WORLD GATHERING OF MACINTYRES July 17 – 20, 2008 at Taynuilt, near Glennoe

Update as of Oct. 21, 2007

Martin MacIntyre, Convener [email protected], 41 Temescal Terrace, San Francisco, CA 94118

9 months and Counting!

™ REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: TIME TO SEND IT IN (See below).

™ GATHERING PROGRAM – The complete program is listed below.

™ LODGING ASSISTANCE – There are many new listings below.

™ TRAVEL ASSISTANCE – What you need to know to get to the Gathering and back.

™ POST-GATHERING GUIDED TOUR – Consider a Post-Gathering Tour of Scotland a la MacIntyre.

™ BANQUET – The Hall holds 300 (main room) plus 100 (side room) and we are nearing 300.

™ CEILIDH – There are two ceilidhs, the small one at the Taynuilt Village Hall which is open to the general public on Wednesday and/or Thursday and the big one on Saturday night in limited to MacIntyres.

™ The APPLICATION FORM is at the end of this update. Follow the instructions carefully.

™ KEEP UPDATED AT: www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/2008.htm

REASON: The updates are weekly or bi-weekly and it is too difficult to send e-mails to everyone each time. E-mail addresses change and sometimes are returned: UNDELIVERABLE! This web site and my e-mail address won’t change.

™ DON’T PUT IT OFF – Locate your passport and be sure it is good through September 2008 to have plenty of leeway. If you plan to do any hiking Check your tetanus booster status.

™ KEEP US INFORMED – Send the details when reserve a lodging or air travel (dates, airline, airport, lodging name/location – with the name of each person in your group).

• REGISTRATION DEPOSIT

We are now ready to receive a $25.00 deposit for each adult (age 16 or older) who has completed an application to the MacIntyre Gathering. I am doing everything possible to have the payment system secure, efficient and transparent. The deposit is refundable if circumstances prevent you from attending. There are two ways to send your payment: check or online

General Information

To keep your existing reservation priority, you need to send in your deposit(s) by December 15, 2007 (See Reservation Priority Below). We must have an Application for each individual, including children. If you have already completed a Pre-Application Form(s), then don’t send in another one.

After December 15th, the reservation priority will be based on the date and time the deposit is received. On December 15th, we will set a firm cutoff date for new applications. This is necessary to finalize Gathering plans (transportation, tent, chairs, etc.) After the cutoff date, we will start a waiting list.

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

PERSONAL CHECK (Preferred method for applicants with US Dollar Checking Accounts):

Make the check out to: Martin MacIntyre. On the check notation line write 2008 Gathering. Attach a list of the individuals covered by the deposit. Including middle names or initials where possible.

Address the envelope to:

Return Address Stamp

Stuart MacIntire P.O. Box 863 Andover, MA 01810-0015 2008 Gathering

ONLINE with PayPal® (Preferred method for applicants living outside of United States)

PayPal® is a payment system that allows anyone with access to the Internet to pay anyone else by using a bank credit card or debit card. For most attendees from outside the US this will be the most convenient method. It will be easy for you if you have made purchases online before. All others might want to copy the following instructions to help you through the process.

To pay your registration deposit via PayPal®, click on this link.

http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/2008-deposit.htm

1. At the top left of the PayPal® page is MacIntyre Publishing, the name of my (Martin MacIntyre’s) PayPal® business account.

2. In the Qty box, enter the number of persons for whom you are paying a registration deposit.

3. Click the “Update Totals” button. [Example: 3 persons should total $75 ($25 x 3)]

4. Go to the left side towards the bottom where you’ll see: “Don’t have a PayPal account”? If you don’t have an account (most of you) then click “continue”.

5. PayPal® now asks for your bank credit card information, billing address, e-mail address and telephone number. Once this is completed, click “Review Order and Continue” and your payment will be processed. PayPal® will send both of us an e-mail summary and confirmation number.

6. You will then be sent to the MacIntyre Gathering "Thank You" page where I want you to complete an email to me with the names of the people covered by your deposit (with middle names/initials). This will enable me to keep accurate records. To make a deposit payment click the link below. See you in Scotland.

http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/2008-deposit.htm

What is the Reservation Priority?

There are events or services which may have a limit on the number of participants. These include the Banquet, Transportation to the Stone of the Fatted Calf and to Glen Noe, Golf Tournament, and the Taynuilt Ceilidh. Your reservation priority is based on the date you, or someone from your group contacted us about attending the Gathering and that priority will be held until December 15, 2007 when the deposit is due. Some individuals responded many years ago and for others only last week. The priority number will only be used if there is a need to limit attendance at an event or if there is a choice of date, time or seating location.

