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TO ALL CLANSMEN

      After the 1972 Rally my wife Sheila and I visited Canada, for the Scottish Festival which formed part of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. We flew from Prestwick, and we were delighted to be met at Toronto airport by Lloyd (our past Chairman) and by Gordon and Nancy and their family. Gordon is of course our heraldic expert; and his son Sandy was the official Macpherson standard bearer for the visit!

      From arrival onwards the events were non-stop, and from our hotel base we were regularly whisked off to the Exhibition grounds, and to many delightful social and less formal occasions with cousins from the Clan.

      We toured Toronto with Lloyd early in the stay; and dined with him on our first full day, together with Nancy and Gordon, and with Donald and Betty (from Oakville) who will be remembered (with their daughter Cluny) at the 1972 Rally. On the second day we took part in a great parade of pipe bands through Metropolitan Toronto. There were bands from everywhere! Many bands came over from Scotland, and there were bands from Canada, New Zealand and even (so rumour said!)

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from Sweden. The four Chiefs who were the guests of the Exhibition (some said that we were the chief exhibits!) rode in open cars between the bands. This was a true piping invasion of Toronto, and the crowds were thick along the parade route. A great welcome was given to us all, and it was good to see occasionally a Macpherson tartan or a group of well-known Clan faces in the crowd. Our names were placarded on the side of the cars, and the most usual greeting was a loud cry of "Hullo Willie"! On then after this traffic-stopping occasion to the luncheon before the formal opening of the Exhibition proper, at which the ceremony was performed by the Duke of Argyll. The other Chiefs present were Lord MacDonald, General Sir Gordon Macmillan, and Sir Gregor MacGregor. The presence of Campbell and MacDonald together gave rise to some speculation in the newspapers, but the occasion turned out to be non-political and non-factional!

      The centre piece of the Scottish Festival was a tattoo held in the main stadium on four successive nights, and our Macpherson night was on Saturday, 19th August. It was a great thrill to be driven to the arena in a carriage and to see more than 35,000 people ready for the piping and displays which followed. It was also a great relief to see the smiling cheerful face of Sandy at the arrival point, who was bearing the truly magnificent silk personal standard which the North American Branch had prepared for our visit. This standard is now at my home in Blairgowrie and it is indeed a treasured memento of our first visit to Canada.

      I will probably never again have such a large audience to greet, and my few words (competing with the roller-coasters in the background) were almost certainly shaky! The tattoo itself, held on a hot Canadian night, was impressive, and it was a great pleasure to be there at this Macpherson night, and to feel the support and enthusiasm of so many who came. On afterwards to a reception given by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Corrigan (the chairman of the Exhibition and his wife) who made us all at home in their headquarters, and both of whom were throughout extremely kind to us. And then back to the hotel for a reflective hour and a recuperative dram!

      On the next day we spent a delightful afternoon at the home of Lisa Macpherson and Jean Macpherson. Lisa is the widow of the late Major Alec Macpherson (one of the founders of the Canadian Branch), and Jean is Major Alec's sister. We both felt in their Toronto home strong family ties among the Clansmen who were fellow guests. Hugh (of Edinburgh) was there, as also were Donald and Betty, together with Donald's parents. Dr. Macpherson (Donald's father) was I believe the senior Clansman of all those that we met during our stay. Lloyd was there, acting as he did most kindly all through as our efficient guide and transport manager. And among the others (all of whom were kindness itself to Sheila and to me) were the family from Saskatchewan, namely

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Hugh and Jean, together with their son Hugh and his family. Hugh (the younger) is a piper of renown and he gave us a great welcome "blow", and piped us away again as we left. What could have been better; and we are most grateful for such hospitality and friendliness. From there we went on to visit Donald and Betty at their home in Oakville, and from there back to Toronto.

      On the Monday evening was held the annual general meeting of the North American Branch, and it was moving to Sheila and myself to meet people who had come to Toronto from great distances. Macpherson, Gillies, Gillespie -- these and others all strongly represented; and there must in all have been well over 150 who came. Lloyd was fear an tighe after the meeting was over, and our only regret was the speed with which the evening passed and the lack of time in which to talk properly to everybody. We danced an energetic (and reasonably accurate!) eightsome (once again to the pipes of Hugh and his equally expert friend), and we enjoyed so much the chance to be with this branch. Songs were sung; the various tartans were paraded; and too soon it was all over. Hugh did us the honour of composing a tune which he played and which he has called "Lady Sheila Macpherson of Cluny". An evening of many memories.

      Tuesday was spent with Gordon and Nancy and their daughter Pam, at their home in Burlington and on a most enjoyable personally conducted tour of Niagara Falls and the Niagara district. And in the evening we were entertained splendidly by Lloyd at his home at Aurora. Lloyd has converted an old church building into an original and interesting house, and we were able again to meet Macphersons, and also Lloyd's other guests who were drawn mainly from the staff of St. Andrew's College, the school at which Lloyd works and (so it seemed to us!) presides over so many of the Scottish and dramatic and other activities of the boys, who are lucky indeed to have him as their mentor. Under Lloyd's guidance we did a tour of St. Andrew's during our stay.

      We then left Toronto in a large hired car, and spent two days travelling across Ontario en route to Montreal. We visited the Allan Macpherson house at Napanee, which has been preserved as an excellent example of a settler's home. We toured through the Rideau district, and on to Perth, Ontario, which we wanted to compare with its Scottish original! And finally on for a very short visit to Ottawa, where we were honoured to meet Mr. Justice Alex. Cattanach and his wife, and to go on an interesting tour of the Canadian Courts under the Judge's personal guidance. Then a last drive to Montreal, and away by night to Prestwick and Blairgowrie.

      Of course time was too short to go west or to see the eastern seaboard (except from 30,000 feet!). But it is impossible to see more than a sample or a slice in 10 days. Our memories arc nonetheless full, and

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in particular we remember with such pleasure all the cousins and friends that we met. I am conscious that this small account names some and misses out many, but this is only because a full list would be so long! We do however both want to thank (through Creag Dhubh) everybody we met during our stay for giving us such a welcome, and for an experience we will always remember. I understand that the Festival is to be repeated. But I am quite certain that no Chief will be as well looked after as we were by our Clan.

      Ceud mile Failte. Until our next meeting, at this year's Rally or whenever it may be.

(William Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie

      We visited the Clan Macpherson Museum one day, with Eoin and Phosa Macpherson and Harry and Nan Macpherson Simons. The museum possesses a fine collection of Macpherson artifacts and the background of some of our illustrious clansmen was explained to us by both Eoin and Harry.

      The Rally began on Friday evening at the Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie with a reception, where we were greeted by our Chief Cluny, Lady Cluny and Chairman Archie. (Being our first rally, we appreciated the friendliness of the Macphersons and soon felt part of a large clan family.) This was followed by the Ball with the gaiety of the Scottish dancing and music. The men were handsome in the Macpherson tartans and the ladies beautiful in their evening dresses. The dinner was a marvellous buffet prepared by Rose Macpherson Stewart.

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      Saturday was a busy day. The annual meeting was held in the morning at the Newtonmore Hall. It is amazing the amount of work required to keep a strong Clan Association alive. I found, listening to the various reports given by the executive and the committee chairman, interesting. That afternoon, the Macpherson men marched down from Old Ralia across the bridge to the Newtonmore Games behind the Edinburgh Police Band. Our Chief, Cluny, presented his clansmen to Dr. Mackay of Laggan, Chief of the Newtonmore Games. During the games, the event most interesting for us, was the hill race to the top of Creag Dhubh. It was a sight to see the white ponies spotted on the side of the hill all the way to the top. A member of the Clan, Charles, son of Vice-chairman Ronald Macpherson, participated in the hill race and was enthusiastically supported in his endeavour by other clansmen.

      In the evening, there was a ceilidh at the hall in Kingussie with Hugh Macpherson as fear an tighe. We were amazed with the amount of talent from such a small community. The programme involved a variety of acts and noting the youth of sonic of the performers, the Badenoch community will have talent for years to come.

      Sunday: the Macphersons attended church at St. Columba's in Kingussie. The Macphersons took part in the service, our Chief, Cluny, and Chairman, Archie, read the lessons. Secretary, Sandy and former Chairman, Lloyd carried the offering. I understand St. Columba's Church is on the site of the church where the original forefather of our clan was "the Parson".

      Afterwards, Captain Lindsay invited the Macphersons to tour Cluny Castle, which at present is his home. An invitation was also extended from Chieftain, Ewan of Glentruim and Mrs. Macpherson to visit Glentruim Castle. The Macphersons served us tea, and Ewan gave us a tour of Glentruim Castle, explaining many mementoes pertaining to Macpherson history. Glentruim and Cluny Castles have magnificent views overlooking the Strathspey.

      Not only were we pleased to meet Macphersons from all over the world, but the warm hospitality extended to us could never be matched. We departed feeling that we were part of the Clan Macpherson family. Anxious to renew our friendship with our Clan brethren, we are now making plans to attend in 1974.

      Upon our return to Canada, we were honoured with a visit from our Chief and Lady Cluny, who were guests at the World Scottish Festival at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. We, Macphersons, were proud when our Chief, Cluny, was presented at the festival. The Macphersons were further honoured to have our Chief and Lady Cluny attend the Annual Rally of the North American Branch. This is the first time a Chief has attended our Rally and the Macphersons came from all parts of North America.

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From THE LONDON EVENING STANDARD of 17th July 1972 ...

      Today we can reveal that the new education correspondent is Mary Macpherson, formerly of the staff of The Times Educational Supplement.

