CLAN
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL GATHERING IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS AND
CAITHNESS – July 22 - 31
The Orkney
Islands and Scotland’s northernmost county, Caithness, played
host to nearly 200 Sinclairs from around the world celebrating
their clan’s 2nd International Gathering which was sponsored by
the Right Honorable Malcolm Sinclair, Earl of Caithness and
Hereditary Chief of Clan Sinclair, and the Clan Sinclair Society
of Caithness. Orkney and Caithness are the ancestral lands of
the Sinclairs (St Clairs), and it is fitting, therefore, that
Sinclair cousins from the USA (nearly 100), United Kingdom (48),
Canada (26), Australia (8), New Zealand (3) and Norway (2)
assembled for ten days in these places to celebrate their
kinship. For most attendees, the Gathering provided the first
opportunity to meet the Chief’s wife, the Countess of Caithness.
The first three days of the Gathering were held on Orkney,
highlighted by a special church service at St. Magnus Cathedral
where clan piper Rory Sinclair inspired all with his
spine-tingling rendition of “Highland Cathedral.” Orkney
offered many sightseeing opportunities, including visits to
Skara Brae, Maes Howe, Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of
Stenness, Brough of Birsay, Italian Chapel and last but not
least, the Highland Park Distillery. By special arrangement,
Sinclairs were invited to Kirkwall Lodge to view the Kirkwall
Scroll.
The remainder of the Gathering in Caithness was eventful, as
described in the following snippets. Attendees visited Castle
Sinclair Girnigoe twice – once at night to enjoy a fireworks
display and a day time tour which was highlighted with the
raising of the banner of the Earl of Caithness above the castle
for the first time in 350 years. Gathering attendees were also
treated to a family fun day hosted by Ian Sinclair at Noss Head
Light House which is a short walk from the castle along the
cliff tops. At the Halkirk Highland Games, a Sinclair
contingent of two hundred strong paraded onto the field led by
their Clan Chief and the Games Chieftain, Viscountess Margaret
Thurso. Sightseeing was also part of the agenda, and included a
wild life cruise out of John o’ Groats and visits to the Grey
Cairns of Camster; Achavanich with its standing stones; Spittal
quarry, home to the famous Caithness flagstone; Laidhay Croft
Museum; Dunbeath Heritage Centre and picturesque Lybster
Harbour. Enjoyed by all was an early evening reception hosted
by Viscount Thurso on the grounds of his estate at Thurso East.
At a special Sinclair church service in Thurso, the Reverend
Dr. Malcolm Sinclair of Toronto delivered an inspiring sermon.
The Gathering ended on a festive note with a reception and
banquet, followed by dancing, at the Weigh Inn in Thurso.
At a meeting of the American
Sinclairs, Mel Sinclair, Commissioner of South Carolina, was
elected President of Clan Sinclair USA, effective January 1,
2006. In Wick at a General Meeting of the Clan, the Chief’s
Commendation for Exceptional Service to the Clan was awarded to
Gary Sinclair, Western Vice President of Clan Sinclair USA, Mac
Sinclair of Toronto, Canada and Ian Sinclair of Noss Head,
Scotland. Plans are already under way for the next
International Gathering to be held in 2010.
