The year 1971 saw the Clan Museum so admirably arranged and set up by Eoin and Phosa Macpherson and others. It is plain that we now have, more than ever, at Newtonmore a fitting place in which to house our exhibits, which are of so much interest to ourselves and to visitors. The Clan House is indeed a home for the Association.

      My wife and I have been invited to attend the Scottish World Festival which forms part of the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto. This takes place between 17th and 21st August, 1972 and we look forward with pleasure to being present and to meeting members of the Association in Canada.

      We all suffered a most sad personal loss with the death in August 1971 of the late Mrs. Macpherson of Glentruim. But it is a source of strength to remember her great interest in Association affairs and her kindness and hospitality to all members.

      May this year's August Rally be as successful as the last!

CLUNY,                                   
(William Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie)

                                                            E'en thy granite Castle Cluny
                                                            Where the stout old Celtic man
                                                            Lived the father of his people
                                                            Died the noblest of his clan

                                                            Many eyes were red with weeping
                                                            Many heads were bowed with grief
                                                            When to sleep beside his fathers
                                                            How they laid their honoured chief.

      Like guardians watching over the Spey stand two mounds in close proximity to Kingussie. They stand as they have stood for centuries, one on either side of the river, and they have shared between them the honour of being the capital of Badenoch. The mound on the south bank of the river was long surmounted by the Castle of Ruthven, about the gates of which clustered the little hamlet of Ruthven. This hamlet in its day, boasted considerable importance and formed the 'Castletown'. The mound on the north bank marked the proximity of the Church with its own hamlet which formed the 'Kirktown'. Ruthven was until the end of the eighteenth century, the predominating partner, and the village of Kingussie now stands where the hamlet of 'Kirktown' formerly stood.

      Before the birth of Christ and a few centuries thereafter, Kingussie held some importance in the Pictish Kingdom. It lay near the frontier, the Grampian Mountains, and was only forty miles from the capital and seat of government, Inverness. The inhabitants of Kingussie were the ancient Caledonians and their language was Gaelic. It is stated that the parish of Kingussie contains some Druidical Circles. One of these circles stood on top of the mound which now holds the parish church and churchyard. It was known as 'the Standing Stones'. These Standing Stones were connected with the dispensation of justice and the site was known to our forefathers as Tom a' Mhoid -- the Court Mound.

      In 210 A.D. Severus, the Roman Emperor, penetrated the North of Scotland, and it is thought that the Roman Army returned through the heart of the Highlands, as there are traces of Roman works within a

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mile of Kingussie. There, exists the appearance of a Roman Encampment, near which were found an urn containing ashes and a Roman tripod.

      In 565 Saint Columba on his pilgrimage from Iona to Inverness, passed through Kingussie and at this time Saint Columba's Church in Kingussie was established. Part of one of the walls of this chapel can be seen at the end of the graveyard, which is still known as Saint Columba's Churchyard.

      Now that christianity had been introduced, the country began to attract the attention of foreigners and was subjected to numerous invasions. Caledonia became absorbed in the kingdom of Scotland, and Kingussie was included in the Province of Moray.

      Early Kingussie has much to do with ecclesiastical affairs. In the middle of the twelfth century, the cur/e of Kingussie was one Muiriach. He was the younger son of a Kingussie family. Upon the death of his brother he became head of the family, and chief of Clan Chattan. He received a dispensation from the Pope and married a daughter of the Thane of Calder. His son Ewen succeeded him in the leadership of the family, and Ewen and his descendants became known as 'sons of the

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parson' or Macpherson. This is still the predominating clan in Kingussie today and the annual Macpherson rally which is held in Kingussie is now combined with the Newtonmore Games.

      In 1200 Kingussie was created a parish and an endowment for a priest granted by Gilbert de Kathern, and in 1226 Andrew, the Bishop of Moray, created the incumbent of the churches of Kingussie and Insh for all time to be a canon of the Cathedral in Elgin.

      During the century which followed, religious matters made great headway in Kingussie. In 1451 James II granted charters erecting the crofts and acres of the Church of Kingussie and other church lands into a Barony to be held by John Bishop of Moray, and his successors in the bishopric.

      In 1490 a Priory was founded in Kingussie by George, second Earl of Huntly. The monks being the Order of Carmelites.

      In 1563 Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Ruthven Castle in the course of a hunting expedition in the nearby forests.

      In the years of the Reformation, Kingussie did not play a very active part. When opinions ultimately divided, the Church was divided so that the Catholics used the end with the altar and the Protestants the other end. The first Protestant Minister, the Reverend John Glass, was appointed in 1567.

      In the century which followed the coming of protestantism, the North of Scotland was kept in a state of ferment by the local feuds and risings, and by the war-like invasions of Montrose, Cromwell and Dundee. Ruthven Castle was a centre of hostilities during this whole period.

      On 3rd September 1715, the standard of the Chevalier was raised at Braemar and the Cluny Macpherson of that time joined the rising with a considerable contingent of followers, among whom many belonged to Kingussie. The roads built by General Wade after the '15 have almost completely disappeared. The road from the south came out on the lands of Ruthven and continuing round the farm buildings, it descended by the present Ruthven Brae at the foot of which it turned to the right through the meadow until it reached the ford in the river. This road was joined by another coming from the direction of Gordon Hall. These united to form a path to the ferry which crossed the river. After across the Spey, the road was carried by what is now known as Manse Road to the present high road.

      Many of the men of Kingussie were out in the '45. However in the successive sieges and evacuation of Ruthven Barracks over the water, Kingussie is not mentioned.

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in 1792 the old Priory Church was abandoned for a new building erected by the heritors of the parish and this building continues to be used as the Parish Church.

      About this time the estate of Raitts near Kingussie was acquired by James Macpherson, the translator of Ossian's works, who changed the name to Belleville.

      James Macpherson was born at Ruthven in 1736 and after a course at Aberdeen University, returned to teach in his native village. By his works he brought renown to Kingussie.

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      After the '45 and abolition of heritable jurisdictions in 1747, the castletown of Ruthven lost much of its importance, and the inhabitants of Badenoch devoted themselves to agriculture. On every holding flax was cultivated to some extent.

      In order to develop the manufacture of lint the Duke of Gordon had the idea of erecting mills in Kingussie. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, a lint mill was set up almost opposite the junction of Duke Street and High Street. Two other mills were set up on the banks of the Gynack burn. Also at this time a meal mill was set up, in the centre of the town. The career of the lint mills was very short but that of the meal mill enjoyed a long and useful existance.

      About this time two important institutions were transferred from Ruthven to Kingussie. One was the Baron Baillie Court of the Lordship of Badenoch, for the accommodation of which the Duke erected a new tolbooth. The second was the parish school.       With the removal of these centres of activity, Ruthven fell upon evil days. Its streets were deserted and with neglect and the passing years all traces of it have since disappeared. Instead of the fury, a wooden

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bridge spanned the Spey and between 1813 and 1820 the whole of the roads in the district were re-made and a stone bridge spanned the Spey at Ralia. The county road was brought into Kingussie by way of Newtonmore. Coaches had been travelling from Perth to Inverness since the end of the eighteenth century and Kingussie now became an important stopping place.

      After the death in 1836 of the last Duke of Gordon, the estate of Kingussie passed by purchase into the hands of Mr. James Evan Baillie of Glenelg.