• The Gathering Program

Wednesday Optional Early Registration at the Oban Visitor’s Centre 07/16/08 For early arrivals: 4-hour guided bus tour of MacIntyre Country PM * 1.5 hr. boat trip on * Walking tour of Taynuilt Climb to Stone of the Fatted Calf * Taynuilt ceilidh* (evening) or interact with local Scots at a pub

Thursday Official Welcome and Registration at Taynuilt Field (10 am to 8 pm) 07/17/08 Presentations on geology, history, culture, Gaelic, genealogy Performances: Pipes, singing, dancing 4-hour guided bus tour of MacIntyre Country AM or PM * Golf Tournament at Taynuilt links * 1.5 hr. boat trip on Loch Etive * Walking tour of Taynuilt Climb to Stone of the Fatted Calf * Taynuilt ceilidh* (evening) or interact with local Scots at a pub

Friday 4-hour guided bus tour of MacIntyre Country AM or PM * 07/18/08 Climb to Stone of the Fatted Calf * 1.5 hr. boat trip on Loch Etive * Self-guided activities: hiking, sightseeing, visiting 7 – 11 pm Banquet at Argyllshire Gathering Hall, Oban * or interact with local Scots at a pub

Saturday Morning rest and relaxation or self-guided activities 07/19/08 Taynuilt Highland Games Noon - 5 pm Parade, competitions, children activities, MacIntyre tent – history, piping, singing, dancing, poetry and genealogy Ceilidh at the Corran Gathering Hall, Oban 8 pm – Midnight

Sunday 10 – 11 am Ecumenical Service in Taynuilt 07/20/08 1 – 3 pm Gathering at Glen Noe, MacIntyres’ ancestral home

* Limited by reservation and priority position.

• COST ESTIMATES

Events – Check the Application Form for estimated fees for each event. $180 – $300 per adult depending on which events and mode of transportation you choose.

Accommodation Estimate - Daily Per Person a. $25 – e.g. camping www.crunachy.co.uk (per night with $5 per add’l person). b. $35+ – Self-catering (assumes one week and four occupants = $800+) c. $55 – $65 B&B (a room in a private residence) d. $75 – guest house (usually a large home converted into a lodging) e. $60 - $100 – standard hotel (quality varies greatly. Check www.tripadvisor.com) f. $160+ – luxury accommodations

TOTAL ESTIMATED AVERAGE COST PER PERSON FROM THE UNITED STATES.

$2,500 per person for a 10 day trip (Airfare-$1000, Lodging-$600 Gathering-$200, $700-Food/Other

$3,400 per person (double occupancy) for 10 days including the Post-Gathering Tour.

WWW.XE.COM for current exchange rates Items will cost about 1.5 to 2 times more than in US.

• LODGING

General Information

Here is an area map. http://uk2.multimap.com/maps/#t=l&map=56.43754,-5.21578|12|4

Where to Start -

Go below to the list of places or go to the web yourself. Type in “accommodations Oban Taynuilt” to find websites. I’ve listed many of them below. Choose two or three and then you might want to telephone directly to get answers to any questions. It usually costs 10 cents a minute and is well worth it. The time difference in the US and Scotland is 6 hours EDT, 7 hours CDT and 8 hours PDT. If you are sure you are coming, you should begin to reserve lodgings now because July is the high season. Ask for their cancellation policy. Ask whether the toilet facilities are ‘en suite’ or shared with another room. Tall people should ask about ceiling heights. These are the two unanticipated problems we have encountered. Otherwise, I would rate most places we have stayed in as good to excellent. Ask how long it takes to get to Oban and Taynuilt and how far they are from the public bus stop.

Self-Catering + B&Bs - For groups of four or more from overseas who plan to stay in the area for two weeks and don’t mind making your own breakfast and doing dishes and sharing the bathroom, self- catering is the best buy. If you stay only one week you will have to also book a B&B for Saturday and Sunday nights which means you will have to move to a new place on Saturday morning. On the plus side, self- catering has cooking facilities and a living/dining room.

Accommodation web sites: www.oban.org.uk/accommodation.html

www.visitscottishheartlands.com/areas/oban/townsvillages.cfm

www.scottishaccommodationsindex.com/connel

www.roomfinderscotland.co.uk

www.west-scotland-tourism.com/bed-breakfast.html

www.ga-taxis.co.uk/oban/oban_bed_and_breakfast.html

Lodgings

Below are many lodgings where attendees have already booked or that are convenient to the events and transportation. There are many more. The more people who book at the same place, the easier it will be to provide transportation to and from events. We will keep you posted on new places as soon as attendees give us details. This update has many additional places in Connel and Taynuilt. You must check to see if the place meets your needs.

