Muirhead Clan Hosts

Once again, the Muirhead Banners took their pace among the 78 Clans represented at the 5th largest and Clan gathering in the USA. We also had the pleasure and honor to introduce to the Pacific Northwest for the first time Clan Hunter as we hosted Clan Hunter at our tent. Made even more momentous because for both days we had Hunter kinsman that showed up and joined us at our wee humble tent and Represent Clan Hunter in the Parade of Clans.

On Saturday the 27th David P. Hunter of Montlaw was not only the first Clan Hunter member to show up at our tent, but became the First Hunter to carry the Hunter banner in the Enumclaw games. It was only three years ago the Muirhead banners joined the Procession of Clans for the first time in 487 years. On Sunday the 27th James and Terree Lyman Hunter kinsman, represented Clan Hunter and once again the Muirheads and Hunters fielded their banners together with pride and honor before the masses.

James and his wife, Terree, are keenly interested in becoming members and possibly Washington State representatives of Clan Hunter. James is a gifted water color artist and showed a keen interest in doing an art piece of Hunterston Castle. Perhaps next year Clan Hunter will have their own Clan tent and Hunter representation will be permanently established in the PNW, but even then they will always find themselves our friends and welcome under our humble roof.

I would also like to thank the many others who stopped by and said hi! Those who made inquiries into becoming Muirhead Clan Society members as well as those who did the same of the Hunter Clan. Allen & Christina Hunter of Tacoma, Aron Hunter of Tacoma. William Ziegler (Hunter) of Seattle, Don Lyman (Jim and Teree's son) and his wife of Tacoma to name a few of the Hunters that came by. Of our Muirhead members Robert, Bonnie, and Baby Darbie Schueler, Robert's Father and Mother Maurice and Katherin Shueler, whom honored us by walking in the Parade of Clans on Saturday. Of my family that came out was my lovely wife Yen Chi; Clan Secretary Sandie and her family, husband Jerimy, and daughter Skye; Jennifer, Eric, and Makayla; and Clan Vice President Charles D. Morehead.

Many hand outs were given out as well as sharing of our History to the public and helping then find leads to there own past with the help of our growing database and library of books. We even had time to swap family stories and get out and about to share in some of our great cultural heritage activities dispite the weather. For myself, it was great to see old friends and family as well as meeting a few new ones. The Haggis was great and could not have been made much better unless I had been eating it back in .

Of the many others, I wish to thank Harold Andrews, President of USA; Marcus J. Wallace, Jr. President of USA; Robbert B. More, High Commissioner, PNW of Society; Dr. Phil Smith, Jr. Ph. D., FSA Scot, President of the International Association for Studies/TECA for the kit to help me help others with their Tartan Questions; and so many more who made it a most enjoyable and memorable gathering.

Last, but not least, I would like to especially thank Robert Schueler and John Staley who gave of themselves and helped me set up, and Sandie and Jerimy who stuck with me through it all and to the end, in the rain, to break down and get it all back home in good order even if it was a wee damp here and there, including yours truly in his .

Raymond L. Morehead Esq. FSA Scot. President/Chief Elect Clan Muirhead

The Weekend Events...my take Friday night: Went to the Opening Ceremonies with Dad (Chief Elect Raymond) and Skye-Alexandra (my 4 year old daughter). It hadn't started yet. We were there somewhat early. After an hour or two, Skye became restless and cranky, overactive, and I ended up calling my husband, Jerimy to come and get her. Soon after Jerimy came and took her home, the Opening Ceremonies began with the lighting of the bonfire. Raymond was in the Presentation of the Clans, while I snapped pictures...and then ran out to join in with an impromptu change in the ceremony. Clan members were allowed to take part of the Presentation by forming the border of the Saltire Cross, which the Clan Representatives, ie Chiefs, formed after their torches were lit. Raymond and I stayed for a bit after the ceremony, looking around, saying hi to people, people we had not seen since last year at the Games. We left there about 1030-11pm. I spent the night at my parents' house since we were to be at the grounds to finish setting up and open the tent before the opening of the Games at 8AM.