      Miss Macpherson, 30, is a former teacher, but she has a great deal of journalistic experience. Tomorrow she makes her debut in the Evening Standard, discussing at the moment when holidays are beginning, an issue that has caused chaos and bewilderment to tens of thousands of London schoolchildren, and anger and resentment to their parents.

      No parent will want to miss tomorrow's Standard.

From THE DAILY TELEGRAPH of 8th August 1972 . . .

      Brigadier Cattanach has been a Life-Member of the Clan Macpherson Association for many years but her military duties have prevented her from attending the Annual Rally. Now that she is in London she hopes to remedy this in the near future.

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      For some of us, the Festival outran its four assigned days to nearly a week. Cluny and Lady Cluny arrived in Toronto by air from Prestwick on Tuesday, 15th August, and the North American Branch held its Annual Rally on Monday, the 21st. Between those days there was a full round of events some involving a few and others involving the attention and interest of the whole Clan, as represented by the Association.

      The Festival was part of Toronto's annual fall fair, the Canadian National Exhibition, and it was as guests of the Exhibition that Cluny and his fellow Chiefs came to Toronto. Their first formal engagement was at a civic reception tendered by the Corporation of Metropolitan Toronto in the Park Plaza Hotel. The four chiefs and their ladies were formally announced as was the Queen's Representative, His Honour, W. Ross Macdonald, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Ontario. This was a pleasant opening to a very busy round of events. Guests were officers of Scottish organisations in Toronto and vicinity. The Clan Macpherson was represented by its North American officers.

      On Thursday, the 17th, the massed bands paraded through Toronto. The marshalling was a marvel. Pipers and drummers all spend a great deal of time getting their instruments in precise tune and the sight and, more particularly, the sound of eighteen hundred or more so doing, was quite beyond description. The Chief, their ladies, and some other distinguished guests, travelled in open cars well spaced out in the parade. All however moved easily into place and the parade was under way. It took well over an hour to pass but the street was lined all

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along the route of the procession, nothing except a visit of the Queen, has produced a larger crowd.

      The scheme used for the daily Festivals was straightforward enough. On Thursday, the Guest of Honour was the Duke of Argyll, on Friday, Sir Gordon MacMillan represented his Clan, on Saturday, the Clan Macpherson was featured with Cluny as Guest of Honour. On Sunday, the Festival closed with Lord Macdonald the featured Chief.

       The festivities on Saturday were particularly devoted to the Clan Macpherson. Cluny and Lady Cluny were driven from their hotel in a limousine with police escort. They dined in the private dining room of the directors of the Canadian National Exhibition. A few minutes before the hour of the Tattoo, Lady Cluny and other members of the official party were driven into the Stadium and took their seats in the Royal Box. At eight o'clock Cluny, together with a representative of the Mayor of Toronto, drove in a landau from the Directors' lounge to the stadium where he was greeted by J. F. Corrigan, President of the Exhibition. Cluny addressed the crowd briefly bringing greetings to them all and, in particular, to his Clansmen. In his welcome, Mr. Corrigan, mentioned Cluny's prowess on the football field and suggesting that the home team, which had been having a poor season, might welcome him in their ranks! Cluny and his party joined the others in the Royal Box and the stirring display of pipes and drums, of acrobats, and dancers gave great pleasure to the crowd -- a crowd which set a new record for an evening at the grandstand. Among the party meeting Cluny on his arrival was his Standard Bearer, in this instance, Sandy Macpherson, son of R. G. M. Macpherson, Honorary Secretary of the North American Branch of the Association. The standard was a very fine one which was later presented to Cluny by the North American Branch. The whole evening's performance was of high standard and almost rivalled the Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. Indeed, for a first effort it was a very creditable display.

      Cluny's Sunday was private as far as the CNE was concerned. He met a small group of clansmen in the afternoon and dined privately that evening.

      On Monday evening, the North American Branch held its 1972 Rally. Details are given elsewhere in this issue but we might add that for the Clan in North America, this was a real highlight. Visitors from California, Florida, and Hugh from Edinburgh, helped to make this an event which will long be remembered by those present.

      Another Scottish World Festival will be held in Toronto in 1973. The management of the CNE feels that they will then give a pause before another similar event. Macphersons world over can be proud that they and their Chief were a part of the highly successful first Festival.

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      The blazon of the Arms is as follows: "Per chevron Or and Azure, a Tower proper, masoned Sable, window and port Gules, and a Cross-crosslet fitchee of the last in chief, a Lymphad of the first, sails furled Argent in base, the masthead flagged Gules extending to the honour point. Above the Shield is placed a Helm befitting his degree, with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a demi-man attired Gules, having a conical hat Gules doubled Miniver and gauntlets of leather Brunatre, holding in front of him a Tower Argent, masoned Sable, window and port Gules, and on his dexter fore-arm a cat-a-mountain sejant proper, its sinister paw in a guarding posture." The motto is "Gloved in Peace in War Unbowed".

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      These are unique Macpherson Arms in that they are a combination of the wife's Arms (Thurnheer of Switzerland) with those of the husband. The components of the Cluny Arms will be easily recognised, i.e. the Galley and the Cross-crosslet, but, in this case, the usual "hand holding the dagger" has been replaced with the "Tower" which is taken from the Arms of Thurnheer, literally "Lord of the Tower".

      The Crest is also based on the Thurnheer Crest so that the demiman of Thurnheer is holding the Macpherson cat.

      Lt. Cdr. Macpherson, who was a member of the Clan Association, died in 1961.

      The Arms of Dr. Cluny Macpherson (see Creag Dhubh 1966, page 97) appear in the 1st and 4th quarters "surmounted of a riband gemel

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wavy Sable for difference" to indicate that descent is not through the male line. The 2nd and 3rd quarters depict the Arms of Beaumont, Cardinal Archbishop of Paris, Comte de Lyon, Duc de St. Cloud, a Peer of France, whose Arms "Gules, upon a fess Argent, three fleur-de-lis Azure" are "differenced" by the addition of a "Mitre" in dexter chief and surrounded by "a bordure compony Argent and Azure".

      The Crest is described as "a cat-a-mountain sejant proper grasping in his sinister paw extended horizontally an Air Bomb, vanes upwards Or, banded of two barrulets Azure". This alludes to the bomb disposal work in which Capt. Macpherson was engaged as a volunteer immediately following World War 11. The motto, "Neer Warstle the Cat Gauntless" is an original Macpherson motto in answer to the Chief's "Touch not the cat but a glove".

      Capt. John Harvey Macpherson, who is well known as a contributor to the pages of this journal, resides at Dunmore, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, and was Editor of Creag Dhubh from 1963 to 1967.

                                                      The days when the clan filled the glen,
                                                      And the Chief took his place at the head,
                                                      The loyal, brave Highland men
                                                      Would follow wherever he led.

                                                      The Macphersons gathered around,
                                                      And Cluny was proud of his men
                                                     
                                                      Clad in their Tartan so proud,
                                                      And their music filled the glen.

                                                      They fought for the Badenoch they loved,
                                                      And died -- but never in vain,
                                                      And ever since it's been proved
                                                      The Macphersons can march again.

                                                      The spirit is still in the clan,
                                                      And will be in every age,
                                                      So let every clansman share
                                                      In their noble heritage.

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                                                      They fought for their country in war,
                                                      Gathered from all around,
                                                      They honoured the name of the clan
                                                      As every Macpherson is bound.

                                                      In peace -- be it smooth or rough,
                                                      They look on their record with pride,
                                                      The gallant men of Badenoch,
                                                      Respected where're they reside.

                                                      The Macphersons are marching again
                                                      And gathering on the Elan,
                                                      Tell every son of the clan
                                                     The Macphersons are marching again.

EVAN STRANG
18 Dalneigh Road,
Inverness
23rd September 1972

      (b) Corporal Malcolm Macpherson of the Black Watch, one of the three ringleaders shot at the TOWER in London on the 18th July 1743, for heading up the desertion from the regiment, was about 30 years old, born in the Parish of Laggan, and son of ANGUS MACPHERSON of DRUIMINARD, a Cadet of the Strathmashie family and so of the SLIOCHD IAIN.

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      (c) Officers of the SLIOCHD IAIN who served in Cluny's Regiment 1745-6:
            Senior Captain John Macpherson of Strathmashie.
            Lieutenant Lachlan Macpherson, younger of Strathmashie.
            Captain John Macpherson of Garvamore.
            Lieutenant John Macpherson of Pitchern.

      (d) The Pitmain Burial Ground was the old burial ground on the bank of the Gynack, now in Kingussie, where the church of Muriach the Parson once stood, and said to have been founded by St. Columba himself, centuries before the coming of the Clan Mhurich.

      (e) The land now owned by the Clan Association is part of the BIALID land, of the Pitmain branch, as is CREAG DHUBH itself, its Eastern half up to the sky line.

      (f) Ref. Page 9. The Arms of Lachlan Macpherson of Pitmain are heraldicly described as follows:
      "Parted per Fess Invected or and azure a lymphad of the first, sails furled, oars in action, mast and tackling all proper, flags and pennon flying Gules; in dexter canton a dexter hand fesswise couped holding a dagger erect; in sinister canton a Cross crosslet fitchee all of the third."

      The Motto is in Gaelic: NA BEAN DO 'N CHAT GUN LAMHAINN. It signifies "TOUCH NOT THE UNGLOVED CAT".

