THE MACLEANS' GATHERING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 24 October 1912, Page 3

THE MACLEANS' GATHERING.

JL spectacle of more than usual interest to Scottish people was witnessed on Saturday, August 26, at Castle Duart in the island of Mull, when the Clan Maclean took formal possession of their old castle, for 200 years the property of others. Clansmen came to assist at this ceremony from all quarters of the globe, from half-a-dozen States of America, from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Holland, to mention only a few countries. They were 400 in all, these Macleans who came to the ceremony at Duart. Special steamers were chartered to convey the guests from Oban to Mull. All the men wore the Maclean kilt —bright red ground and black and green with white stripe, and all. the men and women had a little button-hole of heather. Pipers played en route, and the sun shone genially as if to add to the rejoicings as the party, gaily bedight, proceeded to Castle Duart. On landing, the Clan formed up in processional order, and marched to the door of the old castle, not long since in a rather ruined condition, but Lately renovated by architects. In traditional wise the head of the procession, Captain Maclean of Argour, walked up the steps, and, knocking at the door, called in Gaelic: "The Clan is waiting without to give you welcome in the castle of your ancestors." At this the door was opened, and the Chief, accompanied by Lady Maclean and members of their family, appeared and welcomed the guests amid cheers. The Chief uttered the Gaelicwords "Cead rnille Faiite," and the

>er played "The Chief's Welcome to Duart," specially composed for the occasion. The Chief, after an address to those assembled, unfurled the banner of the Clan, which for 200 years had not blown over the ancient castle, and hoisted it to the top of the castle keep, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the assembled company.