Clan Macpherson Association - Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch

We always welcome news from our Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch members. If you have any news that you would like to share, then please let your Webmaster know.

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Autumn Event 2024

Our Autumn social event in Perth was a resounding success. Following an efficient AGM we enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Giddy Goose after which we headed over for our tour of the Perth Museum. While the greatest draw is undoubtedly the wonderful immersive Stone of Destiny Experience, there were so many more highlights of these local relics. From a spectacular 3,000 year old logboat hollowed out from a single tree trunk to a mysterious collection of Neolithic stone balls, all carved into strange shapes but why boggles the mind. Incredible to see the only known full Maori kākāpō feather cloak in existence to an extremely rare 17th century Doublet of slashed cream silk. Who knew designer torn clothing was so old! The complete duck/hen’s egg laid almost 800 years ago, found during excavations on the High Street. The fact it wasn’t eaten by neither man nor beast in that time, is a feat in itself. For those who have not yet explored the museum, there was unanimous agreement that we would heartily recommend it. Thank you to everyone who made this such a fun and relaxed day out and thank you to all those who organised the day so perfectly. Details of our Spring social event in Perthshire coming soon.

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Summer Picnic 2024

The day stayed fair for our Picnic in the Park and we all had a very happy day. The Picnic Hut at Craigtoun Country Park came into its own as a shelter from the wind and the sun came out in time for a walk around the park and a treasure hunt. Some of our more intrepid members took to the boating lake whilst others enjoyed the D-Day celebration displays and the Italian and Japanese gardens. There was plenty of time to talk to everyone and to catch up with ‘the news’ and we are now looking forward to seeing each other again at the Clan Macpherson Gathering in Newtonmore in August and at the Branch Autumn Social Event in Perth in October.

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Spring Bite & Blether 2024

In a break with tradition, and instead of a Burns’ Supper, our Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch members got together on Saturday 16th March for an informal ‘Bite & Blether’. Macphersons of all ages met at the Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh for lunch after which they tried their hand at traditional skittles. The men’s team took on the ladies’ team with the ladies victorious! It was a very happy event and we hope to arrange a similar, informal get together in Spring 2025. Bite 1

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Autumn Social Event and AGM 2023

The Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch Autumn Event was held on Saturday 14th October in Dundee. The AGM and Lunch were held at the Queen's Hotel where Moray Cattanach was elected as our new Chairman. Those who had not already seen the Tartan Exhibition then walked to the Dundee V&A to enjoy the exhibition. Our tartan clad members certainly got noticed. It was a very enjoyable day out for our branch members.

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Summer Picnic 2023

The Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch Summer picnic was held on 3rd June 2023 at Craigtoun Country Park near St Andrews, Fife. The Park offers a very comfortable picnic hut, complete with games, but the sun shone and the picnickers were able to enjoy their lunch outside. After lunch, the group made full use of the park with some enjoying the letter hunt and some the park's facilities including the trampolines! Mostly, the event was a chance to catch up with old (and new) friends and to enjoy Scotland at its best. Even the branch mascot, Sandi, came too and was warmly included by the branch members.

Scotland and Northern Ireland Branch Burns Supper 2023

The Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch Burns Supper was held on 11th February 2023 at the Huntingtower Hotel in Perth. Our Branch Chairman Annie Le Roy-Lewis was the Fear an Taighe, introducing a wealth of talent to a very receptive and welcoming audience. The evening began with William and John Macpherson who piped in the haggis. Their grandmother, Catherine Macpherson addressed the haggis with great aplomb. Joyce Cattanach said grace before a supper of Cock-A-Leekie Soup, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and Sticky Toffee Pudding after which Alistair Macpherson gave the Loyal Toast – his first to our new King. Sandy Macpherson gave an eloquent and educational Immortal Memory … with no notes. Jamie Macpherson, Chief of the Clan, then stepped up to give the Toast to the Lassies, which Ewen MacPherson had written and was meant to deliver but illness meant a last minute cancellation so Jamie instead delivered Ewen’s entertaining and playful Toast. Helen Barton gave a light hearted and humorous reply before acting as a ‘prop’ for Bill Macpherson’s riotous recitation of ‘To A Louse’. Our young pipers ended a very happy and entertaining evening with a ‘skirl of the pipes’. During the evening, the branch mascot ‘Sandi' was passed on to Sandy and Catherine who will take Sandi on adventures in Edinburgh before he moves on to another member during the Spring. This branch event is an annual fixture in our Branch calendar and is always a wonderful opportunity to join fellow clan members for our first event of the year. Although primarily for Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch members, all Clan Members are welcome and we invite all Association members to join us next year.