      The word LYMPHAD, signifying an ancient war galley and commonly used in Scots Heraldry, is a corruption from the Gaelic LONG FADA, where LONG means a boat or ship, and FADA means long -- 'a long ship'. In speaking the G is almost elided, hence we get the sound Lonfada and so to Lumfad, etc., c.f. Loch Long -- Loch of ships (sea access!).

      The Wild Cat crest common to all who claim descent from Muriach, Parson of Kingussie, and 4th Chief of Clan Chattan, is most probably the crest chosen by Muriach, when, as commonly reputed, he went on a Crusade, which would almost certainly have been the 3rd (1189 to 1193) or 4th (1201). The latter got no further than Constantinople! As a Crusader he would have worn Armour, and had to have a crest on his helmet. His name being "CATAN" (the Cattanach), it is more than probable that he chose as his emblem his native wild cat.

[For another view of Macpherson genealogy see The Posterity of the Three Brethren, A Short History of Clan Macpherson by Alan G. Macpherson. This author offers evidence that some of the foregoing has been disproven. -- RM]

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      (h) MACPHERSONS OF STRATHMASHIE (Outline Pedigree)
      Senior Cadet Branch of Pitmain. Sliochd Iain.
         I Paul, brother of John II and 3rd of Pitmain, 1st of Strathmashie= dr. Kennedy of Lininallan, Lochaber.
        II Neil
      III Donald I had 3 Sons, John, Kenneth, Donald.
       IV John I=dr. McBain of Kinchyle, 2 sons.
         V John ll=dr. McIntosh of Strone.
       VI Benjamin=dr. McQueen of Clune, 4 sons.
     VII Donald II=Anne, dr. Rev. Lachlan Grant, Kingussie, 2 sons, I dr.
    VIII Alexander= Catharine, dr. Archibald McDonald of Keppoch.
      IX Captain John lll=Jean, dr. Lachlan McIntosh of McIntosh, 1 son, 4 drs. Culloden.
        X Lieut. Lachlan=Mary dr. Archibald Butter. Culloden
        and with Ossian Macpherson 1760:
          (1) Catharine=John Campbell
          (2) Anne=John Macpherson
          (3) Florence=Alexander Macpherson, Achaduchil, in Strathmashie. Gt. grandparents of Lachlan Macpherson=James E. of Hampstead.
          (4) Rachel=James Macpherson Knoydart.

      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 (4,148); Wales (13); Northern Ireland (29); Isle of Man (13); U.S.A. (157); Canada (98); Australia (40); New Zealand (41); Belgium (15); Holland (33); Cuba (2); France (59); Italy (12); West Germany (44); Spain (6); Norway (13); Sweden (12); Denmark (10); Pakistan (7); Uganda (1); South Africa (6); Austra (2); Poland (2); Switzerland (19); Malaysia (4); Yugoslavia (2); Greece (4); Mexico (2); Israel (3).

      Donations from the collection boxes amounted to £263.13, an increase of £19-28 over last year's total.

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      This year, 154 Macphersons visited us, a decrease of 76, and 19 new members were enrolled. In all, 90 application forms were issued to prospective members.

      We are always happy to report the increasing interest shown in the Museum, and this year has been no exception.

      In August, through the good offices of Mr. A. Hylton Moodie, Area Tourist Officer of the Spey Valley Tourist Organisation, we were put in touch with Mr. Malcolm Totten, journalist, feature writer, and broadcaster. Mr. Totten was in the area collecting information on the Wild Life Park to be featured in The New York Times, a widely read journal, and Mr. Moodie suggested an additional feature on the Clan Macpherson. We were most happy to supply the information necessary for such a feature, and await copies of the journal when published.

      We acknowledge with grateful thanks the interest taken by Mr. Moodie in our Clan Association.

      Also in August, we had a photographer from The Reader's Digest Association Ltd., London, in connection with a new gazeteer being produced for the Automobile Association. This is expected to be on sale to the public in February 1973, and under "Newtonmore" is featured, "the Clan Macpherson Museum -- James Macpherson's Fiddle".

      On 10th October, a BBC television crew arrived here in connection with a feature on Scottish Fiddle Music to be televised around February or March 1973.

      Mr. Martin, the chief photographer was very interested in our exhibits, and as a result of his visit and our invitation to him to give the Museum television coverage at some future date, a three-day session is being arranged for sometime in the Spring of 1973,

      We were also happy to assist the BBC in providing information regarding "Cluny of the '45". This was asked for in connection with a series of film strips being prepared for use in schools. Although there is not a great deal of information on this subject, the producer was grateful for the research carried out.

      We are indebted to Mr. Matthew E. Taylor, C.ST.J., F.S.A.SCOT., Ardlea, Horselethill Road, Glasgow, for his interest in the Museum, and especially for the research carried out by him following his visit to the Museum, The information obtained relates to the following:

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      (1) Private John McPherson, born in the Parish of Badenoch and enlisted for unlimited service in the 93rd Highlanders at Edinburgh on 27th October, 1807. Wounded at New Orleans on 8th January, 1815. Discharged in consequence of Chronic Rheumatism 7th November 1826. (Photostatic copy of Discharge Certificate held in Museum.)

      (2) Private John McPherson, born Kingussie, and enlisted for limited service in 5th Coy. 1st Royal Scots at Edinburgh on 24th May, 1813. Discharged on completion of his period of service, 24th May, 1818.

      Complete records of service of "short service" men were lost in a fire many years ago. The brief record of the above mentioned has been extracted from "1st Batn. 1st Foot, or Royal Scots Regiment of Foot Description Book". (Photostatic copy held in Museum.)

      We have obtained a photograph of Colour Sergeant Macpherson.

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Photographs:
      Macpherson, K.C.M.G., C.B.; Major-General Sir William G. Sir Duncan James Macpherson, K.B.I.E.

Decorations conferred on the late Sir W. G. Macpherson:
      Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George;
      Knight Commander, Order of St. Michael and St. George;
      Commander of the Order of the Bath;
      Legion of Honour (France);
      Order of St. John of Jerusalem;
      Commander of the Crown of Italy;
      Order of Japanese Sacred Treasure (3rd Class);
           (attached to Japanese forces during the Russo-Japanese War.)

Decorations conferred on Sir Duncan James Macpherson:
      Knight Bachelor of the Indian Empire.

1914-18 Service Medals:
      Duncan Stuart Ross Macpherson. Killed in action 22/11/14 (son of the above Sir W. G. Macpherson).
      All on Loan from Ronald W. G. Macpherson, Vice-chairman of the Association.

Two Cast Iron Statuettes of Highland Soldiers. (From Mr. Matthew E. Taylor, Glasgow.)

Visitors' Book bound in fine morocco leather: for use in Clan Tent at Rally. (From Mr. Ian Gillies, 2 Linley Avenue, Haxby, York,)

Two Albums of photographs and collection of newspaper cuttings: from 1st Rally onwards;
Particulars of sale of Cluny Estates, Cluny, Ralia, and Catlodge. (From Mrs. Minnie Macpherson, Edinburgh.)

Sheet Music of poem, "In Flanders Field" by Lt. Col. J. McCrae: The music for the above poem was composed by the late A. W. Macpherson, in memory of his brother, John Ross Macpherson, killed in action, 26/8/18. (From Hugh Macpherson, Edinburgh.)

Two Hunting Tartan Curtains:
The material was woven in Pringles Mills, Inverness;

Two pieces of Dinnerware with Cat and Motto. (From Rhoda, Nancy, and Joey Macpherson, Inverness, sisters of Allan G. Macpherson, Past Chairman.)

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Kettle Swee (Chain and Hook)
Caman (Shinty Club)
      The chain and book are approximately 200 years old and were in use in the Croft in Newtonmore by the donor's ancestors. The Caman is hand-made, and at least 100 years old. (From Donald Macpherson, Knock of Clune, Newtonmore.)

[Misellaneous Papers and Books]       (1) Ross's Gaelic Songs
      (2) Marriage of Cluny Macpherson of Cluny Macpherson, 1897
      (3) The Royal Visit to Scotland with other Poems and Songs: James Paterson, Inverness
      (4) A Keppoch Song. A Poem in five Cantos. J. P. Macdonald
      (5) Hail Clan Chattan: Rev. A. Cluny Macpherson, Clan Bard
      (6) Inverness Congress (on Christian Life and Work, held in Inverness, 5/6 October, 1892)
      (7) Clan Chattan. Proceedings of Dinner -- Edinburgh, 1898
      (8) History of Rebellion raised against King George I. By the friends of the Popish Pretender. Rev. Peter Rae, 2nd Edition
      (9) Gaelic Bible
      (10) Book of Common Prayer (Gaelic)
      (From A. I. S. Macpherson, Chairman of the Association.)

Some Military Macphersons of Colonial Pennsylvania
      (From William Lindsay McPherson, M.S.E., Colonel U.S.A. (Retired), 404 Ingles Court, S.W. Blacksburg, Virginia.)