Notes: The ‘011 44’” prefix is for telephone calls from the U.S. & may be different for Australia etc. Don’t use (0) When calling within UK eliminate the 011 44 and include the (0)

Following the name of the town is the driving time in minutes to either O-Oban and/or T-Taynuilt

Oban T- 21 (this means that it will take 21 minutes to drive from Oban to Taynuilt outside of commute periods)

Thornloe Guest House www.thornloeoban.co.uk Alan&Valerie Bichener. Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 562 879 E- [email protected]

Greencourt B&B www.greencourt-oban.co.uk Michael & Susan Garvin Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 563 987 E- [email protected]

Dunheanish Guest House 011 44 (0)1631 566 556 William Lockwood E- [email protected]

View Bank Guest House 011 44 (0)1631 562 328 Albert Rd.

Braehead Guest House 011 44 (0)1631 563 341 Albert Rd.

Strathnaver Guest House, www.strathnaver.co.uk Dunollie Road, E [email protected] Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 563305 Irene MacKay Oban, PA34 5JQ

Roseneath Guest House www.roseneathoban.com Dalriach Road Oban, Argyll PA34 5EQ E - [email protected] T- 011 44 (0)1631 562 929 Fax - 011 44 (0)1631 567 218 MacIntyre owner.

Sandvilla Guest House 011 44 (0)1631 562 803 Breadalbane St. Near to Banquet and Ceilidh Halls

Old Manse Guest House, Dalriach Road, Oban PA34 5JE http://www.obanguesthouse.co.uk/location.asp 011 44 (0)1631 564886, Fax:011 44 (0)1631 570 184 E - [email protected]

Wellpark Hotel Corran Esplanade 011 44 (0)1631 562 948

Rhumor B&B Drummore Road, www.rhumor.co.uk E- [email protected] T- 011 44 (0)1631 56544 10 min. walk from center with 3 rooms. The twin is taken There is one double and one family room (en suite). Mrs. A. Edwards Rhumor.

Mr.& Mrs MacMillan B&B, BraesidSoroba Road Oban PA34 4SA [email protected] tel. 011 44 (0)1631 571157

Connel O- 11, T- 10

The Falls of Lora Hotel, www.fallsoflora.com Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 710 483 Route A85 PA37 1PB

Glendale Guest House www.glendale-guest-house.com Near train station.

Ronebhal Guest House http://www.ronebhal.co.uk/information.html T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710310

The Rowans B&B http://www.rowans-connel.co.uk/information.html T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710105

Grove Guest House www.grovehouseconnel.co.uk T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710599

Mactalla Guest House www.mactalla.co.uk T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710105

Strumhor www.strumhor.co.uk T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710167

MGravell-Lora House, T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710456

Kilkurn B&B T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710456

Rowantree Cottage B&B T- 011 44 (0) 1631 720433

Ach Na Craig T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710588

Hillcrest T- 011 44 (0) 1631 710588

North Connel & Benderloch O- 14 to 20, T- 13 to 20

Achnacree Bay House, www.achnacreebay.co.uk/info.html North Connel, Oban Argyll, Scotland, PA37 1QZ Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 710288 E - [email protected]

Dun Na Mara Guest House. Benderloch, Oban Tel: 011 44 (0) 1631 720 233 E - [email protected]

Blarcreen Farm Guest House www.blarcreenfarm.com/index.html 011 44 (0) 1631 750 272

Taynuilt O- 21

Airdeny Chalets www.airdenychalets.co.uk E- [email protected] Tel. 011 44 (0)1866 822 648

Brander Lodge Tel. 011 44 (0)1866 822 243 E- [email protected]

Inverawe Cottages www.inverawe-cottages.co.uk/contactus.html Taynuilt. Argyll. PA35 1HU. Tel. 011 44 (0)1866 822 77

Crualinn B&B - Duncan & Marie Gillies 011 44 (0)1866 822 351 (Glen Lonan Road)

Kintail B&B - Donald & Christine MacLennan 011 44 (0)1866 822 568 (Main Road)

Manish B&B - Thomas & Margaret McLellan 011 44 (0)1866 822 572 (Near Roman Catholic Church on way to pier)