      With the disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843 Kingussie does not appear to have been greatly disturbed, but in 1845 a 'Free' congregation built a church near the Railway Station.

      In 1861, Kingussie was honoured with a visit from Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort, who stopped at the inn which is now the Duke of Gordon Hotel. The inn at that time was owned by a Mrs. Hobb.

      In 1863 the Highland Railway was opened between Perth and Inverness. This event dated Kingussie's rise as a holiday resort and steps were taken to improve the village's amenity. Application was made to the Sheriff of the county to have the provisions of the General Police and Improvements Act of 1862 made applicable to Kingussie. This was granted in 1866 and of the first elected Commissioners, Mr. Duncan Cameron, East End, Kingussie, was appointed provost. The Act under which the Police Commissioners exercised their powers enabled them to

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control the drainage and water supply. Soon the old system of taking water from the mill race and wells gave place to an up-to-date water supply from the Gynack. Pumps were erected along the streets to accommodate those householders who could not afford to have the water laid on in their houses. At the same time a complete drainage scheme was carried out.

      In 1877 the Free Church was razed to the ground and replaced with the present one.

      The want of suitable accommodation for public meetings was now felt and in 1887 the Victoria Hall was built. The hall is capable of holding five hundred persons and within the building there is a public library and reading room. The cost was £1,500.

      The popularity of the town now increased rapidly and its area also extended so much that in 1889 the Commissioners found it necessary to introduce a larger supply of water. The cost of this was £ 1,100 and most of the street pumps were now discontinued.

      In 1894 the old wooden bridge over the Spey at Ruthven was replaced by a steel structure carried on piers of solid masonry.

      The Camanachd Cup, first competed for in 1896, and won by Kingussie.

      The men of Kingussie have always been keen devotees of shinty. In 1895 a Camanachd Association was formed, which presented for competition amongst the Camanachd Clubs of Scotland, a silver trophy. This cup was held by Kingussie in 1896.

      1901 saw the launching of a venture which aroused some difference of opinion in the community. This was the sanatorium in Glen Gynack for the open-air treatment of pulmonary phthisis. The opening of the sanatorium met with considerable opposition from the inhabitants of Kingussie. However, the sanatorium continued and was very successful.

      Another concern of an industrial nature started some five or six years earlier was the Speyside Distillery which stood on the west bank of the Gynack but the distillery like the lint mills was not very successful and the buildings and equipment which cost about £20,000 were sold at a public auction in Edinburgh for £750.

      In June 1902 a local weekly newspaper called The Kingussie Record and Badenoch Advertiser was started by Mr. James Johnstone, stationer, High Street. The publication then changed its name to The Badenoch Record and is now known as the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald.

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      On 13th July, 1904 Kingussie formed the Inverness-shire Sheep Dog Trials Association and this Association holds annual meetings at which dogs from all parts of Scotland and England come to compete.

In 1907 a Burgh Police Court was instituted in Kingussie and the presiding magistrate was Bailie A. F. Fyfe.

      1907 also saw considerable additions to the school buildings which were opened by the M.P. for Inverness-shire, Sir John A. Dewar and 1970 saw the opening of the new school on the banks of the Gynack for secondary school pupils.       Kingussie like everywhere else has had to change with the times and instead of the quiet country village there are supermarkets and 'bingo'. The inhabitants mostly nowadays depend on tourism. The small farms dotted round Kingussie once owned by retired army officers, have been collectivized and even the solitude of the beautiful rugged Glen Feshie is being threatened with the prospect of a road being built through it. But even with all this and the huge pylons climbing over the hills, the beauty of the country cannot be destroyed and certainly never be ignored or forgotten.

      His Honour died in Noble's Hospital in his 81st year. He lived at 'Crogga', Santon, where he was Captain of the Parish.       His Honour was held in the highest regard and respect after a distinguished career as advocate and judge. He is aptly described in the following tribute from a member of the Manx Bar:

      "Deemster Macpherson will be remembered particularly for his service as Second Deemster. He was appointed in 1958 and was the last Second Deemster to sit in the Legislative Council.

      "During his five years in office he upheld the dignity of the Bench to the entire satisfaction of his colleagues on the Bench and at the Bar. He was painstaking, patient, firm and kindly. He sat in the Court of General Gaol and his sentences for criminal offences were always fair. He always regarded the crime of breaking and entering private property as particularly serious, and believed that the public were entitled to the privacy of their own homes and that any invasion of this privacy should be severely punished.

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      "In civil matters he never came to rash decisions, and was never impulsive. His decisions were always given after much thought and care. He believed that litigants were entitled to have their evidence and the evidence of their witnesses heard to the fullest extent, and that the court's decision should not only be just, but seen to be just".

      His Honour was born in Liverpool on January 18th, 1891, youngest son of Dr. Francis Alexander Macpherson, who practised in Liverpool. His mother was a daughter of Archdeacon Taylor of Liverpool.

      He became Captain in the 4th Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment and served in the Cameroons, 1914-15. He was made an honorary major in 1935.

      In 1917 he married Dorothy Devall, daughter of the Rev. H. T. Devall, D.D., first vicar of St. Paul's, Ramsey, and one time vicar of Kirk Michael.

      As an advocate he joined the Manx Bar in 1936. He was Second Deemster and a member of the Legislative Council 1958-63, and was a member of the Landlord and Tenant Commission of the Island in 1953.

      His Honour was an authority on genealogy and heraldry. Among his many interests were: -- At one time vice-president of the Royal British Legion (I.O.M. Branch); president of the Church of England Men's Society; president of the Peel Branch R.N.L.I.; churchwarden; Captain of the Parish of Santan from 1964; chairman of the Governors of the Children's Home; president of the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside; member of the Antiquarian Society and of the Friends of the Manx Museum.

      He was also treasurer of the I.O.M. Branch of the Council for Christian Welfare and treasurer of the Manx Law Society, as well as being a member of the Scottish National Trust and a member of the Scottish History Society and one-time president of the Ellynyn-ny-Gael Society.

      It was a thrill to hear him tell us in his judicial chambers that when Manx Law required the fuller analogy of external Law he turned to Scots Law in contradistinction to others who turned to English Law.

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      The Deemster, we also noted enthusiastically, strove to further the welfare and industry of the Island. The kindliness and welcome of the Deemster and Mrs. Macpherson to their delightful home is an ever happy memory. Our Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Macpherson.

      While I would gladly accept a Bible (especially if in Gaelic) I would have the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness any day to Willie Shakespeare. Still it is good fun pretending what books and other essentials (like the whole back copies of Creag Dhubh) that one would need on a desert island.

      After hearing one of these 'Desert Island Discs' programmes in which the proposed marooned person was an obscure octogenarian French actress who, patriotically only wanted French songs, music and books; I turned to my collection of the Transactions. Sounds a dusty square series but because they are so utterly varied and lively one is sure to meet with something to amuse or inspire oneself at almost any time of day or night. The Gaelic Society of Inverness was founded over a hundred years ago (address 92 Academy Street, Inverness) and puts out a volume on an average once every two years so that means almost fifty volumes on almost every possible and impossible aspect of Gaelic life and culture in English and in Gaelic.