      (1) The Old Highlands. Papers read before the Glasgow Celtic Society, with an Introduction by Neil Munro. Glasgow 1908
      (2) Edward Lluyd in the Scottish Highlands. 1699-1700. J. L. Camp bell and Derick Thomson. Oxford 1963
      (3) The Verge of the Scottish Highlands. William T. Palmer. London 1947
      (4) The Highland Clearances. John Prebble. London 1963
      (5) Hebridean Journey. Halliday Sutherland. London 1939
      (6) Highland Journey -- Suil air Aish. Colin Macdonald. Edinburgh 1943
      (7) Echoes of the Glen -- Mac-Talla nan Gleann. Colin Macdonald. Edinburgh 1936
      (8) A school in South Uist. F. G. Rea. ed. John Lome Campbell. London 1964
      (9) Celtic Myth and Legend. Charles Squire. London. 1910       (10) A Memoir of the Forty-Five. The Chevalier de Johnstone (Transtation). ed. Brian Rawson. Folio Society 1958
      (11) The Jacobite Attempt of 1719. ed. William Kirk Dickson. Scottish History Society 1959
      (12) Prince Charlie. Compton Mackenzie. London 1932

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      (13) Battles of the '45. Katherine Tomasson & Francis Buist. London 1962
      (14) Tartans. Christian Hesketh. London 1961
      (15) Highways and Byways in the West Highlands. Seton Gordon. Illustrated by Sir D. Y. Cameron. London 1935
      (16) Highland Dress. George F. Collie. London 1948
      (17) Highland Superstitions. Rev. Alexander Macgregor. Stirling 1922
      (18) Stories from South Uist. Angus MacLellan, translated John Lorne Campbell. London 1961
      (19) The Peaks, Lochs and Coasts of the Western Highlands. Arthur Gardner. Edinburgh 1928
     (ON LOAN from Captain John Harvey Macpherson, Dunmore, Newtonmore.)

      Family members from all over the world attended the annual rally in Kingussie, Scotland, the heart of the Macpherson country. They came from New Zealand, Australia, North America, France, the British Isles, and Switzerland; and a number of them flew across the Atlantic immediately afterward to attend another rally in Toronto, held in conjunction with the Scottish World Festival at the Canadian National Exhibition.

      With all the men wearing kilts, there were few pants-suits in evidence among the women. Women's Lib, though it may flourish in many areas of the world, will not likely make much progress among the clansmen, and there must be no doubt about who wears the pants in the family.

      The gathering in Scotland featured a "march", including, of course, only the men, and led by the world champion pipe band, the Edinburgh Police. The gathering a week later in Toronto celebrated the first visit of a Macpherson chief to Canada. William Macpherson of Cluny opened the Macpherson night at the CNE evening Tattoo, one of the four clan nights of the festival.

      Clan gatherings always feature a ceilidh somewhere among the celebrations. It's an informal concert-type party, where the master of ceremonies may call upon anyone present to do his thing. The two Macpherson gatherings reflected the differences between the Canadian and British audiences: Scottish eager to participate, Canadians willing to be passively entertained.

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      Eating is an important part of any family celebration, and the clan rallies were liberally sprinkled with teas, receptions and dinners, to say nothing of hospitality extended with specially-imported Cluny whisky. In Scotland, everything stops for tea (or coffee, poured simultaneously with hot milk); but the conversation continues unabated over refreshments.

      The Scottish rally included visits to the Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore, to Cluny Castle, and a climb up Creag Dhu, the Macpherson mountain. In Toronto, a special feature of the rally was a reception at the home of the honorary president of the North American Branch of the Clan Association, Lloyd Macpherson of Aurora. Lloyd lives in a picturesque setting in an old church, imaginatively redesigned into a home.

      The newspapers in Toronto made a great fuss over the Scottish World Festival, so popular this year it has been invited to return again next year to the CNE. Toronto Star columnist, Dennis Braithwaite, who recently tore a strip off Saskatoon in his nationwide column, wrote a piece on the "wonderful Scots" and it appeared in the Star trimmed with a picture of C. D. Macpherson of Saskatoon, perhaps the only piper from this city who took part in the parade of 3,000 pipers and drummers.

      Sheena is a fourth year pupil at Forester School. She is very keen on modern ballroom dancing.

      Sheena is a patrol leader in the 185th Company Girl Guides in Sighthill. We wish her well, and hope to see her at the Rally.

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      Newtonmore's almost proverbial luck with the weather again held and the sun and cloud made beautiful patterns of light and shade on the surrounding hills. The official rain recorder was delighted to report that the rainfall was nil.

      Visitors were present in great numbers, many having their first experience of Highland Games, and the overseas countries recorded in the visitors' book were Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Rhodesia, Sweden and the United States of America.

      The most spectacular event on the programme, the Craig Dhu Hill Rare up the 2,300 feet hill, the course being marked by eight white ponies from the stable of Mr. Cameron Ormiston, Balavil Arms Hotel, was won by Brian Finlayson, aged 25.

Clan March       Once again a major attraction of the gathering was the arrival of Clan Macpherson after a march across the Spey from Old Ralia, one of the former Macpherson holdings.

      The clansmen marched to the Eilan, preceded by the City of Edinburgh Police Pipe Band, this year's and last year's world champions, who also played during the afternoon, and led by Cluny, their Chief -- Mr. W. A. Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie.

      The ancient Bratach Uaine (Green Banner) "which never knew defeat in battle" was proudly borne by Ian Pearson, Sevenoaks, Kent.

      Dr. Kenneth Mackay, Laggan, Chieftain of the Games, welcomed Cluny and his clansmen, and wished them "slainte mhor".

      Acknowledging the welcome Cluny said that the Macphersons regarded it as a great privilege to share the occasion of the Games and on behalf of Macphersons from all over the world he wished the gathering a great and successful day.

      The John Macpherson Trophy for young pipers' pibroch (presented by Mrs. Phosa Macpherson, wife of the Curator of the Clan Museum, Newtonmore) was won by Ian Larg for the second year in succession.

      The Claymore Trophy for the first prizewinner in the young pipers' march, Strathspey and reel (presented by the North of Scotland Milk Marketing Board) was won by Elaine Mamoch, a very accomplished girl piper.

      The Clan Macpherson Trophy for the highest points in all piping events (presented by the Clan Macpherson Association) was awarded to H. McCallum; and the Dr. Kenneth Mackay Quaich for first in the senior pibroch went to Iain Duncan.

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      The Rally began in the Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, with a reception given by Cluny, the Chief of the Clan Macpherson (William Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie), together with his lovely young wife, Madam of Cluny (Sheila) and the Chairman of the Clan Macpherson Association (A. 1. S. Macpherson of Edinburgh and Badenoch).

      They welcomed Macphersons and their septs from all over the world.

      The glittering chandeliers, the swirling tartans, the ladies in their evening dresses gave all the glamour of a Highland Ball.

      Right on to the wee sma' hours the Ball went on with reels, Strathspeys, foxtrots and many other dances. During the evening the clansmen and their ladies were invited to a magnificent buffet-dinner which so delighted the company that they accorded a hearty vote of thanks to the manager, Mr. Levack, and Rose Macpherson (Mrs. Rose Stewart), the chef and their assistants for the excellence of the feast.

      Among the dancers were Garland and Margaret McPherson, North Carolina, U.S.A.; Lea MacPherson, Hartfort, Connecticut, U.S.A.; Captain Mount, R.A., presently serving in Germany; David McPherson, Saskatoon, Canada; Angus MacPherson, Balavil; Pat and Cath MacPherson, Vancouver; Alex. Gillies, Perth, Western Australia; Lloyd Macpherson, formerly the chairman of the North American Branch of the Clan and of the Clan Association; Fred S. Coburn, Schomberg, Ontario, and two sons Rick and Bill; Francis Gillespie, Vancouver; Robert Pearson, the piper of the England and Wales Branch, and many others.

Annual Meeting
      Next morning the annual general meeting of the Macpherson Clan Association was held in the Village Hall, Newtonmore, to an increased attendance.

      The chairman of the Association, Mr. A. 1. S. Macpherson, asked the company to be upstanding in memory of Mrs. Macpherson of Glentruim, a vice-president from the beginning; the vice-chairman, Sir "Jock" Macpherson, Alasdair Macpherson, Lhanbryde, and Deemster Bruce Macpherson of the Isle of Man.

      Councillor Hugh Macpherson of Edinburgh reported that once the improvements had been completed to the Clan Macpherson House and Museum in Newtonmore the building alone would be worth at least £18,000, a magnificent achievement for any clan.

      Work was proceeding apace on fitting out the Drumochter Room as a library, reading-room and centre of the history of the Clan Association

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in memory of Lord Macpherson of Drumochter (Tom Macpherson). A renewed plea was made for all kinds of relics or documents relating to the Clan or the Clan Association.

Impact       The museum and clan house had made a world-wide impact and were drawing an increasing number of visitors.

      Eoin Macpherson, the museum and clan house curator, reported that, despite the severe spring, numbers of visitors were well over two thousand (2,584) and it was just half-way through the season.

      Cluny closed the proceedings, thanking the chairman for the firm good humour in which he discharged his duties.

      Cluny welcomed the larger overseas and home attendance from as far apart as North America, Australia and New Zealand.

      All clansmen were invited to put sprigs of white heather in their bonnets. These had been donated by Minnie, widow of the late Fraser Macpherson, one of the founders of the association.

      At three o'clock that afternoon the men of the Clan Macpherson in their full kilted splendour marched from Old Ralia to the Eilan in Newtonmore where the Newtonmore Highland Games were to be held.

      The world famous Edinburgh Police Pipe Band led the column, followed by the standard-bearer proudly carrying the "bratach Uaine" (the green banner) of the Clan with colour party.

      Cluny led his clansmen and at his side was the young chieftain Glentruim who has only recently entered into his inheritance of Glentruim.

Welcomed       At the Eilan, Cluny was welcomed in Gaelic and English by Dr. Mackay as chief of these Highland Games. Cluny replied on behalf of the Clan and himself in Gaelic and English. Thereafter he dismissed his assembled clansmen and most adjourned to the Macpherson tent.

      That evening a capacity audience, made up of visiting Macphersons and local residents, filled the Victoria Hall, Kingussie.