Lichen-Burn B&B – www.lichen-burn.co.uk E- [email protected] 011 44 (0)1866 822 117

Kirkton B&B – Mr. & Mrs. F. Beaton T - 011 44 (0)1866 822 657 [email protected]

Cruaillin B&B – Mrs. Marie Gillies T - 011 44 (0)1866 822 351 E- [email protected]

The Knowe Self-Catering - www.scotlandself-catering.com - 011 44 (0)1866 822 014 on Main Street Taynuilt

Airds Cottage Self-Catering 011 44 (0)1866 822 349 E-: [email protected]

Achadacallan 011 44 (0)1866 822 775 www.oban.org.uk/cgi-local/accomdb/scatmember.pl?achadacallan

Tigh An Daraich Self Catering www.tighandaraich.co.uk 011 44 (0)1866 822 693

Nantbank Self-Catering T - 011 44 (0)1866 822 697 Taynuilt PA35 1JH

South of Oban O- 7, T- 32 via Oban) T- 20 (short cut through beautiful single lane Glen Lonan),

Lagganbuie B&B www.lagganbuie.co.uk Rosemary MacIntyre, Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 770 218 E - [email protected] Loch Feochan, Kilmore by Oban, Argyll PA34 4QT

Braeside Guest House www.braesideguesthouse.net/contact.htm Tel: 011 44 (0)1631 770 243 E - [email protected] Fax: 011 44 1631 770 343 Kilmore, Oban Argyll PA34 4QR

Dalmally T- 17, O- 38

Laggan Chalet http://www.lagganholidays.co.uk/index.html Self-catering.

Remember, you aren’t coming to the Gathering for the accommodations or the food. It is for the landscape, history, Gaelic entertainment, meeting other MacIntyres/Wrights, finding your roots, and the memories.

• TRAVEL

Professional Assistance

You can get professional help from a local travel agent but don’t assume they know more about lodgings in Scotland. They will probably surf the web. You can also try The Travel Company , a licensed travel agency in Scotland that has business partners in the US, Australia and Canada and has been recommended to us by a Scottish MacIntyre. They can provide comprehensive door to door service from your home and return (overseas air tickets, meeting you at the airport, lodging and transport within Scotland or in other countries.) Contact them directly at [email protected] and mention “2008 MacIntyres”.

NOTE: This is not the company that is offering the Post-Gathering Tour (See Below)

Do It Yourself?

• Air Transportation – Adult fares vary from $0 to $1500 per person with $1000 the average. Some people have frequent flyer miles ($0). There are discount airlines with the rates depending on how early you make the non-refundable booking and many other factors. The number of people traveling to Scotland has increased dramatically in the last few years and airlines are increasing the number of planes and points of origin (e.g., Delta, Continental, US Airways). The difference in cost is based on dates, origin, destination, number of stops, and discounts. Senior discounts are a thing of the past and even children usually pay full fare if they take a seat. The traditional airlines have the most flights and flexibility but you may pay a higher price for these desirable advantages. Unless you are visiting or south , you should try to avoid Heathrow airport because it is large with long distances between gates, longer lines at passport/customs, added stress and confusion, and increased chance of having problems with luggage. Here is some “do it yourself” information for flights from US and Canada.

Some discount airlines with direct flights to Glasgow or Edinburgh www.flyzoom.com (Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) www.airtransat.com (Toronto, other Canadian cities) www.icelandicair.com (Halifax, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Orlando, Minneapolis) www.flyglobespan.com (Boston, Orlando, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary) www.flymonarch.com (Orlando) www.mytravelairways.com (Orlando) www.firstchoice.co.uk (Orlando) www.maxjet.com (Las Vegas, Washington, New York to Standsted Airport, London from where you will have to get an Easyjet.Com flight to Glasgow.)

For traditional airlines go to www.kayak.com or www.farechase.yahoo.com. Put in your starting airport, dates, GLA (Glasgow) or EDI (Edinburgh) and follow instructions. Check the box show nearby airports”. Click SEARCH and within seconds you will find every possible choice from up to 140 airlines and other search engines starting with the least expensive. It shows details like where, and if, there is a transfer stop, total flight time and many other details.

“How do we get to Taynuilt/Oban from the Glasgow or Edinburgh airports?” From the airport, you can get a bus or taxi to the train station where there are presently 3 trains per day from Edinburgh via Glasgow (Queen Street Station). The train stops are at Dalmally, Loch Awe, Taynuilt, Connel and Oban. There are plans to have an extra car added to each train in 2008 (50+ additional seats). It takes from 3 to 3.5 hours one-way at a cost of 17.50 pounds per adult ($70 round trip). You can see out both sides of the train, avoid traffic jams and use the rest room without waiting for the bus to stop. You can also socialize with fellow attendees. Upon arrival you can take a bus, taxi or walk to your accommodations. If we have your accommodation and arrival information, it will help to ensure local transportation is available.