Saturday: We were up at 430AM. Raymond finished packing up the truck with the rest of the items and displays, and off we went to the fairgrounds at 6AM. We set up, moved things around, opened the tent. Chuck showed up...(Vice President of the Clan). Raymond and Chuck marched in the Clan Parade along with David Hunter of Montlaw, (of whom turned out to be someone I had corresponded with at one time for the SCA). David represented the Hunter Clan, of whom the Muirhead Clan was representing during the Games as the Hunters do not have a tent or Coveners to do so at this time. The weather was warm, but not too hot with an occasional breeze that was wonderful. We had some yummy haggis, of which I promised to learn to make...just as I do every year, and still have not. Jim Lyman and his wife...I think her name was Terree...who are Clan Hunter...came by as well and chatted a bit. We convinced them to come back on Sunday. Jennifer (My sister), her daughter Makayla, and Jennifer's significant other, Erik, showed up. Yen Chi, our Clan Treasurer, showed up as well and we all chatted a bit. I had to go home. I was tired and I needed sleep!!! I decided to go to my home to sleep, so I left about 530PM. Before bed, I baked some Scottish oatmeal scones to take for the morning, a batch with dried cranberries, and a batch of plain.

Sunday: Overcast and cool, but not cold. I was up at 530AM to get ready to go. Jerimy came home from his friends' just before I left, so convinced him to come with me. We spent all day at the Games. I marched in the Parade of Clans, carrying the Muirhead banner. Jennifer was there again, this time to take pictures. Her daughter, Makayla, marched with us, holding Chief Elect Grandpa's hand! Jim and his wife marched, carrying the Hunter banner and shield. Raymond is trying to convince the Lymans to become the Coveners for the Hunters here in WA state. They are going to send in their things to join the Hunter Association and get the ball rolling for it. The weather sprinkled a bit...more of a fine mist than anything, but it didn't lessen the mood of the Games. Raymond donated one of his hand made targes to the Ross clan, to be raffled off. The Muirhead Clan will receive a portion of the proceeds to go into our coffers for the Muirhead Clan Scholarship Fund.

My cranberry oatmeal scones disappeared!! I didn't mind though as I had made them to share with everyone.

The last Massing of the Pipes and Drums was especially touching this year to me. Maybe because it was marking the Closing of the Games, or maybe because I'm just sentimental. In either case...listening to the last Massing of the Pipes and Drums brought tears to my eyes. If you have never heard 4+ Bagpipe and Drum bands playing at the same time, loudly and beautifully, then you don't know what an awesome sound and sight they make. When the lowering of the colors was done, and the Games officially closed, the pipe and drum band marched through the grounds, passing by the Clan tents, playing.

As soon as they had finished and were dismissed...it began to rain. Of course, it soaked everything, including US who had to pack everything up. Still, it was not COLD...which was great. I made a comment about it being fine Scottish weather, and fitting...to which Raymond replied that it wasn't Scottish...since it wasn't coming down sideways.

All in all, it was a blast. I always look forward to the Games and this one was no different. I eagerly await next year's! =)

Sandie Morehead (-Smith) Secretary and Webmistress

Clan Muirhead to Host Clan Hunter and the Scottish Tartan Authority

>>>Taken from the write up in the Event Program<<<

Raymond L. Morehead, Esq. FSA Scot, President/Chief Elect of Clan Muirhead has been "Officially Linked in Friendship" with Clan Hunter. Madame Pauline Hunter of Hunterston and of that Ilk, Clan Chief and 30th Laird of the Hunters, and all of her Officers agreed that a link of friendship should be offered to Clan Muirhead through their both losing Clansmen at the in 1513.

As Clan Muirhead no longer has a Clan Seat in Scotland, Madame Hunter has offered and invited Clan Muirhead to consider Hunterston Castle as a shared Scottish gathering home and the two clans will join at the Hunters International Clan Gathering held every three years at Hunterston Castle, next held in 2004. This link and bond of friendship is officially documented and signed and sealed documents will be displayed at the Clan Muirhead tent this weekend.

Clan Muirhead will also host the Clan Hunter at the Muirhead Clan Tent to help establish representation in the Pacific Northwest.