      Cluny and the chairman of the association were piped-in in traditional manner into the ceilidh to "'s fheudar dhomh fhinn bhi togail dhachaidh direach" (Macpherson Rant) by Ian Fraser.

      The fear-an-fighe was Councillor Hugh Macpherson who excelled himself in his skill at selecting artistes from the audience and inducing a proper ceilidh spirit. The accompanist on the piano, Mr. D. Sinclair, schoolmaster, Newtonmore, was to be congratulated on his fine performance.

      Willie MacDonald from Barra was magnificent singing "An Ribhinn Og air cuimhne agad" and "Fagail Bharraidh".

      Alison Saunders, to the piping of Roger Sharp, inspired the audience with her dancing of the "Gillecalum" (the Highland Fling), the "Seann Truibhais" and the Sword Dance,

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      Evan T. Cattanach stole the hearts of the audience with "Eilidh" and "Loch Maree". Lovely Helen Gall delighted all with "Joy of My Heart -- Isle of Muile" and 'Amazing Grace".

      Police sergeant Richard Smith, Inverness (formerly of Kingussie), and Bob Jackman, Kingussie, gave an uproarious sketch "A change of duty" as Maggie and Aggie. Lovely Pauline MacGillivray entranced the company with "M'endail, m'endail" and with Mary Macpherson's "Soraidh leis an ait".

Meritorious
      The pipers gave a meritorious display; Ian Fraser played the "Bonawe Highlanders". George and Lewis Murdoch and Roger Sharp played "Chi mi Muile" and "Leaving Lismore" particularly well. All four excelled after tea with "The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar" and the "Earl of Mansfield".

      Two little ladies, Helen Macpherson and Carol Williams, sang well. Ishbell Macpherson was well received with "You'll never get to Heaven" and Roy Macpherson recited the Reel of Tullochgorm.

      Jean Macpherson, all the way from Saskatoon, Canada, gave a lovely rendering of "Annie Laurie". Kilted Mick McLeod gave rumbustious spirited renderings of "Jock McGraw o' the Forty-twa" and "Bonnie Peggy.

      Mr. A. I. S. Macpherson gave the vote of thanks and wished one and all "Oidhche mhath is beannachd leibh".

      Among the many clansfolk from overseas attending were Donald and Betty with Julie Macpherson from Toronto, the chairman of the North America Branch; Frances and Donald MacPherson, Vancouver; Cliff Macpherson, Sydney, Australia; Mark and June MacPherson, Montreal; William and Fredricka Macpherson, Virginia, U.S.A.; Miss Galt, Invercargill, and Bob Macpherson, Timaru, both of New Zealand. During the second half of the ceilidh Mr. and Mrs. Donald McGilivray, Minnesota, U.S.A., managed to attend. Worship       Sunday morning saw many of the Macpherson Clan attending divine worship at St. Columba's Parish Church. Cluny read the first lesson, from Joshua, chapter 1. The second lesson was read by the chairman of the Association. The parish minister, Rev. N. B. Wright, preached an inspiring sermon on "Friendship".

      On Sunday afternoon there were three ways in which clansfolk could conclude the rally. They could contact former secretary John Barton, on visiting Cluny's Cave. Alternatively, by kind permission of Captain Lindsay, the grounds of Cluny Castle were on view and, by equally kind permission, Glentruim and his lady were "at home" to departing clansfolk.

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      The animals are five European beaver and five saiga antelope.

      Wild beaver have been extinct in this country since about the twelfth century and all previous attempts to rear the saiga antelope in British zoos have failed.

      Mr. Neil Macpherson, managing director of the park, said the consignment would be flown from Moscow to London this week and a special plane would then take them to Edinburgh.
From THE GLASGOW HERALD -- 14/8/72

DUNCAN MACPHERSON OF BEANN-A-CHAR MD 1812-1867: An extract from his book --

Preface:
      The following work was planned and executed during a passage of six weeks between the ports of Hong Kong and Madras, in those hours which the author could snatch from his professional engagements, and at a period when he laboured under repeated and severe attacks of sickness.

      His aim throughout has been to produce a simple and correct narrative of events, and in this he trusts he has succeeded. The chief portion of the work has been compiled from notes taken by himself at the period of the occurrence of the scenes detailed.

      Two papers published by the author, and now incorporated in this volume, have already appeared in the Chinese Repository, an excellent periodical, published at Macao, to the Editor of which, as also to all who have furnished him with material for his work, he begs now to offer his best thanks.

      The author has to plead good intentions alone against the imperfect execution of the task.
May 1842.

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Page 65: The period allotted to receive a reply from Keshen having expired, on the morning of the 7th, the troops disembarked on the island of Cheumpee, at a small bay, removed from the enemy's position about three miles, and separated from it by rising ground and intervening valleys. The land force was commanded by Major Pratt, H.M. 26th regiment, and consisted of Royal Artillery, and marines, and seamen, 674; 37th regiment, M.N.I. (Madras Native Infantry JB) 607; and Bengal Volunteers, 76. They were also joined by about 100 invalids who had about this time arrived from Chusan. The artillery, with one brass howitzer and two nine-pounders, took up a commanding position, about 300 yards from the hillfort. H.M. ships Calliope, Larne, and Hyacinth, under Captain Herbert, proceeded to bombard the lower fort, while the steamers, Nemesis and Queen, threw shells into the hillfort and entrenchments on the inner side -- the Wellesley and other large ships moving up into mid-channel, in case they might be required.

      The enemy kept up an uninterrupted fire for about an hour, the balls passing over our heads. Had their guns been a little more depressed, much mischief would have been done. When their firing had slackened a little, the infantry advanced. Three companies of the 37th were detached to intercept the enemy in their flight, the main body of the force advanced directly upon the wall, already mentioned as partially surrounding the base of the hill. On the wall were several small field pieces and ginjalls, and from behind it matchlock men were directing their fire upon our advance. Barbed rockets, arrows etc. were also showered down on us in great numbers. After a short struggle, we succeeded in clearing this wall; the column then divided, one portion ascending towards the hillfort, while the other then proceeded round the base of the hill to the lower fort.

      The former was found deserted, but from the latter, and from a wooded hill near it, the enemy still kept up a brisk fire. A party of marines soon dislodged them from the wooded hill, and our well-directed fire upon the lower fort soon obliged the Chinese to evacuate it. The flying enemy were now mowed down in every direction. Finding escape no longer possible, they concealed themselves wherever opportunity offered, some in outhouses and behind walls, and thence, when not perceived, attacking their captors, which soon brought upon themselves indiscriminate slaughter; others, taking to the water, met with the same fate, and those who, from the distance they had gone from the fort, had flattered themselves that their escape was safe, were cut off by the detached companies of the 37th Regiment. Several small mines had exploded during the day, without doing much injury. It was when all was over, and the troops were resting after the fatigues of the day, that a large mine exploded, in which, with several others, I happened to sustain some injury, having been not only exalted several feet, but also considerably scorched, and bruised by the fall of bricks and other missiles.

      The Nemesis meantime was engaged . . .

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Appendix, page 266:
List of Casualties in the Force employed at the Assault and Capture of the Forts and Batteries on Chuenpee, on the 7th January, 1841.

(Signed) A. B. Stransham, Acting Brigade Major.

      He was well-known in Scottish badminton circles having become league secretary of the Edinburgh churches badminton in 1934 and later became general secretary, vice-president and president.

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       In 1946, by chance, he and some friends took a holiday in Newtonmore and from the very first visit came to love the district very much. Very few years passed without a sojourn in Badenoch and was always thrilled by the Annual Gathering and Newtonmore Games.

       Mr. Macpherson, who died within three miles of where he was born was educated at Unley High and the University of Adelaide. He graduated B.A., Dip. Ed. He began teaching in primary schools and switched to technical and high schools. His first headmaster's appointment was to Riverton High School in 1951.

       He had 22 consecutive years as a high school headmaster at Henley, Salisbury, Thebarton Boys Technical High, Norwood Boys Technical High, Woodville and Unley.

      At the time of his death he was vice-president of the S.A. High Schools Headmasters Association. Mr. Macpherson was an elder of the Presbyterian Church and a Rotarian.

      He served in the 2/48 Bn. and 26 Aust. Inf. Bde. in the Middle East and Pacific during World War II.

      The president of the S.A. High Schools Headmasters Association (Mr. M. W. Scriven) said Mr. Macpherson was a meticulous and forthright man, and had been highly regarded in his profession.

      Mr. Macpherson is survived by his widow and a son.

      My notes, compiled early in the 1930s, make it quite clear that the Fersens were indeed descended from Macphersons and that they were very proudly conscious of the fact. Their emigration from Scotland, however, was considerably earlier than the time of Gustavus Adolphus.

      The earliest name on the family tree of the Fersen family was Joachim Macpherson, who had engaged in military service in Poland and had

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been rewarded with a grant of land in Burtslaf, a district of Pomerania (Hinter Pommern). Joachim's dates are unrecorded, but it is clear that he must have left Scotland at some time during the 1500s because, by 1604, the family has already well established and held high, hereditary office in the service of the state. By then they had adopted a local, phonetic version of their surname, which they had coupled with that of their estates. The head of the family was Konrad von Fersen-Burtzlaf.

      Konrad's grandson, was Simon von Fersen-Burtzlaf (fl. c. 1650) who married Roliche von Crolow, by whom he had two sons, Henning and Joachim.

      Henning remained in Pomerania and from him was descended the East Prussian family which, until the war, was represented by the Graf von Versen. I have no information whether any of this family survived.