Scotrail schedule is at http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/content/timetables/index.php Click at the bottom for the which goes from Glasgow to Oban. I’ve been told that you can’t make reservations until three months prior to your trip. I will double check this.

For those who would like to take the train but still want to have a car during or after the Gathering, cars can be rented locally and dropped off at your final destination. I will provide more information on this later.

• Post-Gathering Guided Tour

Based on the survey results that many of you completed in 2006, we asked Absolute Escapes Ltd., a licensed tour company, to prepare a six-day guided tour proposal. Here is the itinerary followed by a summary of the booking conditions. Enough of you have sent in deposits already!

Monday 21 July – Start at Taynuilt/Oban with overnight accommodation at Portree, Isle of Skye Glencoe, site of infamous massacre Camus-na-h-Erie, a MacIntyre township until the early 1800s across Loch Leven from Glencoe Glenfinnan where Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye Sleat Peninsula where MacIntyres originated The Clan Donald Visitor’s Centre The Cuillins mountain range

Tuesday 22 July – Full day on Skye staying at the same accommodations in Portree The Quiraing and The Storr volcanic rock formations, and Kilt Rock/Singing clifts Flora MacDonald's house (Bonnie Prince Charlie’s savior) Folk museum and restored village showing life as it was on Skye in the not too distant past Dunvegan Castle and garden (Clan MacLeod) Talisker Whisky Distillery

Wednesday 23 July – From Portree, over the Skye Bridge with accommodations in Inverness Eilean Donan Castle (most photographed in Scotland) Journey up the Great glen (geological fault that produced Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy and Loch Ness) Fort Augustus Loch Ness (Nessie could appear and you’ll be there to witness it. What? O’ Ye of little faith!)

Thursday 24 July - Full day exploring the Inverness area staying at the same Inverness accommodation. Cruise on Loch Ness Urquhart Castle Culloden Battlefield and the new Centre. See the Clan MacIntyre memorial paving stone on the Culloden Walk to. Kiltmaker Visitor Center.

Friday 25 July – From Inverness with accommodations in Edinburgh Cairngorm mountains Laggan graveyard of Badenoch MacIntyres, Blair Castle garden, View of the Earls of Breadalbane’s Taymouth Castle, The Campbell’s hanging tree and pit at Killin Castle ruin (How many MacIntyres ended up here?) Drive through the beautiful Trossachs National Forest Rob Roy’s grave at Balquidder Kirk with many MacIntyre than MacGregor grave stones surrounding him. View of the Wallace Monument, Stirling Bridge and Castle Bannockburn Historic Battle Site.

Saturday 26 July - Guided tour around Edinburgh staying at same accommodation Old Town Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat Old Grey Friars Church with Duncan Ban MacIntyre’s gravestone, New Scottish Parliament Princes Street Garden Sir Walter Scott Memorial and Princes Street Botanical Garden,

Sunday 27 July - depart at leisure or extend your stay in Edinburgh and do some of the following: Wonderful art and natural history museums (all free!), New Town, Charlotte Square, Georgian House, Royal Yacht Britannia Rosslyn Chapel (of Da Vinci Code fame) Holyrood Castle Stirling Castle

For those who want information on a Post-Gathering Tour, we will forward the name of your contact person to “Escape 2 Scotland” Tour Company or you can contact them directly at [email protected]. They will send you a detailed proposal and a booking form. There is no obligation on your part until you send in the booking form with your deposit.

The tour includes lodging at a 3-star hotel or guest house with breakfast, 29 seat coach with a professional driver and guide. This assumes a minimum of 12 and maximum of 29 people, with double occupancy. Single supplement of $30 per person per night. Only people attending the Gathering (MacIntyres/Wrights or their friends) will be on the tour. No outsiders will be added to fill the bus.

Estimated cost per person for six-day tour: $1400 at an exchange rate of 1 British Pound Sterling BPS = $2.00. A completed booking form and a deposit of 75 BPS per person (approximately $150) is required within 30 days of receiving the formal proposal from the company. If you cancel, the company has the right to keep the deposit but in practice they fully refund the deposit if they receive a cancellation request in writing at least 6 weeks before the scheduled trip. After that, the refund is pro rated on the total cost of the trip and will be fully non-refundable if cancelled within two weeks before the tour. We think this is a very reasonable and fair policy given the financial risks for the company and is as good as any other company will offer.