      I was enjoying reading the solidly Victorian eat-in that the Society held almost a hundred years ago with a Menu in both English and Gaelic (Volume 6 -page 28), when I read with delight a letter of apology from Old Cluny (Creag Dhubh 1959) explaining why he was unable to attend the feast. Here is what he writes:

CAISTEAL CHLUANAIDH,
                    CEANN A' -- GHIUSAICH,
January 5th, 1877.

A charaid ionmhuinn,
      Fhuair mi do litir chaoimhneil. Thoir taing nam do'n Chomunn Ghaidhealach air son a' chuiridh fialaidh a thug iad dhomh gus an dinneir a tha gu bhi air an dara la diag de'n mhios.

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      Abair riutha, le mo bheannachi gu'm bheil mi duilich nach urrainn mi bhi aig an dinneir, do bhrigh gu'm bheil coinneamh mhor gu bhi againn fhein air an dearbh latha sin faisg air a' chaisteal, 'nuair a tha suil again ri moran de m' chairdean a choinneachadh aig a chluich-bliall. Ach feumaidh mi crioch a chur air an litir so. Ni mi sin le bhi 'guidhe a h-uile soirbheachadh don cbomunn Ghaidhealach. Tha mi "guidhe bliadhna mhath ur dhuibh uile, agus moran diubli. Slan leibh. Is mise ur caraid dileas.

.       Translated into English it loses much of its blas (flavour) but if it will restore us, even for a few moments, to the days when a Cluny speaking our own language presided over the Clan from the Clan's seat it is well worth turning it into English:

CLUNY CASTLE,
KINGUSSIE,
January, 5th, 1877.

      Inform them, please, that I regret that I am unable to be at the dinner since we ourselves have a big meeting on that very day near the Castle, when I expect to meet many of my friends at the ball game (shinty?). But I must end this letter. I shall do so wishing the Gaelic Society every success. I wish you all a Good New Year and many of them.

CLUNY, Chief of Clan Chattan.

      The newest catalogue from GAIRM PUBLICATIONS, 29 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, C.2. has just come into our letter-box and we suggest that you write for your own copy to keep you in touch with Gaelic Scotland.

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      Like good whisky the Gairm catalogue improves with the years. We find from the new catalogue that the new reprint of the MacAlpine & Mackenzie Gaelic/English -- English/Gaelic Dictionary, which with Dwelly's Dictionary is proving very popular and going all over the world. In the School Text-Books section 'Alasdair agus Mairi air chuairt' (Alexander and Mary on a journey) is an excellent little booklet for the beginner.

      In the Prose section we find that the complete works of the late Donald Grant (Tir an Aigh) is out. Colin Mackenzie who reads the Gaelic News on the wireless has brought out more short stories (Mar Sgeul a dh'innseas Neach) and a novel (A' Leth Eile). Ian MacLeodhas just written 'Sraidean is Sleibhtean.'

      Anyone who has heard the 'Boys on Rona' ('Na Balaich Air Ronaidh') the radio play about the adventures of boys stranded on the lonely island of Rona will be delighted to see it is now obtainable in print.

      The Scottish Gaelic Texts Society is putting out the poems of Silis na Ceapaich, a MacDonald bardess.

      Christina Campbell's 'Measg Sguaban Bhoais' (Among Boas's Sheaves) is an addition to the catalogue's religious list.

      The historical section is entirely in English and worth considering.

      The miscellaneous section has an important addition in referring to Scottish Gaelic Studies which is the intellectual journal of our language which is often very readable.

      Important new issues and reprints are on the way. In May Angus Campbell's book of poetry is expected out. By the time of this year's Rally the best of Gaelic grammars is reprinted (Calder's Gaelic Grammar at about £ 1.50). At the same time John Macinnes's book on Stories of the Supernatural (An Eadar Sholus) appears.

      John Macinnes is one of the greatest scholars in traditional storytelling in our day so this book ought to be a prized accession to Gairm Publication's book list.

      We note that Hamilton's 1080 Argyle Street, Glasgow C.3 will send you their list of Gaelic gramophone records for a three penny stamp or, if you live overseas, an international postal coupon obtainable

from your post-office.

      A letter to AN COMUNN GAIDHEALACH, ABERTARFF HOUSE, INVERNESS, will bring a list of their stimulating new list of Gaelic and English publications.

      Now, before we leave you, till we meet you at the Rally, or through this Column next year, may we commend Club Leabhar (the Highland Book Club) to you? Their address is 31 BRAESIDE PARK, BALLOCH, INVERNESS. This is a unique book club publishing in Gaelic and in English, Their book lists are always well worth searching through.

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      Thanks to the efforts of two well-known members of the Clan the Club's latest book Deirdre has seen the light of day. It is in parallel texts in Gaelic and English and worth reading.

Bi mi gad fhaicinn! (I'll be seeing you).

      The Rev. Ian P. Macpherson of St. James Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1, Curtin, A.C.T., Australia 2605, asks for information about his great-great-grandfather John MacPherson, who came to Australia from the Isle of Skye in 1825, to become the first resident landowner in what is now the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra). The Rev. Macpherson would be delighted to purchase any items of 'Macphersonalia' which may be for sale and would appreciate details, including price and cost of passage to Australia.

      Mr. Ralph I. Gillies of 15 Crosly Road, Chestnutt Hill, Mass. 02167, U.S.A. writes that his father Angus Gillies, born in in Glasgow on May 21st 1878, left Scotland to become a naturalised American citizen in 1917. Any information about his father's ancestry and background would be greatly appreciated by Mr. Gillies, who can supply further details. The Association Secretary holds copies of documents relating to births, marriage and naturalisation concerning this member.

      Mrs. Peter S. Stevens of 24 Irving Street, Arlington, Mass. 02174 U.S.A. is anxious to discover the parentage of her great-great-grandfather, Duncan Macpherson, who was born on 12th June, 1810 in Kingussie. He emigrated to Canada, married Caroline Gertrude Park, Simcoe, Canada, on 7th December, 1836, and died in Hamilton, Canada, 15th February, 1892, described in his death certificate as occupation -- 'gentleman'. Mrs. Stevens' family own various relics which have connections with Cluny and she wonders if her ancestor might have been of the line of Cluny.

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      "It has been proposed, and approved by the Council, that we start preparations for the eventual, production of an illustrated, decorative Wall Chart containing the maximum quantity of information and illustration regarding the Clan which it is possible to compress into the space available.

      Preliminary plans suggest a size of about 30 inches wide by about 24 inches deep, to be suitable either as a wall chart or for framing, to be in three colours, to contain two maps of equal size, one of Scotland showing the clan country in relation to the others, the other on a larger scale of Badenoch, showing all the clan villages and homesteads, the clan genealogical tree, family coats of arms, and a history of the clan in compressed paragraphs, interspersed with line drawings and other illustrations of clan portraits, clan relics, clan landscapes, the tartans, etc., all the latter forming a chain commencing on the left side, proceeding over the top, and down the right hand side.

      One principal aim is to produce something which every single clansman will want to have in his home and eventually hand on as an heirloom: another is to have as many people as possible taking part in the planning so that what is finally produced is what they themselves wanted. The overall design will have to be decided upon fairly soon to allow the rest of the work to proceed so that any suggestions for replacing or improving on the proposed lay-out given should be received within the next two months. They should be sent to The Curator, Eoin Macpherson at Clan House, Newtonmore, Invernessshire who has consented to join the informal group which is making the preliminary arrangements.

