The Chief of Clan Maclaren has talked at The Gathering about the similarities between the Scottish and Georgians - well, apart from in lung power, that is.
Donald Maclaren of Maclaren was British Ambassador to the East European country, and has fond memories of his time there.
“I thought there were many similarities between the Highlanders of Scotland and the Highlanders of Georgia,” he said.
“Georgia: a very tough people living accustomed to great hardships, and at first quite hard to get to know, but they warm up eventually and are very hospitable, very friendly just like Highlanders here.
“I certainly enjoyed my time. I also enjoyed playing my pipes in Georgia. The Georgians have their own pipes, but they are a different type, they’re much softer and quieter.
“When many Georgian pipers tried to play the Great Highland Bagpipe they were unable to get a note out of it!”
The clan chief also used the opportunity provided by The Gathering to talk about helping the next generation of clansmen, and building for the future.
“We’ve had such a strong past, albeit a rocky one. I think the future is something we can look forward to with a great deal of confidence,” Donald explained.
“The clan has survived great turbulence in its past but has always come through unscathed, and I would say my message to my kinsmen are take strength in the past, but don’t just live in it.”
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.