For a similar but customized trip for a group of six in a MPV (multi-person vehicle) with a driver/guide, it would be $1650 per person. One group wants to take one day side trip in place of the time in Inverness which they saw on a prior trip. Others who may be in the same situation may want to join them.

Program Details

• Registration and Welcome Activities

History, Geology, Geography, Culture – sing, pipes, dance, poetry, storytelling, 4 hour Bus Tour of MacIntyre Country Golf Tournament Boat ride on Loch Etive Walk to the Stone of the Fatted Calf Taynuilt Walk - Furnace, Lord Nelson’s Monument, Churches, Graveyards,

• Tour of MacIntyre Country

Ardchattan Priory and Garden. Grave of Duncan (I) Views of Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan from the west Falls of Lora (depending on the tide) Dunstaffnage Castle, Chapel and Loch Linnhe Pass of Brander/Glen Awe/ St. Conan’s Kirk – MacIntyre Choir Stall with Coat of Arms. Dalmally Kirk where a MacIntyre chief was married and many MacIntyres are buried. Duncan Ban MacIntyre Memorial/Loch Awe/Ben Cruachan from the east

• Walk to the Stone of the Fatted Calf

This is a large stone where the MacIntyres delivered a snowball and calf to the Campbells on Midsummer’s Day as death duty for a fatal altercation c. 1440. It is on the other side of the mountain pass from Glen Noe and a steep climb even though most of it is on a road. There is a possibility that four-wheel vehicles can be hired to take you to within about 60 yards of the Stone. Since circumstances limit the numbers, it might be possible to increase the number of participants by spreading it out over three days, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For those with transport, it will be 1.5 to 2 hours. For those who are hiking all the way up it will take a full half-day. Check www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/glennoewalk.htm Either way, it will be by reservation and the numbers will be limited.

• Taynuilt Walking Tour.

The walking tour can be done anytime, with or without a guide. At the entrance to Taynuilt there is a memorial to the soldiers who died in WW I. At the first side street on the right, there is a Church of Scotland with many MacIntyres buried in the graveyard. Near to the church there is a large standing stone memorial to Lord Nelson. The main street has a butcher, florist, antique shop, general store, unisex hair dresser, famous tea room (owned and operated by MacIntyres). At the end of the short business section is the train stop and medical clinic. Continuing over the train bridge you come to the Village Hall on the right and the Athletic Field and Golf Course on the left where the Highland Games are held. Next is a new residential area followed by an older residential area, which begins at the Catholic church. Past this residential area is the Bonawe Furnace that has been wonderfully restored by the Government agency, Historic Scotland. Past the Furnace is the road to the boat pier where you can have a tour of Loch Etive.

• Banquet

The Banquet is for those who like to dress up (coats and ties for men) for a special occasion. It will be held in the beautiful Argyllshire Gathering Hall in Oban. There will be live traditional Scottish music by Susan and Michael Garvin (violin and accordion). Information on food selection will come later. After dinner, there will be introductions of those who have helped make the Gathering possible, one or two MacIntyre performances and a little ceilidh dancing. The more many men in kilts and ladies with tartan sashes the better the ambience. We know that the luggage weight limitations make it difficult to bring kilts and jackets from overseas. Maybe the men could wear them on the plane to save on the weight, give passengers something to talk about and to make sure the kilt doesn’t become "lost luggage". No one will remark that you’re wearing the same clothes every day. For those who are interested, I’ll check into renting kilts and jackets in Oban. You could also order a kilt and jacket and have them delivered to you in Oban. For those who aren’t keen on attending the relatively expensive affair or don’t want to dress up, there will be plenty of other things to do Friday evening. If there is interest, a special bus tour might be arranged to see sights not on the present schedule (since it stays light until after 10 pm.). Not everyone wants to attend the Banquet but fortunately, on 18th July 2008 the sun will set at 9:50 p.m., the full moon will rise at 9:51 pm and twilight is at 10:45 pm (if it doesn’t rain).