      Another member is Professor Alan G. Macpherson, with whom the idea originated, and whose unrivalled knowledge of our clan. history is a guarantee that nothing but authenticated and documented facts will appear on the Chart.

      This generation of the clan is particularly fortunate in having a large number of very knowledgeable people in various fields of our clan history, both at home and abroad, and they will be asked for the benefit of their expertise as the plan proceeds.

      Meanwhile all those who are particularly interested in the plan in its early stages, or who have suggestions or ideas in connection with it, and this includes any who may be able to help with the artistic I embellishments'( or who are qualified to give advice on the limitations of modern colour-printing, are invited to get in touch with the Curator.

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      The ideal would of course be to have an all-clan team working to produce fairly complete sketches for inspection at the 1972 Rally and the finished product ready for sale at the Rally in August, 1973.

(signed -- J. E. Macpherson)"

SANDY MACPHERSON,
Hon. Secretary.

      Rodney Phillips and David McPherson had a four-point win in the open fourball best-ball stableford handicap at Sandgate.

      Royal Queensland's Bruce Macpherson is one of those cheery souls who loves golf as much as he loves life, and that is an awful lot. He made a world tour last year and it was unthinkable that he would not worship at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

      A big attraction for Bruce was the display of the Silver Boomerang, donated by Royal Queensland and one of the Royal and Ancient's major trophies.

      Bruce, duly impressed, returned home and a couple of weeks back played inspired golf to win the Silver Club, the Royal and Ancient's contribution to Royal Queensland's trophy list.

      Bruce's net 66 and 72 off a handicap of 23 was not all inspiration. His Scottish practicality had him caddying through the Pennants season for club champion George Green which obviously did his own golf no harm at all.

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      Like all Macpherson Arms, the Arms of James Grant Macpherson are based on the Cluny Arms but with various 'differences' or changes which distinguish the Arms of the Chief of the Clan from those of cadet families. The shield is 'parted per pale' or divided perpendicularly with the left hand side gold and the right hand side blue. The Galley, the hand holding the dagger, and the cross-crosslet are all 'counter-changed' as to colour, that is to say, gold on blue and blue on gold, which produces a very beautiful artistic effect. The upper part of the shield, called a 'chief', is Gules or red with three gold antique crowns in allusion to the well-known Arms of Grant viz., 'Gules, three Antique Crowns Or'.

      The Crest is described as 'a cat sejant affrontee proper gorged with an Antique Crown Or'. This means that the cat is sitting, facing the spectator, and he wears a gold antique crown around his neck which, again, is with special reference to Grant.

      James Grant Macpherson was a Captain in the 4th Batt., The Hampshire Regiment and the last address we have recorded for him is Mile End, Romsey, Hampshire, but this was in the 1930 edition of FoxDavies 'Armorial Families'. If any reader knows the present address of Capt. Macpherson, or any of his descendents, the writer would be grateful if this information could be forwarded to him c/o Clan House, Newtonmore, so that the Armorial Records of the Clan may be brought up to date.

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Parted per fess Or and Azure, a Lymphad of the First with her sails furled, oars in action, mast, oars, tackling proper, flagged Gules, in the dexter chief point a hand couped fessways holding a dagger and in the sinister a cross-crosslet fitchee of the Last, in base a Highland Bull's head afrontee proper.

      The Arms of Ian Fyfe Macpherson are of particular interest because he is the only member of the Clan in Australia who is entitled to bear Arms. Major Macpherson is also a member of the Clan Macpherson Association.

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      As stated in the last issue of Creag Dhubh, this is held every year on the second weekend of July, regardless of the dates that fall on these days. This year 20,000 people attended with 10,000 turned away due to the lack of parking facilities. The nearest parking was a mile down the mountain highway on the side of the road then walk back up. Cars were parked bumper to bumper and if you planned to leave early, forget it. This was done over the howls and protestations of the people parked -- to no avail. There was also quite a bit of a display of Scottish temper and indignation but, no fights. The above quoted figures were for both days.

      With all the years that I have attended this Gathering, with the free flow of 'The Breath of Heather' and with the diversity of people from the North and the South, I have yet to have seen anyone act with anything but decorum and good deportment. These days everyone is a proud Scot.

      In the Parade of the Tartans, 131 Clans were represented and lined in order of March alphabetically. James Gamble, a Black Watch of Canada piper stated that he had never seen this at any of the Gatherings he had attended and that it was one of the most colourful and impressive sights to be seen. Those representing Clan Macpherson in this colourful spectacle were:
      Dr. A. MacLeish Martin, Charleston, South Carolina
      Wardlaw Martin, Charleston, South Carolina
      E. G. Provost, Greenville, South Carolina
      Guy Gillespie, Greenville, South Carolina
      Michael Gillespie, Greenville, South Carolina
      Jim McCoy II, Greenville, South Carolina
      Jim McCoy III, Greenville, South Carolina (51 months old and carried on his father's back in a papoose pack and wearing a red Macpherson tartan kilt with bonnet)
      Joseph Macpherson, Newport News, Virginia
      George R. Macpherson, Crossville, Tennessee
      Glenn Davidson, Fayetteville, North Carolina
      Gordon Hiscoe, Raleigh, North Carolina
      Jack MacGowan, Fort Pierce, Florida
      C. R. Murdoch, Newnan, Georgia

      Anyone desiring additional information on these Games may write me at the following address:

C. R. MURDOCH,
North America Branch,
Newnan, Georgia, U.S.A. 30263.

      Yet, today, thanks to the vision of the heroes who stood shoulder to shoulder for us in that Glasgow saleroorn these many years ago, we have our most precious relics housed in one of the handsomest of clan houses and clan museums. The local activities give cohesion in the branches but the Rally is the great glory of our Clan and is due to their vision and foresight. This annual in-gathering of our great family is the inspiration and envy of many others like the Mathesons and the MaeGillivrays.

      We showed the Robertsons how a clan house and a museum was a possibility. We infused the realisation of the need for a Rally among Morrisons and Stuarts. These very men, headed by Lord Macpherson of Drumochter (Tom), not only proved a tower of strength to ourselves but an example to others.

      Our great strength is two-fold, firstly in the excellence of those who take on the burden and the challenge of leading us. Secondly in the quality, and resilience of the participants whose imagination and initiative wells up like a bubbling spring to our entire enrichment.

      The times we live in teach us as a family to keep our cohesion and to be loyal and forebearing to each other and to our Clan. As a whole we no longer enjoy the natural cohesion of living in a predominantly agricultural community of Badenoch. The fragmentation that urban life forces on us means that the family is so often broken down to the parents and children who don't even know their first cousins far less their thirty-first cousins, Our resilience and cohesion is needed to ensure

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that we maintain our traditional ways and values despite the extraordinary expedients that one has to put one's self to, in this urban age that we find ourselves in.

      This is where our scholarship, culture and sense of kinship are our great strengths. The largely vapid, irrelevant, cosmospolitan impact bombards us at school, college, on radio and T.V. and in the press and in the bookshops and libraries, yet it is an inspiration and a glory to see how strong our scholarship and cultural interest is in our own history, geneaology, news, stories, music and traditions. Above all it is wonderful to see the ever-growing participation in the language, songs and culture of our fathers' tongue -- Gaelic. One of the assets of our age is that we can take advantage of communications to get the books, the gramophone records and the tapes to enrich our cultural lives throughout the year and of other communications to bring ourselves together at the Annual Rally in Badenoch.

