Sir William Macpherson of Cluny, chief of one of the great Inverness-shire clans, has spoken at The Gathering about the desire to lead his clansmen “into happiness and joy”.
When asked what the role of a chief now was, the 27th chief of Clan Macpherson said: “I’m often asked that and my answer is always the same: I have the privilege to be the head of a very big extended family worldwide.
“Not only in Scotland of course - because there are more Macphersons abroad than there are in our native heath.
“Of course, a chief is no more or no less than a first among equals, and that’s very important in Scottish history.
“I get the greatest support from my clansmen, and lead them if I can into happiness and joy and the enjoyment of our history and the past.”
The Newtonmore Highland Games and Clan Macpherson Rally take place each August, welcoming many clansmen from all parts of the globe.
When asked if he had a message for his fellow clansmen, Sir William replied: “Simply that the more that they come and see us in Scotland, the better.
“My door at Badenoch is always open, our museum at Newtonmore is now world-renowned, and that’s the focal point of our activities. We hope to see them whenever possible, and whenever they wish to come over.”
In total 400 chiefs and representatives (125 clan chiefs) and 50,000 punters attended The Gathering in Holyrood Park at the weekend, which was part of the this year’s Homecoming celebrations.
They descended on the Scottish capital with their clans for this historic regrouping of exiles from all over the world.
