Sunday, but overshadowed by the previous day.   The same weekend incorporated a day to be remembered in Australian history as “Black Saturday”, with severe, and horrifically fatal, Bush Fires blazing in the nearby hills.   Unfortunately the major freeways between Sydney and Melbourne had been cut by the fires, with the result that a large number of vendors, Pipe bands, Highland dancers and Clan stalls, etcetera, normally attending were unable to get through.

Although the weather on the Sunday was more pleasant and bearable than the previous day, we were constantly reminded of the nearby fires, and ready to leave if necessary.   The Sky Cranes carrying the water, flying several times overhead, the smoke visibly in the distance, and the constant smell of the burning Eucalypts kept the mood more sombre than wished.   A moments silence during the official opening was held for the loss of life the previous day.  

The Black Saturday saw the loss of 173 lives, on a day of 45O Celsius (113O  Fahrenheit) accompanied by winds of over 70 km/h (44 mph).     The preceding months, even years had seen Victoria hit by drought drying out the bush into a gigantic tinderbox.   Entire communities were wiped out, with families, massive amounts of properties and livestock destroyed, leaving only vast expanses of ash.   My son in law, and I, each in our official capacities attended the fire regions, and will remember the devastation for years to come

The world wide response will be remembered in Victoria for many years, with charities and help arriving from our allies in New Zealand, the U.S.A., and even as far as Scotland, all supporting the Colony.   I would personally like to thank those outside of  Australia for their support, and prayers.   

In stark contrast, Australia being a Continent of extremes, the same weekend saw many areas of Queensland, and northern New South Wales hit by destructive floods.   Although several members of Clan Donald were assisting in the battles against Mother Nature, at this time I have not heard of any losing their lives in the disasters.   Malcolm McDonald (Toiseach Finlaggan Council) re-assured us none of our clan had been injured.

During the time of the fires, I was also able to catch up with Murdock Macdonald from New Zealand.   Our conversation surprised me as to the differences between the running of the New Zealand and Australian events, since the incorporation and insurance changes in Australia.   Murdock Macdonald had been staying at his son’s in the eastern outer fringes of Melbourne with the bushfires licking at the neighbouring properties, but leaving his son’s property intact.   I am happy to report, he went home safe, and unsinged

Geelong Highland Gathering was a pleasant day, with Clan Macdonald of Yarraville, led by the President/Honorary Chief Thomas Macdonald attempting a Clan Picnic.   Those attending were thoroughly entertained, even though my two year old grandson, Alexander Macdonald Jones did purloin my glass of Scotch early in the day.   At least he has better taste in aqua vitae than his father who prefers Bourbon.   The Clan Tent was popular throughout the day with large numbers of enquiries, and applications to consider an affiliate Clan Donald Society in the Geelong and Western District regions.   Supplementing the entertainment, a group of friends, including several pipers, unofficially formed a Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society as several varied bottles of whisky magically appeared in the rear annexe.   To our amusement, my grandson begged, unsuccessfully, for more.   He and his grandfather were later escorted from the field by the 42nd Regiment.

Ringwood Highland Gathering was another pleasant day, even as a “Scottish Mist” hit toward the end of the day.   The fine rain meant little to the crowd, with most remaining to watch the Massed Bands, and presentations.   June McDonald the President of the Clan Macdonald of Victoria assisted at the tents with the West Highland Terriers popular with the children.   Unfortunately many interstate vendors and attendees were absent, with “Bundanoon is Brigadoon” being the previous day in New South Wales.   For me, personally, an exciting part of the day was meeting a “long lost” second cousin Paul Macdonald, who attended the tent as a local City Councillor, along with his wife Kathleen Macdonald, and his son. 

The National Celtic Festival, at Portarlington near Geelong, Victoriawas again a successful weekend, with Clan Donald, Clan Sinclair, and the Victorian Scottish Union Highland Dancers represented, sadly to the exclusion of the other Clans, Scottish and Irish Societies.   Needless to say we were besieged by questions of all clans and corners of Scotland, Irelandand even Wales.   It was a challenging but enjoyable weekend.

New Appointments

The re has been a major change in the line up of Commissioners throughout Clan Donald Australia, due to the passing of my predecessor, James McConnell (**Retired as High Commissioner in 2002 but remained as Commissioner for Clan Donald New South Wales till his death in 2008).   He was a much respected man, and will be replaced by two Commissioners due to the size of that state, and vast distribution of Clan Donald  in N.S.W..   Their exact boundaries and titles will be decided at a meeting of the Commissioners.

A Leave of Absence has also been accepted by Cameron Macdonald, the Commissioner for Clan Donald Queensland due to work relocation, and family commitments.   He will however remain the Webmaster for Clan Donald Queensland.

The Commissioners for  Australia will be as follows (Residential Addresses withheld) :-

High Commissioner for Clan Donald Australia and Commissioner for Clan Donald Victoria       Norman A. Macdonald  admin@clandonaldaustralia.com

Commissioner for Clan Donald New South Wales  Callum Angus Currie  callum.currie@bigpond.com                                                            

Commissioner for Clan Donald Northern N.S.W.  Sean McDonald Sheridan       nora_natureslarder@hotmail.com

Deputy Commissioner for Clan Donald Queensland Suzanne Lambkin

(Assuming duties of Commissioner till position called) rlambkin@optusnet.com.au

Commissioner for Clan Donald South Australia  Donald McDonald idmcdonald@bigpond.com

Council of Finlaggan (Clan Donald International)

On  the 3rd of March, 2009, the High Council of Chiefs made the following promotions and appointments to the Council of Finlaggan, of the following Australian members (Residential Addresses withheld)  :-

To the position of Toiseach  Malcolm McDonald  ( Queensland ) Castle Dunaverty  malmcdon@westnet.com.au

 Council Representative   Ian MacDonnell  (Victoria) Castle Aros      imacdonn@bigpond.net.au

Our Congratulations go to all the aforementioned for their appointments.