MISS MACPHERSON of the Sheriff Clerk's Office, Edinburgh, tells that:
      Last September I visited a member of the MacPherson clan who emigrated to America in the 'twenties' along with some other members of the family and found her at the age of 90 full of health and vigour and an insatiatable interest in Scottish and Clan affairs. She was delighted to have a copy of the magazine and was surprised to find that so much was 'going on'.

Betty McPherson,
71/4 Canongate, Edinburgh.

      Macphersons, Cattanachs, Gillespies, Murdochs and Clerks and other septs of the clan gathered at the Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, to the reception by the kingly handsome Chief of Clan Macpherson, Cluny himself, his beautiful young wife, Sheila, Madame of Cluny and the Chairman of the Association.

      Then on with the Ball, the majestic atmosphere, the swirl of the kilts; the eager joy of meeting cousins who had not seen each other since last year's rally or long years before; the gaiety of the Macpherson tartans; the waltzes, strathspeys and reels, the ladies in their Dress Macpherson sashes and dresses and the clink of glasses made the evening wonderfully enjoyable and most memorable.

      Then came the buffet, more like a Royal Banquet which only the 'Duke' could rise to, and back again to the Ball,

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      As the 27th Chief of the Clan Macpherson, and since the clansmen and clanswomen were all cousins they could not be further removed than being 27th cousins, and a lot were much more closely related. [You couldn't get away with that in Court, Archie!]

      Eoin Macpherson, the Curator, reported that visitors to the Clan House and Museum were a thousand up on last year, a good thing not only for the Clan and Newtonmore but for all Badenoch.

      New plans in hand would improve the grounds of the Clan House and Museum entailing the planting of shrubs. There would be a Drumochter Room to commemorate the initiative and energy shown by Mr. Thomas Macpherson, M.P. (later the first Lord Macpherson of Drumochter) from the very beginning of the Clan Macpherson Association. Both these projects would be ready for next year's Rally.

      Eoin announced the publication of a booklet The Clan Macpherson -- Past and Present now available from the Clan House and Museum at Newtonmore. This booklet gives a history of the Clan Association by Lord Drumalbyn and the story of the most important treasures in the Museum. Volumes. of the Association's annual Journal (called after the'. Clan's war-cry and Badenoch's land-mark) Creag Dhubh were now obtainable from the Clan House and Museum.

      It was announced that due to the needs of the Scottish Athletic Association future Games on the. Eilean at Newtonmore would be held on the first Saturday in August and, consequently, the Rallies would begin the previous day. [Now we know how the date for the Gatherings was chosen.]

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The clansmen were dismissed and made their way to the Macpherson tent for a dram of 'Cluny' whisky.

The afternoon passed far too quickly. A galaxy of events from the Creag Dhubh hill race to the elegant dancer, the powerful weightthrowers, the competing pipers and all the dash and colour of the Games.

      Mrs. Jackie Gibson danced the Highland Fling (the Gillecalum) and the Seann Trubhais to the pipes.

      A Roll-Call was held for all clansfolk from furth of Scotland who came to the Rally. Not only had people come from Ireland and England but Lloyd MacPherson had come from Toronto with his nephew John and wife Jenifer from Nova Scotia.

      Miss Shona Reid had come from Calgary in Canada. Adam Macpherson had brought his family across from the United States. Robert Macpherson and Mrs. Macpherson had come from Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Dr. and Mrs. Jarrett were from Washington D.C. and Dr. and Mrs. Stevenson had come from Chevychase, U.S.A. Miss McIvor from California still had relatives in Badenoch.

      Wallace MacPherson and John Lawrie were from Adelaide, Australia, George Reid had come from Auckland, New Zealand. There were also visitors from Paris, France.

      Evan Cattanach (now helping to run a distillery in Islay) sang the well-known Badenoch song Gu ma slan do nafearaibh. Fraser Beaton moved the audience with his singing that These were my Mountains and I am coming home.

      Angus Macpherson recited a rather startling poem.

      Pauline McGillivray sang among others, Mary Macpherson's song Soraidh leis an ait. Helen Gall charmed everyone with Och nan Och.

      Willie MacDonald had almost everyone joining in the chorus of the old favourites Cailin mo run-sa and Mhic Iarla nam Bratach Bana.

      The new Secretary of the Clan Association paid respects to his predecessor in office, John Barton, w.s., for his great work and announced that, by kind permission of the respective proprietors, the grounds of Cluny Castle and Glentruim would be open to clansfolk on the Sunday afternoon.

      A. I. S. (Archie) Macpherson of Edinburgh, the Clan. Association Chairman, was a perfect fear-an-tighe. His charm and wit. made the evening.

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      On the Sunday morning the Clan attended Divine Worship at St. Columba's, Kingussie, when Rev. Mr. Wright delivered an inspiring and memorable sermon. Cluny and Archie read the texts.

      This was a memorable Rally, probably the largest since the Clan Association was formed, reportedly gathering twice the numbers that turned up to either the Macleod clan gathering at Dunvegan or the Clan Munro gathering at Evanton held at the same time. The great success of this year's Rally is due not only to the support of the Macphersons and their septs but to the support and welcome of the good folks of Badenoch.

      Alex Smith of 95-113 High Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, sells a delightful key fob with our Clan Badge on one side and an illustration of our Red Tartan on the other side. The fob is on a card with a potted history of the Clan on one side and a list of septs on the other. Some ingenious clansmen have cut out the Clan badge on the front covers of older copies of Creag Dhubh and stuck them on the windscreens of their cars in licence-holders. With the key fob, the Clan badge could make more colourful motoring.

      Thirdly, we have come across a delightfully stimulating 33-1/3 r.p.m. gramophone record (Ember Album FA.2055 Heather and Glen) obtainable for 75p. from Disc Deletions Limited, 262 Lavender Hill, London, S.W.11. We cannot remember having come across a better introduction to Scotland's culture than on this record. One side is in English with a spirited jaunty version of James Macpherson's Lament. The other side is one of the best ceilidh records that we have ever heard. In superb traditional style it gives its lucky possessor a genuine insight into the ceilidhs round the peat fire flame which were such a feature of life when our forefathers were Gaelic speakers living with their fellow clansfolk in Badenoch.

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      The recorded addresses of our visitors show that they came from the following countries, with the number for each shown in brackets:       Scotland and England (4,097); Northern Ireland (20); Wales (2); Isle of Man (4); U.S.A. (135); Canada (68); Australia (50); New Zealand (19); Tasmania (2); Holland. (65); South Africa (5); West Germany (33); Bermuda (4); Sweden (61); France (48); Austria (4); Belgium (39); Poland (6); Switzerland (7); Malaysia (2); Czechoslovakia (4); Japan (2); South America (8); Italy (2).

      This year's total of 4,687 is an increase of 1,426 on the attendance last year, and an increase of 976 over the year 1969, when a decrease of 450 was recorded.

      The enlarged Museum, along with adequate parking facilities has, no doubt, accounted for the increased numbers visiting us.

      Donations from collection boxes amounted to £243.85 as against £ 202-16 the previous year, an increase of £41-69.

