Inauguration of the 23rd Chief of MacBean.

[figheadair]

The inauguration of Richard McBain of McBain as 23rd Chief of MacBean yesterday.



There also was John MacKintosh of MacKintosh, Lord Lyon (officiating) and Alan MacLean of Dochgarroch.



Far be it for me to tell a chief how to dress, but; he needs to have some links taken out of his sporran chain. He and the Seanachaidh are wearing the new Hunting tartan that I had a hand in designing.

[Patty Logan]

The inauguration of Richard McBain of McBain as 23rd Chief of MacBean

of McBain? As in from a place called McBain?

[Bruce Scott]

of McBain? As in from a place called McBain?

No, the historic seat of clan MacBean is at Kinchyle in Inverness-shire.

As I understand it, Mcbain of McBain has the same meaning as McBain of that ilk, ie, he is chief of those of that name.

[Jock Scot]

.............................



Far be it for me to tell a chief how to dress, but; he needs to have some links taken out of his sporran chain. He and the Seanachaidh are wearing the new Hunting tartan that I had a hand in designing.

Likewise, the Chief is entitled to dress as he pleases, but nevertheless an interesting choice of attire. It leads one to wonder if he is not from these shores these days?

[Bruce Scott]

Likewise, the Chief is entitled to dress as he pleases, but nevertheless an interesting choice of attire. It leads one to wonder if he is not from these shores these days?

He's from Tucson, Arizona. I believe the family settled in Canada in the early 1800s, later moving to the United States.

[Jock Scot]

He's from Tucson, Arizona. I believe the family settled in Canada in the early 1800s, later moving to the United States.

Ah, that explains it. Thank you.

[OC Richard]

the Chief is entitled to dress as he pleases, but nevertheless an interesting choice of attire. It leads one to wonder if he is not from these shores these days?

Some background, the 12th Chief William MacBean of Kinchyle lost his two oldest sons at Culloden, and the Clan lands were sold in 1760.

As I understand the current line is traced through a younger son who immigrated to Canada in the early 19th century.

The 21st Chief (Chief 1959-1977) Hughston McBain of McBain, purchased land near the village of Dores (near Inverness) and built McBain Memorial Park which has a cairn.

The 22nd Chief (Chief 1979-2022) James McBain of McBain (FSA Scot) was the first born in the USA, in 1928 at Evanston Illinois. He lived in Tucson (pronounced "TOO-sawn") Arizona. He and his wife Peggy were regulars in the local Scottish scene and were always on hand at the Tucson Highland Games. They were both avid RSCDS dancers.



His dress in the photo above, as you see, is traditional and restrained, though I have seen him a number of times over the years in more flamboyant outfits.

Here is his son Richard McBain of McBain, now 23rd Chief, and his wife at home in Arizona.

[Jock Scot]

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Here is his son Richard McBain of McBain, now 23rd Chief, and his wife at home in Arizona.

Thank you OCR, for the information. I am just wondering what the top Silver(?) badge on his left chest denotes? I assume the bottom badge on his breast pocket is the Clan Crest.

Personally, whilst I recognise the 23rd Chief has predominantly American connections these days, I think it was disappointing that he could not have attired himself rather more traditionally for the ceremony, to be more in keeping with his undoubted connection to Scotland. Nevertheless as Clan Chief he, like the rest of us, can dress as he sees fit.

[JPS]

Thank you OCR, for the information. I am just wondering what the top Silver(?) badge on his left chest denotes? I assume the bottom badge on his breast pocket is the Clan Crest.

Personally, whilst I recognise the 23rd Chief has predominantly American connections these days, I think it was disappointing that he could not have attired himself rather more traditionally for the ceremony, to be more in keeping with his undoubted connection to Scotland. Nevertheless as Clan Chief he, like the rest of us, can dress as he sees fit.

That badge looks a bit like a bobcat, which are common in Arizona, but it's hard to make out. Maybe he's part of a conservationist group, or it's the logo of a local club of some kind. Or maybe it represents a Scottish wildcat, the symbol of Clan McBain, statues of which welcome visitors to McBain Park at Kinchyle.

[figheadair]

That badge looks a bit like a bobcat, which are common in Arizona, but it's hard to make out. Maybe he's part of a conservationist group, or it's the logo of a local club of some kind.

I think it is the same badge as that worn by Alan MacLean of Dochgarroch, here with Lord Lyon at the same event. I think it might have something to do with Clan Chattan as there were a couple more people wearing it too.