CLAN MACPHERSON ASSOCIATION ‚ THE EARLY DAYS

       Following the death in 1932 of Albert Cameron Macpherson of Cluny, he was succeeded by his nephew, Ewan George, who resided in Adelaide South Australia. Realising that the Cluny estates were in difficulty and would have to be sold, a Committee formed in 1933 attempted to raise funds for the purchase of Cluny Castle, the estates and Clan treasures, but this proved insurmountable.

      Largely due to the enthusiasm and initiative of Thomas Macpherson (later Lord Macpherson of Drumochter) in 1937 and supported by Sir Stewart Macpherson and his brother, Lord Strathcarron, it was decided by a second committee to form a Clan Macpherson Association. The objectives were to secure and preserve the Clan treasures and records; to maintain the identity of the Clan; foster its traditions; to encourage the study of history and to form a link with Clansmen all over the world. A meeting was held on the 9th June 1939, to discuss the formation of the Clan Association and a "big inaugural meeting" was planned for the 16th September but two weeks prior to the meeting World War II was declared in Europe and the formation of the Clan Association was postponed.

      Cluny Castle was sold in 1943 and on the 3rd May of that year, in a Glasgow saleroom, the Cluny heirlooms were sold. Many of the relics were purchased for the Clan by subscription from Clan members and were later to form the basis for the Clan Museum. Professional dealers on realising "the anxiety and determination displayed by the Macpherson buyers to regain their historical Clan possessions, a 'gentleman's agreement' which had been entered into by other potential purchasers might not have been reached." The raising of the cash and purchase of the Clan relics during the 'dark days of war' must be viewed as a major achievement.

     Shortly after the cessation of hostilities, the drive to form a Clan Association was actively pursued. The Clan Association was officially formed on Saturday 23rd August 1947, when eighty-eight members attended the First Annual General meeting in the Village Hall, Newtonmore. Thomas Macpherson was appointed Chairman; Lt. Col. A.K. Macpherson of Pitmain, Vice Chairman; Niall M.S. Macpherson, Honorary Secretary and A. Fraser Macpherson as Treasurer. It was reported that the membership had grown to 300, with four branches in Scotland, a branch in New Zealand with centres in Aukland, Christchurch and Invercargill, and another branch in course of formation in Canada. The successful programme of events held during the first Clan Gathering was to set the pattern to be followed in succeeding years.