Clan Muirhead will also be hosting information from the Scottish Tartan Authority at their tent. A Fellow of the Scottish Tartan Authority, Dr. Phillip D. Smith, Jr, Ph.D, FSA Scot, is the author of "A Tartan for Me!" For more information, be sure to stop by the Muirhead tent, or visit their website at www.tartansauthority.com

Muirhead Clan Society Anniversary

As you may recall September 9, will once again be Anniversary time for us. Hard to believe that it was 1999, a little more than three years ago we set out to reawaken our history together. I have been honored to work with many of you. I have share with most of you our achievements and trials these three years. Yet we cannot call the job done yet. Our membership grew through 2001 then dropped a wee bit. Therefore as we come to our anniversary month let us not just look back, but forward. If each current member could bring in just one new member we could set the New Year 2003 off in grand fashion. Or if not a new member, how about a donation, now tax deductible at that. Many people are just not joiners but they may wish to donate and their donations could and will help much in budgeting for 2003. One of our goals is to fund our first Scholarship award in 2003. Give it some thought and help if you can.

Our membership is scattered to the four corners of the globe but we are one through the Society. I know for many it is hard to understand why they do not have local representation or why The Clan tent cannot come to their local games or event yet. I wish I could go to many more gatherings and events but it just cannot be justified in our budget at this time. Please remember that as a member you are in a small way our representation in your aria. We will help you develop that into a more prominent presence as you wish and as your local membership grows. The key is your drive to make it happen through recruiting new members in your general aria and if I can help I will be glad to do so for the betterment of our Clan Society.

WE ARE A TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION NOW

By letter dated August 07, 2002, from Internal Revenue Service received August 19, 2002 has officially been informed that the application for our Society’s Tax Exempt Status under the 501 ( c ) (3) Federal tax Code’s was approved.

Statement from the IRS: Grantors and contributors may now rely on this determination unless the Internal Revenue Service publishes notice to the contrary. Donors may deduct contributions to the Muirhead Clan Society as provided in section 170 0f the code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, and gifts to the Muirhead Clan Society or for our use are deductible for federal estate and gift tax purpose if they meet the applicable provisions of Code sections 2055, 2106, and 2522.

www.ancestralscotland.com

A new Web site launched by VisitScotland (Scottish Tourist Board) now makes it possible to trace your Scottish ancestors on the Internet. For the very first time, it will be possible to enter a place name, parish name or even a and find out where your family came from and what their life might have been like.

The site - www.ancestralscotland.com - also explains many of the "ins and outs" of tracing Scottish ancestors and provides helpful information on how to access resources in Scotland such as the genealogy archives at New Register House in Edinburgh.

Meal do naidheachd! (congratulations)

To Aaron Kish of Clan Muirhead our SCA Champion hopeful for 2003.

It would seem that at least one of our members finds the Highland Games and Clan gatherings a wee mild for his taste. Seeking a bit more action and physical contact, Muirhead Clan member Aaron Kish son of Joe and Sue Kish also members of the Clan has taken the Muirhead name back into medieval combat with a few wee modern twists and far less bloodshed.

I had the pleasure to be invited to witness Kish of Clan Muirhead carry his shield with the Badge of Clan Muirhead onto the Battlefield to meet many combatants that day. Although in may not be noticeable from these few pictures the temperature on the battle field was in the Nineties and under the armor well lets just say that even the airiness of his black kilt did not give him much relief.

It would appear that our clan has an up and coming champion in the SCA and from time to time I hope to catch more of his armored combats and keep you all posted.

A Thank you card we received from the East Pierce Co. Fire and Rescue, Fire Chief Dan Packer.

Fire Chief Dan Packer thanks Clan Muirhead for helping them in their " 9-11" Remembrance Ceremony. The Clan Muirhead chief elect and his wife were invited to attended the Ceremony and supplied the Fire Chief with Bagpipe Music " Amazing Grace" played for the many who attended the early morning remembrance ceremony.

A splendid Letter and gift Received by our Chief Elect from David and Edna Mae Grossett, 9 . 2002

“On the occasion of our third anniversary of the revival of Clan Muirhead we wish to present you with this token of our affection and esteem.

It is a handmade model of the Provand’s Lordship of Glasgow. Built in 1471 by Bishop Andrew Muirhead for twelve poor men and a priest, and is reputed to have subsequently provided a shelter for Mary, Queen of Scots, for a few days.

The Date 9 September also marks the 489th anniversary of the slaughter of the bishop’s nephew, Sir John Muirhead, of Lauchope and Bullis, and more than two hundred members of his clan at the Battle of Flodden as they vainly tried to protect their beloved king, James IV, King of Scotland.”

This gift will be added to the Clan Muirhead artifacts and treasured reminders of our honorable ancestral past. I, on behalf of the Muirhead Clan, wish to thank David and Edna Mae for this wonderful gift.