At long last we have been able to hold a most enjoyable and long anticipated Clan Gathering, the last being in 2018. A great time was had by over 120 members from worldwide in October 2024. Members and family gathered on Skye for a friendly and enjoyable week, at first in great blue skies, but also with some Skye showers and a nice breeze towards the end of the week, assisting with the flying of the Chief’s banner on the Clan Lands at Scorrybreac.
Clan lands at Scorrybreac
Highlights of the Gathering included: the raising of the Chief’s flag at Scorrybreac, unveiling of a stone seat for Clan stalwarts, Murray and Barbara Nicolson. Also, Clan meetings and guided walks on the Clan lands at Scorrybreac. An evening of entertainment from local artists and clan members, with casual dining at Gasta in Portree and a casual, informal ceilidh. Many years ago, a ceilidh would be the word Scottish and Irish people would use for a social gathering and probably didn’t always involve social dancing. There was a time in Scotland when it was forbidden to play Scottish traditional music, to wear a kilt or tartan and it could be punished by death.
So, a ceilidh might have been a code word that the ‘Authorities’ didn’t understand. Our evening was such a time of poetry, dance, stories and songs, plus a nice chance for a good yarn and a few drams with family or friends. Going away brunch at Skeabost Hotel, followed by a most informative talk on the history and tales of St Columba’s Isle, a gentle walk to explore St Columba’s Isle and inspect the historic Nicolson’s Aisle, with 29 Nicolson Chief’s said to be buried there.
The next Gathering will be in 2026, somewhere in North America. For further information on Clan MacNicol see: www.clanmacnicol.org
Text and photo courtesy of Mal Nicolson.