Even with the heavy rains and a change in venue due to flooding, history was made in Annan, Dumfriesshire on the 24th August, 2024 on what was to be a fine but windy day. The Annan Festival and Gathering of the Clans, was well attended and a great success.
The Festival consisted of a parade of the chiefs greeted by Fiona Armstrong, Lady MacGregor, Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, performances by the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets and the Time Bandits covering Reiver history and weaponry. There were highland games, piping and dancing and a performance by the Scottish tribal group Clanadonia. Clan tents were available offering information on the history and genealogy of the respective clans and families present.
The final part of the programme was the inauguration of the Chief of Carruthers. The last stage of the process initiated in 2007 by the Clan Shennachie, Dr George Carruthers, FSA Scot, was about to be completed. A petition was presented to the Lord Lyon in 2017 to bear the chiefly arms of Carruthers, first registered along with all other Scottish arms in 1672 by the petitioner’s ancestor. As such in 2019 and after 210 years of dormancy and analysis of the documents and proofs accompanying the petition, Dr Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains was confirmed Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers.
Ancestral lands
The inauguration on our ancestral lands to name him Chief, began with a procession led by the Convenor, Mr Michael Carruthers carrying the Society banner. He was followed by those Chiefs and Commanders in attendance, the Shennachie and his banner, the Chief’s Household, the Inauguration Chaplain, the Lord Lyon’s representative and the Chief and his heir with their banner. They were welcomed to the stage area by Dr George Haig, Advisor to the Chief, who handed the proceedings over to the Shennachie. He welcomed the Chief onto the stage and explained the importance of a confirmed chief to the official status of Carruthers as a Scottish clan and family.
The Lord Lyon’s representative Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, Albany Herald Extraordinary presented the Chief’s Letters Patent from the Lord Lyon on behalf of the Sovereign. He spoke of the Chief’s lineage being 22nd of his line, his legal right to bear the chiefly arms, the 1587 Act of the Suppression of Unruly Clans in which Carruthers are named and reiterated the importance that a Chief brings to the official recognition of any clan, both in Scotland and overseas. Sir Crispin Agnew finished with his best wishes and congratulations.
The presentation was followed by the Shennachie presenting the Chief with his symbols of office: A family bible, embossed with his arms, a Balmoral bonnet with the three eagle feathers of a chief, a gold ring with his arms upon it and finally a Cromach. Proudly wearing his three feathers, oaths were taken. Firstly, an oath by the Chief to his clan to preserve, protect and defend the name of Carruthers to the best of his ability. Secondly an oath of fealty and loyalty to the Chief by the Shennachie on behalf of all the elders and stewards of Carruthers. Finally, the oath from the clan to the Chief, who loudly pledged fealty and loyalty and a willingness to honour the traditions of their name.
Ancient custom
Following ancient custom and in line with the Chief’s faith, the Inauguration Chaplain, the Reverend John Pickles, minister of the Church of Scotland for the parishes Annan, Brydekirk, Dalton and Hightae, gave readings from Psalms and the Gospel of St Luke. The Reverend led all present in prayers and according to ancient tradition as a member of the kirk, gave his blessing to the Chief and then to all those gathered. The other Chiefs present were invited to give greetings.
The Chiefs of Clan Irving; Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, Hunter; Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterson, Hanney; Dr David Hanney of Kirkdale, MacArthur; John MacArthur of that Ilk and the Commander of Clan McEwen; Sir John McEwen of Marchmont and Bardrochat gave their warm best wishes and Ross McEwen Esq, FSA Scot gave greetings from the Buchanan Chief; Michael Buchanan of Buchanan.
The Chief himself gave a heartfelt response to all greetings, all those from both the UK and overseas who had attended and to Annan the History Town Committee mainly Graeme MacGregor and Neil Carruthers for helping make it happen. He also thanked those who had worked in the background and supported him through his journey, namely George and Michael Carruthers and finally to his family, for their continued love and encouragement.
The Shennachie closed the proceedings, by declaring Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of Carruthers and commented on the fact that this was a culmination of a great many years of hard work and effort, and that by ensuring the legal process to have a Chief named was followed to the letter, today marked the final piece in a very long and arduous process. The celebration continued at the Annan Distillery with speakers, an inauguration dinner, appointments by the Chief and a ceilidh. He apologised to the latecomers, who sadly couldn’t attend.
Text by: George Carruthers.
Main photo: Dr Simon Peter Carruthers of Holmains.