      Joachim became Governor (Heermeister) of Livonia and Knight of the Order of the Sword. From him are descended the Fersen families of Russia and of Sweden. His Governorship dates from 1670 -- give or take a year or two. When Livonia passed into Russian hands, the Fersen family split in its loyalties, one branch electing to serve the Tsar and the other emigrating to Sweden.

      The Russian Fersens had their nobility confirmed by the Session of Nobility, meeting in Riga. The last representative of whom I have any record is Colonel Graf Fersen, who was A.D.C. to the Grand Duke Vladimir during the revolutionary uprisings of 1905. Graf Fersen sealed his letters with a wildcat crest, identical with that of Cluny.

      The brother who would not reconcile himself to Russian rule took his family to Sweden where, during the wars of the 17th and 18th century, they were reinstated in their noble rank and accorded the title of Count. At the beginning of the 18th century, three brothers held the rank of General in the Swedish army -- all at the same time. These were Fabian von Fersen, Otto-Wilhelm von Fersen and Hans von Fersen.

      General Hans von Fersen, who died in 1736, had a son, Axel von Fersen, who took a leading part in the politics of his time and who rose to be Field-Marshal in the service of the Swedish Crown. It was his son, named Axel after his father, who was the hero of Louis XVII's abortive flight to Varennes with Marie-Antoinette.

      The male line of the Swedish Fersens died out with Count Hans von Fersen, a nephew of Count Axel, who died without issue in 1839. His sister was the last to bear the name and she married Count GyIdestolpe. Their son, a Major-General in the Army and Master of the King's Horse, coupled his maternal and paternal surnames, calling himself Fersen-Gyldenstolpe. Indeed, he went further -- for he used a seal bearing the Macpherson cat-a-mountain and the motto "Touch not the Cat bot a Glove". It is tempting to believe that this was an ancient seal, inherited from old Joachim Macpherson of three centuries previously. I fear, though, that it was far more likely to have been a modern production.

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      Possibly the most interesting aspect of the long history of the Fersens is that which shows that they held tenaciously to their pride in their Scottish ancestry. The various branches of the family were ennobled by Poland, Russia, Sweden and Prussia but, whilst acknowledging themselves subjects of the various monarchs and whilst rendering notable service to the various realms, they still barked back to their descent from old Joachim Macpherson. The affair is made still more extraordinary when it is realised that the name of 'Scot' was far from being honoured in Eastern Europe, during the 16th and 17th centuries -- it was a generic term of opprobrium, applied to sorners, vagabonds, tinkers and travelling salesmen.

      There remains just one note to add. It may be argued that Joachim is a most unlikely name for a Highlander of the 16th century. So it is -- if it is pronounced in the English manner. Give the name an East Prussian pronunciation, however, with a slight clipping of the first vowel and its origin is immediately obvious. 'Joachim' Macpherson was called by the good Gaelic name of Eachann (anglice, Hector) and the German spelling serves as a very close phonetic rendering.]

[A message from Prof. Alan G. Macpherson dated 23 May 2007 states that Dr Carl von Essen, an expert on Swedish armorial families, has informed him that the origins of the von Fersen/Versen/Person families of Germany, Sweden and Russia are unlikely to have been in Scotland.

Their comprehensive genealogy is in works by Elgenstierna and is based on an 1885 publication Geschichte des Geschlechts von Verzen und von Fersen by F. von Versen. It mentions the Scottish origin theory but documents early members of the family: Alexander v. Verson (1180-1217), Conrad v. Versen (1304), Simon v. Fersen (1450). As these dates are earlier than the appearance of the surname 'Macpherson' in any part of Scotland. Furthermore, Dr von Essen has checked the family armorials and says categorically that there was never a wildcat or any animal then indigenous to Scotland on their shields, which showed what is distinctly a lion. -- RM

      Robert and Pauline McGillivray, featured above, although not belonging to the Association, are well known to members through their activities Highland circles in Edinburgh and by their regular attendance at the Rally. Pauline's graceful singing of Gaelic songs has been a feature of our Rally ceilidh in recent years. Robert's accomplishments are in the historical field. He has recently completed writing a history of his own clan which is expected to appear in mid-1973.

      This happy couple are also co-editors of our sister annual, the Journal of the Clan Chattan Association.

{Pauline was elected Chairman of the Clan Chattan Association in 2001 and became a Dionadairean of Clan Macpherson in 2002. Bert continues to edit the Journal which is a treasure trove of articles relating to the Clan Mapherson. When I finish republishing Creag Dhubh on this website I plan on to start doing the same for the Journal, the first issue of which appeared in 1934. -- RM]

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The FAIR WEDDING by Lachlan MacPherson, Strathmashie can be sung or played as a strathspey or reel, and is an excellent pipe tune:

                                                                            An cuala' sibhs' a' bhainnis bhan
                                                                            Bh' aig Eobban Mac-Dhughall di-mairt
                                                                            Ann am Pachd-ulla gu h ard
                                                                            Aig an traigb iad an gar.
                                                                                           Mo run air, etc.

                                                                            'Nuair a thainig iad a nios
                                                                            Rinn iad ath-chuinge ri Brian,
                                                                            Iad a bhi uile co-liath,
                                                                            Ri ciabhag Fhir na bainnse.
                                                                                           Mo run air, etc.

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                                                                            Labhair Fear na bainnse fein,
                                                                            "Tha dath airgid oirnn gu leir,
                                                                            God an cron tha oirnn fo 'n ghrein
                                                                            Mur dean fear-beurra rann oirnn?"
                                                                                            Mo run air, etc.

                                                                            Thuirt Paul Mac-Mhuirich gu. foil,
                                                                            "Agam-sa 'ta 'bhratach stroil,
                                                                            Is mur sguir am Bard dhe' sgleo
                                                                            Mar tha mi beo theid sreang air!"
                                                                                            Mo run air, etc.

AND

      "Jean Macpherson (sic) at Home, aged 32, of Bowman Cottage, Liberton. The daughter of Thomas Macpherson (deceased), and Jean Wight."

The birth of Lachlan Macpherson (junior) was next found to have been recorded thus:
      "Lachlan Macpherson born the 12th March 1891 at Baliscate House, Tobermory. The son of Archibald Macpherson, farmer, and Marie Campbell, who were married on the 13th December 1884 in Oban."

The marriage of the above couple was next found to have been recorded thus:
      "13th December 1883 at the Caledonian Hotel, Oban, Parish of Kilmore and Kilbride. After Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland. Archibald McPherson (sic) farmer, bachelor, aged 37, of Blackwell, Dingwall. The son of Lachlan Macpherson, farmer, and Christina Cameron (deceased)."

AND

      "Mary Proctor Campbell, farmer's daughter, aged 27, of Croig, Mull. The daughter of Colin Campbell, farmer, and Elizabeth Proctor."

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The 1891 Census Schedules for Kilninian and Kilmore were next consulted, and the following entry was found:
      "Address: Tobermory
      Archibald Macpherson, head of house, aged 46, farmer, born in Ardnamurchan, Argyll speaking Gaelic and English
      Mari, his wife, aged 35, born in Kilchrenan and Dalavich speaking Gaelic and English
      Elizabeth,           his daughter, aged 6, born in Kilninian & Kilmore
      Christina, M.      "           "     "      4,
      Jessie Mag         "      "      "       2.
      Lachlan, his son, aged under 1 month,
      Christina Anderson, his niece, unmarried, aged 19, born in Glasgow, speaking Gaelic and English
      Colin Campbell, his father-in-law, aged 88, widower, retired farmer, born in Kilchrenan & Dalavich
      Johan Macdonald, his servant, aged 23, born in Ardnamurchan."

Other children found to have been recorded to Archibald Macpherson and Mary Campbell, in the 'modern records' were:
      Elizabeth Proctor Campbell born 21:10:1884 at Georg (sic) Kilninian and Kilmore
      Christina Mary born 12:8:1886 at Craig
      Jessie Maggie Campbell born 22:11:1888 at Baliscote House, Tobermory
      Colin Campbell born 7:1:1893 at 91       "       "      

Prior to 1855 registrations of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Scotland were voluntarily recorded in the old parochial registers (unindexed) of each parish. The old parochial registers of Ardmurchan, and of its co-terminous parishes of Aharacle and Strontian were next searched, between 1820 and 1854, for the birth of Archibald Macpherson, but this was not found to have been recorded in any of these parishes, however, other children were found to have been recorded to his parents, in the old parochial registers of Aharacle, as follows:
      "Anne lawful daughter of Lachlan McPherson (sic) and Christian Cameron Ardtoe born 23rd July 1835"

Also:
      Donald born 15:12:1830 in Ardtoe (presumably died young)
      Catherine born 15: 8:1833 in Ardtoe
      Ewen born 17: 8:1841 baptised 27:8:1845 (sic) at Shielfoot
      Donald born 15th May baptised 18:6:1848 at Shielfoot."

The old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan, Aharacle and of Strontian were next searched between 1825 and 1830, for the marriage of Lachlan Macpherson (senior) and Christina Cameron, which was

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found to have been recorded in the old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan, thus:
      "4th March 1828 Lauchlan (sic) McPherson (sic) son of John, tenant Aryvegaig, to Christina Cameron, Ardtow, sister of Alex. Cameron."