      It would be expected that an increase of 1,426 visitors would show a corresponding increase in donations (and this view has been expressed to us). However, the following aspects have to be taken into account:
           (1) Children also sign the book and perhaps only one parent will give a donation.
           (2) The same very often applies to couples, when a donation may only be given by one of them.
           (3) Decimalisation and the disappearance of the 2/6d. and 6d. pieces most certainly account for a large sum.

      In the Museum, however, substantial sums are received every year for membership fees and sales of publications and we have found from experience that when purchases are made, it may be that nothing or very little is contributed to the collection box.

      This year, 230 Macphersons visited us and 38 new members were enrolled. In all, 140 application forms were issued to prospective members.

      Interest in the Museum increases and this year we made two tape recordings, one destined for Ohio (U.S.A.), the other for France.

      We look forward with confidence to the future and with the renovation of the old Museum, combining the Macpherson of Drumochter Room, a further interest will be added.

      Our new bookcases will also be in this section. The plate glass for these very kindly donated by Mr. David Theobald of Essex, who is the husband of Phosa's niece.

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      7 Service Medals and 8 Campaign Clasps embracing the Sudanese, South African and 1914-18 Wars, belonging to late Mr. Malcolm Macpherson, son of Malcolm Macpherson (Calum Piobair).
On Loan: Mrs. Phosa Macpherson

      Gold Medals and Clasps (Piobaireachad Championships of North America), belonging to late Mr. Norman Macpherson (son of Calum Piobair).
On Loan: Mr. James Macpherson

      Services Medal (Waterloo, June 18, 1815), belonging to late Corporal William Macpherson, 1st Bat. 92nd Highlanders.
From Mr. Donald Macpherson, Cadzow House, 19 Shillinghill, Tillicoultry       Silver Medal inscribed "Given by D. Mackintosh, Watchmaker, to (JER.) (JERRY) McPherson for Highland Fling. Kingussie, Aug. 1887."
From Mr. Strang, 18 Dalneigh Road, Inverness       Volume 'The Storming of Dargai' and other Poems by Alexander Cluny Macpherson.
From F. J. Stevenson 65 Fentiman Road, London S.W. 8

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Culloden Commemorative Medallion (Hanoverian)
      Pinchbeck Medallion, struck in London, to commemorate the Battle of Culloden from the Hanoverian point of view.
Obverse
     An equestrian representation of 'Butcher' Cumberland, with the inscriptions, "WILL, DUKE CUMBERLAND" and "BORN 15 AP. 1721".

Reverse
An imaginative view of the Battle of Culloden with the inscriptions "REBELLION JUSTLY REWARDED" and "AT CULLODEN 16 AP. 1746".

On Loan: Captain J. Harvey Macpherson       Set of coins in silver and bronze, commemorating the Centenary of McPherson County, Kansas, U.S.A.
From McPherson City, Kansas, U.S.A.

      Framed Photograph. Francis Cameron Macpherson of Cluny XXV Chief of Clan Macpherson,
From Mrs. Elsa Macpherson of Cluny

      Wood Cut (measuring 3' x 1'4") designed by R. G. M. Macpherson, F.R.S.A., F.S.A. SCOT. of Ontario, and executed by Major J. E. Macpherson, in memory of the late Lord Macpherson of Drumochter (Tom Macpherson M.P.) who had done so much for the Clan Association. In due course, a corner of the Museum will be dedicated in his name, with the plaque as the centre piece. It depicts, in the centre, a likeness of Lord Macpherson of Drumochter, surmounted by replicas of his Armorial Bearings, and of Tower Bridge.

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Extract from Volume 2 Index to Manuscripts Clan Macpherson:       "Resolution passed at a meeting of members of Clan Macpherson in Badenoch concerning support for the Government and defence of the Country 24 May (probably 1797 or 1809). LA add 5/16."

Peninsular War
CASUALTIES AT THE CROSSING OF THE RIVER NIVE 9-13 December 1814
Officers only

1st. Bn.	92nd Foot:	Lieut. Duncan M'Pherson	Killed
do.	59th Foot	Lieut. Aeneas Macpherson	Severely wounded
1st Bn.	92nd Foot:	Major J. Macpherson	do.
do.	do.	Capt. Donald Macpherson	do.
do.	do.	Lieut. J. Cattanagh (sic)	Slightly wounded

TOULOUSE 10 April 1814

42nd Foot	Ensign Mungo M'Pherson	Severely wounded
79th Foot	Lieut. D. M'Pherson	do.

The Highland Society of Scotland
Meeting on 10th January, 1832:
ELECTED MEMBER: Captain Evan Macpherson of Ralia
                                      (Hon. East India Company's Service)

Amongst Directors elected for ensuing year:
      John Burn Murdoch, Esq., of Garticaber.
      George Macpherson Grant, Esq., of Ballindalloch and Invereshie.

      A native of Glasgow, Mr. MacPherson has lived in the south of England for several years before returning to Scotland to take up his new appointment.

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      James MacPherson is played by WALTER CARR
      Nicolas Dunbar by JAMES KELMAN
      Other parts ROBERT MILNE, HUGH ROSS, AND CHARLES BARRON
      Producer JAMES HUNTER

      The Grand March was led off to the skirt of the pipes, ably played by Pipers Pat Sandeman, Alec Macrae, one of the Atholl Highlanders and Dr. Harry Duncan who is well known in Edinburgh piping circles. The company was graced by the presence of the Clan Donnachaidh Chief's son and his wife. As the ball was held mid-week, our Chief, William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, Q.C., was unable to attend, but he sent his good wishes for its success and we hope to be honoured by his company and that of his wife at our Joint Ball on Friday, loth March, 1972.

      Phosa Macpherson, Clan House, Newtonmore, had the honour of executing a considerable section of one of the tapestries for Inverness and Moray and Nairn Institutes.

      A Breakfast Cloth worked in Danish Lace stitches is also to be presented.

      Phosa has won many first prizes for this type of embroidery and will probably embroider a section of this cloth.

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      The growth of the company has been continuous from a staff of six with whom Donald Macpherson first set himself up in business to over 2,000 employees at present employed throughout the Group's offices and factories in the U.K. and overseas.

      In 1948 the company obtained an official quotation on the Stock Exchange. Throughout the 50s and 60s the company pursued a policy of expansion which led to the acquisition of those companies which now form Donald Macpherson Group Ltd. The first such company to be acquired in 1954 was R. Cruickshank (Cellulose) Ltd. of West Bromwich, specializing in woodfinishes of a very high quality. This was followed in 1957 by the purchase of Sherwoods Paints Ltd., an old-established company based at Barking, Essex. In 1958 the Group took over Mody & Co. Ltd. of Warrington. This company was formed in 1925 for the manufacture of French polishes, spirit varnishes and paper coatings. This was followed by the acquisition of L. G. Wilkinson Ltd., a Londonbased company manufacturing clear and pigmented woodfinishes. More recently, the Group acquired the whole of the paint interests of Reckitt & Colman Ltd., which traded under the name of Sissons Brothers Ltd., old-established manufacturers of domestic paints. Sissons Brothers also owned three overseas companies, as well as Porter Paints Ltd. of Leyton, London, a company specializing in industrial surface coatings.

