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THE GATHERING - 2009

The Gathering in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, July 25-26, 2009, will be one of the major events of Homecoming Scotland - a year long celebration.

The Gathering is being hosted by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

It is primarily a celebration of the contribution that the clans have made to the culture and history of Scotland, and will be one of the largest clan gatherings ever witnessed. A series of unique events being designed to commemorate the occasion. It is estimated that there will be over 80 clan tents, with over 7500 clan members from around the world. The Highland Games, that are an integral part of The Gathering , should attract a further 30,000 people over the 2 days.

The Gathering 2009 has the honour of hosting the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Athletic Championships. Over the weekend the largest highland games ever to have been held in Edinburgh will play host to the greatest international clan gathering to have taken place on Scottish soil.

Set in the magnificent Royal Park of Holyrood, with its breathtaking volcanic backdrop of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, it will showcase heavy events such as caber tossing and hammer throwing, accompanied by time honored disciplines such as piping and highland dancing. There will be a host of contemporary musicians, high-quality Scottish arts and crafts and a 'taste experience' of the best of Scotland's produce.

In all, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in your Scottish heritage and its rich wealth of traditions.

If you have interest and are planning to attend, please contact President Hattenbrün, FSA Scot at cks-pres@clankeithusa.org and ask that your name be added a the list. Then updates on any society plans can be forwarded directly to you! Don't wait! This is a DO NOW !

More information can be found at:   www.clangathering.org.

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More signings of Clan Keith Visitor's Book...

The Buchan Area Manager's office were happy to welcome and offer hospitality to Alan Keith and his family when they came Peterhead to discover their routes in the North East of Scotland on Tuesday, 24 July from Main USA. They visited various castles and inspected the relics at a range of locations in Buchan.

Pictured above: Alan and Alison Keith signed the Clan Keith book which is located in Arbuthnot House and is open for public viewing.

(Thanks to Elaine Dixon, Senior Clerical Assistant, for sending the photos and note to Darrell Keith)

The Buchan Observer - January 9, 2007

Clan Keith visitors book gets official seal of approval

LAST week the 14th Earl, Chieftain of the Clan Keith, and Countess of Kintore became the first signatories of the Clan Keith Visitors Book at Tuesday's launch event at Arbuthnot House in Peterhead.

A warm invitation was extended to all descendents of the Clan Keith to
visit the town and to sign the book.

Chair of the Buchan area committee, Councillor Stuart Pratt, opened the
ceremony stating that the original proposal for the book came in 2003 but
the idea was postponed due to a lack of funding.

He commented: "It is a long time to wait for a book but as I'm sure you
will agree, it has been well worth it."

The book was the idea of local councillor Sam Coull with funding for the
project being made available in June this year through the Peterhead Common
Good Fund.

The official signing took place in the Council Chamber at Arbuthnot House
overseen by councillors, council officials and invited guests. Councillor Coull said: "Today's occasion follows a visit from Clan Keith in July 2002 when they gathered in Peterhead from all over the world, accompanied by their Seattle pipe band.

"After assembling we went on to give civic recognition to a centuries old connection between Clan Keith and Peterhead, through our town having been part of the Keith estates and close to the principle home of the Earl Marischals at Inverugie for roughly 700 years.

"Back then we signed Articles of Association and today we seek to further cement our relationship with Clan Keith by building on that declaration of friendship."

"There is this fundamental human need to know who we are and where we came from.

"It's part of humanity's never ending quest for the meaning of life and where we, as individuals, join the tide of time.

"Our aim is to welcome all the Keiths to Peterhead be they named Keith,
Marshal, Falconer, Chattan or any associated Clan names.

"A welcome that extends not only to those from overseas but also to those
on the British mainland who want to spend some time with us and discover
their heritage.

"When they come to Peterhead we would like them to visit Arbuthnot House,
where they can sign their visitors book before collecting a map showing
where to find their castles and other places of interest."

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