Kilted fortnight holiday in scotland & france

**Mael Coluim** · 9th August 09, 08:44 PM

I try to travel light. If you read a prior thread of mine, you will know I had added my Newsome Box Pleat (NBP) to the three I had just intended to take over. My Malcolm tank, Robertson Red 5 yarder and casual kilt in the Caledonia tartan. The last two from USA Kilts. It was not right not to have a NBP and the XMarks tartan at that in the wardrobe. Let me tell you every time I strapped her on I was grateful I brought her.

Not sure of the significance of this place but it was grand.

**Mael Coluim** · 9th August 09, 08:46 PM

**Mael Coluim** · 9th August 09, 08:47 PM

**Mael Coluim** · 9th August 09, 08:49 PM

Mael Coluim, Julie - AcuteEgnima, and Steve - Shagger999UK enjoy a pint (or two) the evening before the Big Day. Julie would later lead us to an Italian Restaurant where we had some of the best pizza, I’ve ever had. Steve was staying also at Pollock Halls. We enjoyed a pint at a local pub on our way back. It had been a great day. The big day was now upon us.

**Ancienne Alliance** · 10th August 09, 01:40 AM

Brings back memories... thank you Ern !

The photos are incredible.

Best,

Robert

**sydnie7** · 10th August 09, 08:29 AM

Wonderful photos as always, and how fun that Julie recognized your spur-of-the-moment plant badge. You have me scheming for a return trip (although the "scheme" mostly involves lottery tickets. . .) Thanks for taking us along this time!

**Ancienne Alliance** · 10th August 09, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Wonderful photos as always, and how fun that Julie recognized your spur-of-the-moment plant badge. !

It is exciting to realize that those plant badges actually work !

Best,

Robert

**Mael Coluim** · 11th August 09, 03:42 AM

The big day has arrived! The opening day of The Gathering is now. At breakfast, I sat at the table with the Hunter Clan Chief, Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston. I heard her take on the discussions with yesterday’s Council of Chiefs.

Willie the wee sheep and I head out on the scenic walk back to the Gathering site.

Always take time to stop and enjoy the flowers.

Today, I’m wearing my Malcolm tank. My first kilt purchased 12 years, ago. It’s in the ancient colors.

**Mael Coluim** · 11th August 09, 03:45 AM

I went to the Malcolm MacCallum Clan Tent. For some reason here our bifurcated name was reversed from the Society name. Malcolm got the opening name. I assume it’s because our chief is a Malcolm.

Neil McCallum our Clan Society President has a brief opening meeting with us. He notes we all here are Americans, Aussies and Kiwis. Hopefully, Scots of our names will be showing up at the tent. He gives us info on our Clan photo and the parade tonight.

Neil asks for questions and I address the group with not a question but a comment. I told them I had heard the ‘rumor’ that Prince Charles was opening the Gathering with a talk at the Tea Pavilion at 10:30. Neil confirmed it saying one member of each Clan, he as President would be the one would be meeting with the HRM then.

I decided to position myself, between the Tea Pavilion and the nearest gate of the Palace. Yep, there was security activity going on. I chatted with a security officer who corrected me in referring to Charles as Prince, that he was the Duke of Rothesay, here. He let me know the Duke was to be coming my post between 10:10 – 10:20.

Here’s the Palace and note in the second photo below the change of flag and the security officer on the roof.

The flag flies to show the Duke is in residence.

**Mael Coluim** · 11th August 09, 03:59 AM

My patience was rewarded.

The Duke meet the Clan representatives and the Chiefs just outside the Tea Pavilion and it was a scene to behold. In the middle is our President Neil McCallum talking to Lord Jamie Semphill.

The Duke, Duchess and Clan Chiefs with security move through the crowd. It was a little crazy as you would imagine. Security did their job in keeping the crowd under control.

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