      Today the Macpherson Group is the fourth largest paint manufacturer in the United Kingdom with a turnover of about f 16,000,000. As far as the general public is concerned, possibly the best known brand names are "Household Brand" and "Cover-Plus", both of which are sold exclusively through F. W. Woolworth & Co.

      In the furniture finishes market the company is by far the biggest in the United Kingdom and possibly the second largest manufacturer of industrial finishes generally. It is probably true to say that wherever you are and whatever you are doing, somewhere within easy reach there is a Macpherson product.

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      Subjects range from a masterly historical piece on the history of the Shaw of Tordarroch, now formally recognised as the Chief of Clan Shaw, to the modem touch of a close-up of Winnie Shaw, a successful representative of the younger generation.

      We are glad to see that Meta Macbean has not been lost to the Journal, or the latest instalment of her Place names of Badenoch provides great interest and we share the Editors' enthusiasm in the reading of a delightful piece by May Macintosh on Highland wayside delicacies.

      We add now congratulations to the Editorial trio, and look forward to reading the next edition.

      In the Parish Records are the following places mentioned as being the residence of Cattanachs:
Clune, Noid, Strone, Driminish, Brae Ruthven, Glen Banchor, Killichuntly, Invemahavon, Clachamoch, Bridge of Tromie, Kingussie, Croftchoineach, Croft of Clune, Glaickguish, Druiminoinich, Milton of Benchar, Tullichiero, Noidmore. There were Cattanachs in MacKintosh of Borlum's, Dallas, Fochabers, Elgin, Spynie, Banffshire, Keith, Craigellachie, Tomintoul.

      My Father was a native of Knockando (Upper) Farm 'Aldivonie' as was his Father, his Grandfather was of the Parish of Inveravon, Banffshire, prior to the opening of the Railway from Keith to Boat of Garten. My people were Carriers and also farmed. So far as my knowledge goes, they had originally come from Badenoch, presumably 18th Century and were of the same stock as Craiglea, Newtonmore and I know that my Grandfather had some connection with the late Provost Donald Cattanach's Kingussie forebears.

      My people are interred in Knockando Parish Kirkyard. Grandfather was in his 100th year. Grandmother nee Thomson 93. There appears to have been a history of Carriers from earlier times in the family.

JAMES CATTANACH,
16 Semple View,
Howwood, Renfrewshire,

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CONTINUED FROM Creag Dhubh No. 23 page 417 ...

      Alexander K. Macpherson, 16th of Pitmain married (1) his cousin Margaret Gertrude Moore, younger daughter of the late James Moore, R.I.C., and his wife Eliza Rachel Macpherson, 26th February 1919, at St. Brides, Liverpool. She died in giving birth to a daughter, at MURREE, PUNJAB, India on 3rd October 1920, and was buried in the Old Cemetery, MURREE. Her coffin was borne by a party of the Cameron Highlanders, and a piper of the Scottish Rifles played 'The Flowers of the Forest' and 'Lochaber No More'. The service was conducted by a fellow Clansman, the Rev. G. C. Macpherson, Senior Presidency Chaplain.

      The daughter's name is Margaret Gertrude Bruce Kilgour Macpherson of Pitmain. She married 2nd February 1944, Stephen Marriott Fox, elder son of the Rev. H. S. Fox, M.A., of Windsor, Major 4th Royal Berks. Regt. T.A., Solicitor and a Senior Legal Advisor at the Treasury, of BURLORNE, WEYBRIDGE, Surrey. Issue:
            (1) Michael Alasdair Fox, born 17th December 1944, educated at St. George's, Windsor, Haileybury (Head of School). Magdalene College, Cambridge. (2) Elizabeth Ann Kyffen Fox, born 28th April 1948.

      Alexander K. Macpherson married secondly 24th April 1924 Margaret McDonald Ramsay Crowley, second daughter of the late Thomas Crichton Crowley of Dundee, and his wife Elizabeth Lyall Ramsay, daughter of James Dempster Ramsay of Menzies Hill, Angus.

      Margaret Crowley died 15th May, 1965 in Edinburgh and was buried in the Dean Cemetery on 19th May, 1965. They had issue:
            Issue, one child, a daughter, Elizabeth Jean Ramsay Kilgour Macpherson of Pitmain, born 6th September, 1925. She married James Murray Cook of Maybole, Ayrshire, and has issue: four sons and one daughter. (1) The eldest son, Quentin Murray Cook, born 19th February 1955, and died of Encephalitis 23rd February, 1964.

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(2) Seamus Kilgour Cook, born 6th March, 1959; (3) Fergus Ramsay Cook, born 12th February, 1961; and (4) Thomas Murray, born 2nd May, 1966. The daughter, Margaret Janet Cook, born 16th December, 1953.

      Alexander K. and 16th of Pitmain, having no male issue, his heir is his brother, His Honour Bruce Whyte Macpherson of Crogga, I.O.M., and his heirs male.

Fate of the Old House of Pitmain
      After the departure of the family, the old House of Pitmain became tenanted by a McLean of good family, and father of Sir John McLean. The old Tacksman married four times, several of his wives being related to each other, and his children were in such a ramification of consanguinity and kinship, that the old gentleman was nicknamed 'The father of Confusion!'

      Later the old House of Pitmain became an Inn, and well-known as a 'stage' in the coaching days. In its day it was one of the best houses in the whole district, and travellers who stayed there at the end of the 18th and early 19th century remarked its garden as being equal to any near London! It was here that the celebrations were held when the estates of Cluny were restored in 1784.

      The Duke of Gordon frequently stayed here and it was from the House of Pitmain that George IV and last Duke of Gordon, the 'Cock of the North', was taken for his burial at TOR ALVIE in 1836.

      When the Spey was bridged near NEWTONMORE in the mid-19th century, the present main road was constructed on the North side of the SPEY, and the old road on the South bank of the river became the present secondary road. The new road was driven right through the old Pitmain garden. The House of Pitmain, itself, on the eminence above the road, was pulled down in the 1860's and some of its stones were used to construct the then new Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie.

      Alexander K. and 16th of Pitmain was fated not to remain near the old house of his fathers. His wife became an invalid, and he was forced to go south for her treatment. They lived in Edinburgh until her death. He resigned the D.L. on leaving the County-.

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      And so we come to an end of this sketch of the 'SLIOCHD IAIN'. We will take our farewell to PITMAIN like those who emigrated to Australia on that mid-summer COLUMBA'S DAY FAIR in 1838, travelling by cart to FORT WILLIAM, and thence to OBAN where they took ship. It was at PITMAIN that this grief-stricken party, mostly, CLAN MHURICH, halted to climb the hill below which the house stood, CREAG BEAG, whence they viewed for the last time their beloved homeland, a view that embraces from BEN ALDER the great CREAG DHUBH, and the lovely Strath of the SPEY and away to the CAIRNGORM.

      Descending the hill they chanced to meet a band of musicians attending the nearby Fair, who moved by sympathy, played and sang the song that has come down to us, the English refrain --

                                                        "Let Fortune use me as it may,
                                                       I will think on Scotland far away."
the Gaelic "Gu ma slan do na fearaibh."

GONE AWAY WITHOUT GIVING NEW ADDRESS       Anyone able to give the new address of the under-noted please write the Registrar at address shown on inside back cover:
1. MR. AND MRS. D. A. GILLIES,
9 Aintree Avenue, East Doncaster,
Victoria 3109, Australia.