The 1851 and 1861 Census Schedules for Aharacle were next consulted and the following entries were found:
In 1851
      Address: Shiel Foot
      Lachlan McPherson (sic), head of house, aged 43, farmer of 3 acres, born in Aharacle
      Christina, his wife, aged 43, born in Aharacle
      Ann, his daughter, aged 14, born in Aharacle
      Archd, 12, born in Aharacle
      Sarah, his daughter, 10, born in Aharacle
      John, his son, 8, born in Aharacle
      Hugh, his son, 5, born in Aharacle
      Donald, his son, 3, born in Aharacle

In 1861
Address: 6 Shiel Foot       Lachlan McPherson (sic) head of house, aged 52, farmer, of 2-1/2 acres, born in Aharacle, Argyll
      Janet, his wife, aged 36, born in Aharacle, Argyll
      Hugh, his son, 15, born in Aharacle, Argyll
      Donald, his son, 12, born in Aharacle, Argyll
      Donald, his son, 2, born in Aharacle, Argyll
      Christy, his daughter, 1, born in Aharacle, Argyll
The 1871 Census Schedules for Aharacle were also consulted but Lachlan Macpherson, and his family were not found to have been living in this parish, at this date.

Lachlan Macpherson, senior, was next found to have died on the 9th December 1888, at Shielfoot, Aharacle. He was described, in his death entry, as a crofter, aged 82, married to Janet Cameron, and the son of John Macpherson, crofter, and Ann Macpherson, both deceased, unfortunately the maiden surname of his mother was not known, by his son, Donald Macpherson, who gave the information for this death entry.

Christina Cameron, or McPherson (sic) was next found to have died on the 16th October 1856 at Shielfoot, Aharacle. According to her death entry, she was then aged 53, married, and the daughter of Donald Cameron, farmer, and Ann Cameron, maiden surname Cameron, both

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deceased. The information for this death entry was given by her husband, Lachlan McPherson (sic).

The second marriage of Lachlan Macpherson (senior) to Janet Cameron, was then found to have been recorded thus:
      "9th March 1858, at Aharacle, after Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland. Lachlan MacPherson (sic) aged 50, of Shielfoot, crofter, widower. The son of John MacPherson, farmer (deceased) and Ann MacPherson, maiden surname McPherson (sic).

AND

      Janet Cameron, aged 33, of Shielfoot, Aharacle. The daughter of Donald Cameron, farmer, and Mary Cameron, maiden surname Cameron."

Children found to have been recorded in the 'modern' records, to the above couple, were:
      Donald born 27:11:1858 at Shielfoot, Aharacle
      Christy born 1: 2:1860 at Shielfoot, Aharacle
      John born 13: 3:1862 at Shielfoot, Aharacle
      Catherine born 23: 4:1864 at Shielfoot, Aharacle

The old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan (no birth records between April 1809 and May 1810 and irregular after 1812), and of Strontian (no birth records prior to May 1804 and blank between October 1811 and March 1814), Aharacle, having no birth records prior to 1829, were next searched, where possible, between 1804 and 1819, for the birth of Lachlan Macpherson (senior), but this was not found to have been recorded in either of these parishes, however, a child to his parents was found to have been recorded in the old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan, thus:

      "29th March 1813. John son of John MacPherson, tenant Aryvegaig, and of Anne McPherson his wife."

No other children were found to have been recorded to the above couple in the old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan or Strontian.

The old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan, unfortunately have no extant marriage records, apart from a few entries prior to 1810, and the old parochial registers of Strontian have no marriage records prior to 1804 and are blank between February 1811 and January 1815, and the marriage of John Macpherson and Anne McPherson was, therefore, not found to have been recorded in either of these parishes.

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The 1841 Census Schedules for Ardnamurchan and of Strontian were next consulted, but neither John Macpherson nor Anne McPherson was found to have been living in either parish at this date.

The General Index of Deaths for Scotland was next searched for the death of Anne McPherson, or Macpherson, in Ardnamurchan and Aharacle between 1858 and 1870, but no relevant entry was found to have been recorded.

The old parochial registers of Ardnamurchan (no records prior to 1777 and very irregular up to 1802) were next searched for the birth of John Macpherson, between 1777 and 1793, but this was not found to have been recorded and the investigation was accordingly here concluded.

      We suggest that interested readers write direct to Stuart at Chateau Cluny, 768 Ormonde Street, Bryanston, near Johannesburg, South Africa. A further address is P.O. Box 41479, Craig Hall, Transvaal, South Africa. Perhaps we might have a few bottles of Chateau Cluny in our Clan tent at future rallies!

      One advantage of wine-taking compared to book-collecting is that one need not make houseroom for empty bottles!

      However, taking the risk of having to find book-room we could examine the books that are on the market and might be of interest.
           (1) A Complete Theory of the Scots Highland Bagpipe by Joseph MacDonald (S.R. Publishers Ltd. £2). This is a reprint of the first book on the pipes and piobaireachd written between 1760 and 1763. Unfortunately the printer was not able to read the manuscript and "Taorluath" is given as "Iuludh" for "Tuludh" etc. but it remains a great fount of interest to pipers.

      There are two schools of MacCrimmon, interpretation the Cameron School and our own Macpherson School (through Calum Piobaire whose cairn is to be seen to this day in Laggan and whose son, Angus, is still amongst us). Accordingly this book can be of great interest.

            (2) Our sister journal Clan Chattan 1973 is available from Mrs. St. Clair Shaw, Hillpark, Balmore, Stirlingshire, at 25p. A lovely study of John Lachlan Mackintosh in the frontispiece would move any clanswoman's heart! It is well and movingly illustrated, full of interest, for instance over 12,000 lbs. of litter were cleared from the Cairngorms in August 1972 -- Wolves in Badenoch -- Parish Registers of Kingussie and Insh etc.

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The Clan Chattan Bond of 1543 is referred to. May Mackintosh refers to pony-trekking. A. 1. S. Macpherson's article on the origin of Balavil shows an accurate vital scholarly mind. All in all it makes good sound reading and the Editors are to be congratulated. The previous Editor Meta MacBean is to be congratulated too, on her forthcoming marriage.

            (3) The Clan Macpherson -- Past and Present obtainable from the Clan House, Newtonmore, is compulsory reading for every person of the Clan.

            (4) Professor Derick Thomson, formerly of Aberdeen University and now Professor of Celtic at Glasgow University is the greatest and most influential Gaelic scholar of our day.

            Those of us anxious to have an insight into our ancestral language and land would do well to consider reading some of the following books in which Professor Thomson writes:
                  1. The MacMhuirich Bardie Family (Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, 92 Academy Street, Inverness).
                  2. Literature in Celtic Countries edited by J. E. C. Williams (University of Wales Press, Cardiff 1971)
                  3. The Future of the Highlands, Edited by Professor Derick Thomson and Ian Grimble (Rontledge & Kegan Paul 1968).                   4. Leabhar na Feinne -- Heroic Gaelic Ballads collected in Scotland chiefly from 1512 to 1871 with introduction, Professor Derick Thomson from J. F. Campbell's arrangement in the Irish University Press, Shannon, Ireland's series of Scottish Reprints (1972).

      All these books and many others can be obtained from Gairm Publications, 29 Waterloo Street, Glasgow C.2 and from An Comunn Gaidhealach, Abertarff House, Inverness IVI 1EU. Both organisations will send a free copy of their catalogues and will answer all enquiries on application.

      Finally may we call your attention to the current volume (the fortyseventh) of the Transactions of the Gaelic Society, Inverness, 92 Academy Street, Inverness, to Hugh Barron's Sgenlachdan Bhaideanach (Stories of Badenoch followed by Rev. R. Macpherson's article on the making of a Highland Parish).

      Till we see you once again at the Rally -- Beannachd leibh.

From THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW -- 9th March, 1973 . . .
Property

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      Now a two-acre property in the Melbourne suburb of Canbury, Kingussie was acquired by a former chairman of McPherson's Ltd., the late W. E. McPherson whose grandfather founded the company.

      A son, Mr. W. D. McPherson, is the present chairman of McPherson's and a director of Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd.

      Built about 90 years ago, the mansion was part of a 15-acre vineyard. The property was bought by Mr. McPherson in 1925.

      The mansion's name comes from the McPherson's family seat in Scotland, Kingussie. Every year, in the first weekend of August, a rally is held at Kingussie of the McPherson clan.

      Mrs. W. E. McPherson said: "We could have bought a property in Toorak for the, price we paid but we could not have acquired the same amount of land."

      Mrs. McPherson added: "There used to be a view of 180 degrees with little farms all around. And there used to be foxes and blue wrens. But it all changed after the war as houses replaced the farm."

      Last year over 5,000 people visited the new museum in Newtonmore, and when the Drumochter Room is opened in August this year, greater interest than ever will be evinced in our activities.

      Our curator Eoin Macpherson and his wife Phosa are doing a wonderful public relations job for the Association, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude. Their work is surely a labour of love but then of course this is just what we would expect from two enthusiastic Macphersons thoroughly imbued with a tremendous appreciation of the heritage and glorious traditions of our Clan, surely an oasis in this materialistic world.

      Donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged by me.

                  HUGH MACPHERSON
Chairman, Clan Macpherson House and Museum Appeal Fund 17 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh EH12 5EA
Telephone 031-225 4008

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      A daughter of the Manse -- her father being the late Rev. Dr. Robert Macpherson of Elgin -- Catherine Macpherson came to Bina in its early years and served there, with great acceptance, in peace and in the dark days of war. Her care and concern are remembered with deep gratitude by former residents in many parts of the country and indeed throughout the world. Her service to her Church was equally devoted.