• Taynuilt Highland Games

The Taynuilt Highland Games are one of the oldest in Scotland and the world. They are the essence of the games combining competitions in athletics, piping and Highland dancing with an annual meeting of family and friends. They begin with a parade down Main Street to the Games field and there are many activities for children. Unlike, Highland games in the United States, there are no clan representations, but 2008 will be an exception with a large group from Clan MacIntyre. There will be a many MacIntyre activities at our tent which hopefully will provide shade from the sun (not rain). There are at least two MacIntyres interested in competing, one in Highland dance and another in the heavy athletic events. Since we will have up to 8 MacIntyre pipers present, it is possible that there might be a piper who wants to compete. Regardless, there will be piping at our tent along with information and discussion about all aspects of MacIntyre history and culture.

• Ceilidhs

The original Gaelic meaning of ‘ceilidh’ was a visit. This came to mean a house party, with guests providing the entertainment: singing, instrumental playing, and storytelling. Now it means any event with Gaelic entertainment. Here is something I found in the newsletter from www.electricscotland.com

By The Rev. Canon R. C. MacLeod of MacLeod (1920's). Here is how Chapter X starts...

”I should imagine that no country in the world is richer in folk-lore than the West Highlands. The ceilidh was an institution, and our people loved to gather together on a winter's evening, and to tell each other again and again the old stories which they had received from their forbears.”

The Taynuilt Ceilidh is open to the general public on Thursday night in the village hall that can probably only hold 50 -75 people. We might persuade them to add Wednesday and maybe even Friday nights to fill the demand by MacIntyres. Don’t count on being able to attend it due to the limited numbers.

The MacIntyre Ceilidh will be held on Saturday night at the largest venue in Oban, the Corran Hall that can seat 600. Lorn Macintyre will be the fear-an taighe (master of ceremonies). We’re hoping to fill the first two hours with performances, including story-telling by talented MacIntyres/Wrights. The second two-hours will be for ceilidh dancing. Mary Macintyre, Lorn’s wife, will be mistress of the dance. She says anyone can do it and there will be plenty of help from others in attendance who are proficient in the various forms of Scottish dancing (Highland, Country, Ceilidh) All we will need is for you to get off your duff and join the fun. Those who aren’t dancing can enjoy watching and socializing (the primary purpose of a ceilidh). Lorn’s bio is at http://www.lornmacintyre.co.uk

• Loch Etive Boat and Air Trips

A hired boat ride on Loch Etive will take about 1.5 hours. There is a possibility of having a reproduction of a ancient galley, like the one used by the founder of our clan. A ride on this will require some rowing by the participants so it won’t be for everyone. We are checking with helicopter companies for the possibility of seeing Loch Etive, Ben Cruachan, Glen Noe by air.

• Weather – Possibilities: warm or cool, wet or dry, cloudy or sunny. Hope and pray for “just right”.

• Things to Consider When Coming from Overseas

Decisions What can you afford to spend (total)? How long do you want to stay? Do you want the Gathering to be at the beginning, middle or end of your trip? What are your priorities, i.e., what are you willing or unwilling to sacrifice? - Seeing other parts/places in Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Europe - Lodging quality or convenience - Transportation quality or convenience - Not seeing or doing everything you want to on this trip. - Flexibility of driving vs. comfort of a pre-planned bus tour

These questions must be answered before making travel and lodging arrangements. This is especially true for reservations where part or all of your pre-payment is not refundable. These decisions are difficult for one person to make and are more difficult when coordinating groups e.g. families and family groups. From a decision standpoint, a pre-planned tour is the easiest. While it sacrifices flexibility it keeps daily decisions (arguments?) to a minimum.

• Do you think you will be able to return to Scotland in the foreseeable future? If so, then make this is a special trip for the Gathering with some of your other desires on hold for a future trip. If you think this may be your only trip, then make it worthwhile within you physical and financial ability. You’ll have no regrets and lasting memories.

• Expenses Per Person Major 1. International transportation. Approx. average $1000 round trip from US. 2. Room and Board – Min. $1000 for 10 days (camping and self-catering less) 3. Transportation – Min. $200 Car Rental – Minimum $600 per 10 days per small car 4. Post-Gathering tour - $1,400 per person for six days and six nights (optional)

Minor 5. 4-day Gathering events @ $200 per adult $100 per child 6 and older. 6. Gifts, incidentals, unexpected costs Min. $100 (but your decision)

TOTAL Min. $2,500 per person for 10 days. Min. $3,200 per person for 10 days including the Post-Gathering Tour

The first two items can be significantly adjusted to reduce the total cost or you can increase one while reducing the other. For example, what are you willing to do to meet your goal? 1. low cost airfares on a discount airline that require early decision and no flexibility? 2. low cost lodgings e.g. camping?.