2. MR. AND MRS. PETER MCPHERSON,
North Slipperfield, West Linton
Peebles-shire.

3. MR. AND MRS. D. N. MACPHERSON,
Hinds Head, Norton-in-Hales,
Market Drayton, Salop., England.

      MACPHERSON OF CLUNY. On 5th June 1972, in London, to SHEILA, wife of WILLIAM ALAN, a son JAMES BRODIE.

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P.O. Box 1169,
Aylmer, Ontario, Canada.
September 13, 1971.

      I am receiving all kinds of information from relatives etc. but the farther back I go the harder it becomes to attain "true" facts. Briefly I am told that my great, great, great grandfather, John Macpherson, and his wife, Grace Bannerman (niece of Sir Campbell Bannerman, Prime Minister of Great Britain), lived in Kildonan, Sutherland, Scotland, and that during the "Clearances" of 1815-16 was moved out to Helmsdale and came over to Canada.

      I am confused over another piece of information that there are two groups of Macphersons -- The "Cluny" (to which most belong) and the "Cattanach" (to which we [my family] belong) and that the Cattanach group separated from the rest and lived in Kildonan. I would very much like to learn of the authenticity of these statements.

      Perhaps you could direct me to sources of information and/or old parish registers. I am willing to pay for any searching that may be needed. Any information that you can provide me will be greatly appreciated.

      Thanking you in advance for your kind attention to this matter; I remain,

Yours truly,                              
JOHN A. MACPHERSON.

6 Bellevue Street,
Long Jetty, 2262,
N.S.W., Australia.
September 12, 1971.

Dear Sir,

      In my opinion Muireach Cattanach was definitely our eponymous ancestor. This being so it may mean that there was at least one other branch of the Clann Mhuirich (or The Children of Muireach) from whom the Macphersons of Skye descended. A brother or natural brother of Ewen Ban; Muireach is reputed to have had several sons.

      The Clan Chattan were definitely followers or associates of the Lords of the Isles during at least a part of the fourteenth century. Mackintosh lost his life at Harlaw and the Clan Chattan parted company with the Lord of the Isles in 1429 to fight on the side of the King against him.

      The practice of Armory became general during the fourteenth century and, as Mr. R. G. M. Macpherson wrote in his answer to my query regarding the Lymphad on Cluny's Armorial Bearings (Creag Dhubh 1967), the inclusion of the Lymphad

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probably came about through the Clan's association with the Lord of the Isles. Indeed, I think it quite possible that the arms were actually granted by the Lord of the Isles. There are quite a number of cases where a similar procedure was carried out in England about that time, viz. the Lions of Leyborne and the Sheaves of Chester. Of course this refers only to the Lymphad.

      Isn't it quite likely and much more believable that during the break up of the Clan Chattan that a member or branch of the Clann Mhuirich stayed within the aegis of the Lord of the Isles. According to A. G. Macpherson the Red Parson does not appear until at least 1469, i.e. three or four generations after my "presumed ancestor of a fourth branch". Plenty of time to produce some of the Red Parson's band of thirty warriors.

      While writing I would like to question some of the present doubts regarding the information in the MS of 1450, as it is applicable to the foregoing. That information of this type can be passed down accurately for 300 years or more may be questioned by present day city dwellers I can believe. Many of them often do not know their descent farther back than their grandfathers. However, to anyone who, like myself, has lived in small communities for most of their lives this does not seem strange.

      Country memories are long and even in comparatively modern times local histories have been passed down with remarkable accuracy. Strangely enough the least literate often seem to have the longest local memories. How much more accurate would the histories have been in earlier times when they had seanchaidh attached to each family whose job it was to remember, recite and pass on the history and descent of the family.

      Even in this country one comes across communities where detailed family histories have passed down since first settlement. I remember having lunch one day with a Grant (of the Irish branch) whose great great grandfather had a free passage out here [to Australia] provided by the British Government. I had been doing agricultural trial work on his property and we were actually sitting close to the tomb of the elder Grant. While we were eating Grant gave me a history of his own and most of the other local landed gentry. These histories went back to the earliest settlement, nearly 200 years. Indeed, he had written a book about it, but dared not publish it as the information contained in it cast too many aspersions on the early ancestors of those families. Many of them had also been provided with free passages.

      During my years of agricultural work in this country, during which I have travelled over much of Eastern Australia, I have come across many similar cases to the above in many different areas.

A. J. MACPHERSON.

Dear Sir,
      The article by George F. G. Stanley in last year's Creag Dhubh was interesting but some of the statements in relation to the '45 cannot be allowed to pass without comment.

      The picture of Prince Charles' standard at Glenfinnan being joined by the Mackintoshes and MacGillivrays is a romantic one, but entirely fictitious. Neither of these Clans was ever near Glenfinnan at that time. One thing the Mackintoshes and Macphersons had in common at the commencement of the Rising was that their Chiefs both held commissions in the Government forces -- Cluny in Lord Loudon's regiment and Mackintosh commanding one of three new companies of the Black Watch. Whereas Cluny did change his allegiance and was able to lead the Macphersons into England with the Prince at the beginning of November 1745, Mackintosh, described by A. M. Mackintosh as probably of weak, vacillating character, remained true to his military oath and did not join the Jacobites. The

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Mackintoshes would not have been involved if it had not been for Mackintosh's wife, Colonel Anne as she was dubbed, who raised what she could of the Clan and placed it under the command of Alexander MacGillivray of Dunmaglass. It was not until early December that they entered the campaign by joining the Jacobite reserve forces at Perth. They were in time to take part in the Battle of Falkirk on 17th January, 1746, fighting in the centre of the front line next to their Macpherson kinsmen. Both clans distinguished themselves in the action.

      Then according to Mr. Stanley the Macphersons, like all the Highlanders, deserted to enjoy their booty. What is his authority for such a statement? Surely it does less than justice to Highlanders in general, and in particular to the Macphersons, a clan which exhibited considerable discipline at Clifton, at Falkirk and in the destruction of the Government posts in Atholl in March. Admittedly the inactivity involved in the siege of Stirling Castle following the Battle of Falkirk was not to the Highlander's liking and desertions did take place. We know for instance that on 2nd February Dumnaglass was trying to apprehend deserters from his Regiment in order to bring them back and make examples of them. We also know that on 3rd February the Prince wrote to Cluny empowering him to judge all deserters from his corps and punish them "by Death or Otherwise". But the review of the Army carried out at Crieff on 2nd February revealed that the desertions were not so serious as the Commanders had feared. Thereafter the various sections of the Army marched in an orderly fashion by predetermined routes to the North. In this orderly march Cluny and his men took part.

      Finally Mr. Stanley speculates what affect the Macphersons presence might have had on the outcome at Culloden. The answer is simple -- None! The Prince required nearer 3,000 men than 300 to give him numerical equality. More important, what he really required was greater faith in his own General and the good sense not to have faced his enemies there at all. The latter rather is the historical speculation. It may also be said that the Macphersons were fortunate to have missed this battle. Compare the dreadful affect on the MacGillivrays who were present in full force (possibly accounting for between a quarter and one-third of the Mackintosh Regiment), who bore the full brunt of the battle and whose dead lay in heaps