Closed Doors on Two Australian Clan Donald Societies

Clan Donald Tasmania, which met in Hobart, was down to a handful of members, with several of them finding it hard to get out due to their age.   Their society voted to close their doors.   If there are any Clan Donald hopefuls wishing to revive such a society in Tasmania I would encourage them to contact me via the Secretary at admin@clandonaldaustralia.com.    Our memories go to Jill Hart and the rest of the folk down south, may we still meet in good times?

Clan Donald of Victoria Peninsula Branch also handed in their charter, in December of 2009.   I have many fond memories of the times together, even if it meant an hour and half drive every month.   They were a very supportive society, helping to host Clanranald during his visit to Victoria in 2002.   The society was hindered by the number of other Scottish, Clan and Caledonian societies in the Mornington Peninsula area, taking officers away.   I pray that we have not seen the end of each other, and that we can get together occasionally.

MEMBERS WANTED

All the Clan Donald Societies within  Australia could do with more members to support their activities.

We are looking at gathering members in the Geelong to Western District areas of Victoria to start another chapter for Clan Donald in Victoria.   If interested contact Jan Macdonald at admin@clandonaldaustralia.com accessible through the Clan Donald Australia site. 

For those in Western Australia Clan Donald has a fast growing membership.   For those wishing to join or become foundation members, please contact Pam Macdonald at culloden@aapt.net.au

EDINBURGH TATTOO COMING TO SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

The Edinburgh Tattoo has come to Australia before, but is opening again with artists, bands and dancers from around the globe, coming to Sydney, Australia on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of February, 2010.   The event is to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park.   For those wishing to attend, tickets are available through Showbiz ( Showbiz.com.au/edinburgh-tattoo) or Ticketek (http://premier.ticketek.com.au/ )

I have attended this event previously, and thoroughly recommend it to the Australian confined Scots.

OWN A PIECE OF CLAN DONALD LAND IN SCOTLAND

For those who do not know as yet, there are Clan Donald Lands for sale.

One of the Glens for sale is available through www.myglengarry.com.   You can own a part of the Glengarry Estate, and see the exact plot from the air.   Buy a 1 metre plot and receive a title deed, and welcome pack.   Money raised goes to the Glengarry Trust helping preserve this beautiful glen.   Owners receive an annual newsletter about their land.

Buy for yourself, or an investment.   There are only a limited number of plots available.   Contact Caroline Badley via caroline@myglengarry.com Sponsors of the 2009 Glengarry Highland Games

Welcome to Glengarry, Scotland ancient home of a branch of Clan Donald.

This is a unique opportunity to own a part of Glengarry Estate, and see the exact plot from the air. Buy a 1 metre plot and receive a title deed and welcome pack. Money raised goes to the Glengarry Trust helping preserve this beautiful glen. Owners receive an annual newsletter about their land.

Buy for yourself, as a unique gift, or an investment. There are only a limited number of plots available.Sponsors of the 2009 Glengarry Highland Games

Welcome to Glengarry, Scotland ancient home of a branch of Clan Donald.

This is a unique opportunity to own a part of Glengarry Estate, and see the exact plot from the air. Buy a 1 metre plot and receive a title deed and welcome pack. Money raised goes to the Glengarry Trust helping preserve this beautiful glen. Owners receive an annual newsletter about their land.

Buy for yourself, as a unique gift, or an investment. There are only a limited number of plots available.Sponsors of the 2009 Glengarry Highland Games

Welcome to Glengarry, Scotland ancient home of a branch of Clan Donald.

This is a unique opportunity to own a part of Glengarry Estate, and see the exact plot from the air. Buy a 1 metre plot and receive a title deed and welcome pack. Money raised goes to the Glengarry Trust helping preserve this beautiful glen. Owners receive an annual newsletter about their land.

Buy for yourself, as a unique gift, or an investment. There are only a limited number of plots available.

Epilogue

Recently I was asked to give a brief talk, for which I was poorly prepared.   I had not made any investigations into the history of the participants involved, nor their relationships.   Consequently I did not give a successful address by any means.   I apologise to South Australia for that error.

It made me later think about Clan Donald in Australia  the history of many of its members, and their involvement within the Australian Scottish Community.   I attempted to fathom a number of factors.

Are we a Scottish Society in the name of Clan Donald to preserve a Scottish way of life throughout the new world?

Are we a “One Name Surname Genealogy” society preserving that which is only Clan Donald and ignoring all other Scottish traits?

Are we Australians, joined by a common ancestry, banding together for successful companionship, to take from our past, and our heritage that which we do not receive in our every day existence, to adopt that which is convenient in our new country?

In this day and age of uncertainty, and not knowing where we are going, can I take re-assurance from knowing where we’ve been?

What parts of the Scottish way of life, and Clan Donald can, or should we adopt?

What would be in conflict with the country in which we live?

What do we need to do to still feel remotely Scottish, and part of Clan Donald?

What individual support is there for Australia’s’ unique ways of celebrating Clan Donald?

How do we celebrate being Clan Donald, in our activities?   Is it Country Dancing, Ceilidhs, casual get togethers, formal dinners and balls, or merely blood ties, genealogy and titles?   Are there other ways?

THE JURY IS STILL OUT.