      Miss Macpherson travelled to London on the occasion of Bina's Golden Jubilee two years ago and at that time also she was instrumental in arranging a re-union in Edinburgh to which former residents came in large numbers from all over Scotland. Those who were present at these events will recall her warm enthusiasm and joy at meeting her "girls" again.

      Catherine Macpherson's life was spent in loving service to her Church and her fellows and for her no more appropriate epitaph could be written than the words of our Saviour: "Well done thou good and faithful servant ... Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

. . . from St. Columba's Church Magazine (London)

Murray Macpherson, Sydney, Nova Scotia
      A loyal supporter of The Clan Association and for many years Chairman of The Maritime Region of the Canadian Branch.

James F. MacPherson, Sr., Sarnia, Ontario

Mr. David Macpherson , Inverness

Mrs. Anna Macdougall, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire

Mrs. Beryl Nan Weesel, Malta

Mr. William McChlery J.P., Glasgow

Mr. John Macpherson, 10 Montague Terrace, Edinburgh

Mrs. Madeline McPherson, Kaimhill, Aberdeen

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2402 William Avenue,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
Canada.
September 12, 1972.

      Colin Donald was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 1922, and I was born a year later in the same hospital. Though it may seem incredible in a town of less than 40,000 people, we did not meet for 15 years.

      Prince Albert is the most northerly of the three or four "cities" in the province, 3,000 miles west of Halifax and 1,000 miles east of Vancouver.

      Donald's father, Arthur Yates Macpherson, was born in Nova Scotia, the son of James Macpherson and Johanna MacArthur of Macpherson's Ferry. His mother was Greta Grant Murray, also of Cape Breton.

      My people lived in Kirkmuirhill, near Glasgow, and my husband tells me that makes me a Sassenach, though my father, James Yuill, claimed membership in the Clan Buchanan and his mother was a Scott.

      Donald has followed his father's footsteps and made his career with the Canadian National Railway, after serving with the Canadian Armed Forces (Engineers) overseas in the Second World War.

      We have five children. Hugh Donald, born in 1948, took to the bagpipes early under his father's tuition, and quickly progressed to the Canadian Junior Championship at 15. That same summer he instructed and prepared for competition a pipe band from Bismarck, North Dakota, which competed in the National Band Festival in Moose Jaw, Sask.

      Joining the Canadian Black Watch, Hugh was privileged to participate in the 1967 Centennial Tattoo of the Canadian Armed Forces, and appeared on the Ed Sullivan television show in New York.

      Since the Black Watch has been deactivated in Canada, Hugh is now a piper in the Royal Canadian Regiment stationed at Gagetown, New Brunswick. He is married and has a son, Iain Donald. Playing with the RCR's in the Scottish World Festival at the 1972 CNE, he also entered a young band from Andover, N.B., which he had instructed.

      Colin David, our second son, showed a preference for the land of his ancestors, and now lives in Aberdeen where he is studying medicine. He was joined there in 1971 by his sister, Laurie Margaret, who is taking nursing at the Royal Aberdeen Infirmary.

      Barbara Jean, who fits into the family between David and Laurie, took her Highland dancing rather more seriously than her sister, and began teaching a small dancing class while still in high school. Winner of a number of medals and trophies (three at Newtonmore in 1967), Barbara had upwards of 100 dancing pupils in her class when our family removed to Saskatoon in 1969.

      Barbara was joined in the Macpherson School of Highland Dancing administration and instruction by her sister, who also holds a number of honours in the art. Both girls have danced at ceilidhs of the North American Branch of the Clan Macpherson Association, of which their brother Hugh is branch piper.

      Now 22, Barbara is a school teacher, married and living in Moorhead, Minnesota.

      While in Prince Albert, we were able to establish the Highland Dancing and Piping Association which now sponsors the continuing dancing school, though the class is smaller now and there is little piping instruction being carried on in the city.

      Donald, who was called upon to pipe for many official openings, sports events, ceremonies and social gatherings in Prince Albert, is more proud of a number of young people who started piping under his tuition and now continue with their art

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in many parts of Canada. Donald himself piped with the North Saskatchewan Pipes and Drums until he reached the militia retirement age of 50.

      (In Toronto at the 1972 Canadian National Exhibition, Donald joined the parade of 3,000 pipers and drummers, adding the thrilling experience to his memories of playing for the former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, and taking part in the Calgary Stampede parade.)

      We have another daughter, Eilidh Morag, who at ten is attempting to live up to her Gaelic name by studying Highland dancing too. Like her sister Laurie who specialised in singing, Morag is beginning to perform the delightful old Highland songs.

      As the only "Sassenach" in the group, I have attempted to stay in the background and push. I hesitate to count the number of kilts I have created for dancing pupils from two years up, or the number of times I have thumped out The Keel Row on the piano for little ones to do a six-step Fling. I have never, however, touched a practice chanter, as I'm told, "It's no job for a woman."

      My idea of a perfect ceilidh would be one where I have nothing to do but sit in the audience and clap; it hasn't happened yet.

      During the years in which the children were growing up, I was involved in TV production and script-writing; but on moving to this city of 120,000, 1 returned to my earlier career of journalism, and now am Women's Editor of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, a daily newspaper.

      Though we love Canada, and have taken pleasure in contributing as we could to our society, we feel a tremendous pull to Scotland, and we spent as many holidays as possible there even before part of our family decided to make Aberdeen their home.

      It is our hope to retire to Badenoch in a few years' time, so that we may be more centrally located among our children, and closer to places we might want to visit as tourists.

Sincerely,
JEAN.

385 Pl. Louisiane 210
Longueuil, P.Q.
March 19, 1973

Yours truly, GERALD R. MACPHERSON

Augustine Bristo
Congregational Church,
George IV Bridge, Edinburgh
November 14, 1972

      There will be an opportunity to welcome the new minister and his wife after the service in the church hall.

Yours sincerely,
A. GRAHAM (Honorary Minister)

9 Wokurna Avenue,
Mitcham, South Australia.
December 22, 1972.

      My apologies for being rather "long winded" in doing so, but take as my excuse that immediately following the Rally, John Lawrie and I resumed our World Study Tour on housing, finally returning to Adelaide and then busily preparing and submitting reports.

      Suffice to say that things now being back to normal I can think more of the many Macpherson "cousins" I had the privilege to meet last year.

      I was extremely saddened to read of the death of Sir John Macpherson, but so interested in Lord Drumalbyn's written eulogy. It recalled my even so brief meeting with him after the church service for I was particularly interested in his involvement as Chairman of the Basildon New Town Development Corporation. Furthermore, I can well remember that during my sojourn in Palestine with the Australian Imperial Force during World War II a Macpherson was Chief Secretary.

      My one regret concerning the Rally was that I was unable to visit the Museum during my brief stay, and might I suggest that consideration be given towards a "special" viewing for those who, because of circumstances may not get the opportunity during official opening hours.

      May I conclude by conveying to you my appreciation of the very fine Annual of the Clan Macpherson Association, Creag Dhubh. During the past few years I have eagerly awaited its arrival, but now, having met the editor together with committee men and members of the Association, I find it has assumed an even more important place in my life.

      Naturally my most pleasant memory among many in 1971 was being presented to Cluny, and dancing with his most gracious lady.

Sincerely yours,
WALLACE MACPHERSON.

26 Ruthrie Terrace,
Aberdeen.
November 29, 1972.

      I am sorry to tell you that she had been in poor health for some time which, no doubt, had been obvious to you at the Rally. This has in fact been the reason for her not being able to fulfil her promise.

      My mother passed away on the seventeenth of this month as an end to three and a half years' illness and after all her previous suffering throughout her several operations, we can only be grateful that she left us peacefully and without any final pain or suffering.

      Her pride in the Macpherson Clan was extreme and she looked forward so much to seeing an intimation of my sister's recent wedding. The picture enclosed was her pride and joy and is as my sister expressed "all the men in her life" being that of her and her husband together with her three brothers and father. From right to left in the picture the names are Ian D. McPherson, Charles I. McPherson (jun.), Brian Kenny, Madeline H. Kenny nee McPherson, Charles I. McPherson (Sen.), and myself, Norman G. McPherson. All our family are indeed members of the Clan Macpherson Association as can be seen by the clan badges so proudly displayed.

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      My own wedding took place on November 4 and I would be obliged if you could let me know if it would also be possible to include in the Creag Dhubh a photograph of my wife and I who will naturally become a new member of the clan. If it would be possible, please advise me at your earliest convenience and I will forward a photograph.

      I would also intimate that on February 17 this year my brother, Ian D. McPherson and his wife, Lorna, became the proud parents of twins, Harris and Katrin, completing to date a family of three, the eldest daughter being Iona, aged 3 years.

      My mother received a further year of life after her last big operation and allowed her to witness all the aforementioned developments which we are all extremely grateful for and makes our sorrowful loss that little easier to bear.

      Hoping the above details are found satisfactory, but I will be only too pleased to furnish anything further you may think would be of interest to other clan members.

Yours sincerely,
N. G. MCPHERSON.

Address?

      I promised myself that some day I would attend the Rally as I feel that as many Macphersons should do.

      On Wednesday, March 15, I was fortunate to meet you when you expressed a wish to see me at the Rally, so there and then my mind was made up to join the 1972 Rally.

5 Clifton Crescent,
Folkestone, Kent.
5th October, 1972.

      His last appointment being, Senior Naval Officer West Indies. This is rather important as there is no such rank as Commandent in the Navy.

      I shall be much obliged if you will see this is corrected in your next issue. He had a D.S.O. not an O.B.E.

Yours very sincerely,
(Mrs.) E. TUDOR.

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