Six days is probably the absolute minimum for overseas visitors unless you have a private jet. You should leave one day at each end for traveling. Ten days or two weeks would make it more relaxing and allow you to see some other sites or visit relatives.

WHO’S COMING AND WHENCE THEY COMMETH? So far, there have been 330 pre-applications: 230 Definitely Coming, 75 Probably and 25 Maybe. There are another 50 – 100 probable attendees from the greater UK who have yet to apply.

Of the 330 applications; 240 are from the US: 32 states + District of Columbia 42-California, 22-Virginia, 12-North Carolina, 12-Maryland, 11-Georgia, etc. 108 East Coast, 64 Midwest, 68 West

There are ten other countries: 29-Australia, 29-Scotland, 18-Canada, 13-England, 4-France, 3-Italy, 3-Hong Kong, 2-Iceland, 2-New Zealand, 2-N. Ireland, 1-South Africa

• Helping Out

A number of you have offered your assistance in helping any way you can. You offers are welcome and we will need all the help we can get both before and during the Gathering. We already have 8 pipers, a master piper, and two original pipe compositions. Let us know if you have some MacIntyre memorabilia that can be safely transported and displayed. There will be books about MacIntyres and authored by MacIntyres that will even be for sale. Bring your genealogy. I would like the artists among you to bring at least one sample so we can have an art exhibit at the tent, banquet and ceilidh. We have at least one Highland dancer and one athlete who will be competing. Services have been offered by two professional photographers and a video documentarian. There are a number of physicians, nurses, and clergy (for the ecumenical service on Sunday). Whatever your particular skill, let us know so we can see how you can assist. We will not insist on your helping or burden you. Our primary goal is for you to thoroughly enjoy the Gathering.

Highlights # 4. #3, #2, and #1 are below. #5 will be on Ardchattan Priory.

Highlight # 4 – First MacIntyre World Invitational Golf Tournament

Since Taynuilt has a 9-hole, honor system golf course I decided to have a golf tournament in conjunction with the Gathering. Over 45 applicants have indicated they want to play. It isn’t finalized because there were a number of problems to solve. For example, what will they use for clubs? Can we accommodate everyone who wants to play? What about large differences in skill?

To those who have said they want to play, I want to make one thing perfectly clear, this will not be a normal competitive golf tournament with normal playing rules. It is specifically designed for this event to meet the conditions on the course and the players who are participating. We decided that we didn’t want people bringing golf clubs from all over the world just to play in this tournament. We will somehow procure clubs from a source in Scotland (hopefully loaned by a manufacturer or distributor) or we will have to ask MacIntyres in the UK, members of the Taynuilt golf club and others in the Oban area to loan some clubs. I know there must be some clubs in garages and basement that have been saved for just this occasion. To make this feasible, we will be limiting the number of clubs to a putter plus the following possibilities: 3 and 7, or 3 and 5, or 3 and 6, or 3, 5 and 7. They will be shared whenever possible. This will minimize time spent selecting a club and as much as possible avoid balls leaving the course.

It will be a SHOTGUN start with a group starting at each hole. It will be BEST BALL, where each player hits from the same location starting at the Tee and then everyone plays the next shot from the location of the “best ball” in that group. The intent is: to share clubs, keep the play going smoothly, avoid looking for balls, do a little damage to the course as possible, keep playing time to a minimum, and allow as many to play as possible. Tees will be allowed on the fairways to ensure that most players will at least hit the ball most of the time and to save the fairways. We will allow a certain number of Mulligans. We will have clubs for left-handed players and for both short and tall players. We will devise a system of awards that will ensure everyone will receive at least one prize (participation?), some will receive many prizes, and a few will get first prizes from among a large number of categories according to age and prior skill. The range of player’s age and skill is already known to be immense. We hope the good players will be tolerant of the rest of us and play in the spirit of MacIntyre kinship. At the end of play, all can revel in the fact that they played in the first tournament of its kind and all the pros, including Tiger, weren’t eligible. We considered having MacIntyres compete against the best from Taynuilt but scotched that idea when the requests to play came rolling in and the possibility that a MacIntyre might not win. We’re considering having monogrammed balls and tees for mementos.

HIGHLIGHT #3 – DUNBEG, DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE, CONNEL, AND THE FALLS OF LORA

Going north on A85 from Oban you will reach Dunbeg on the left. ‘Dun’ means fort and ‘beg’ means small or little, i.e., little fort. It was where the Scots first arrived on the mainland in the fourth century from their kingdom, Riada, in the north of Ireland and where St. Columba brought for safekeeping the Stone of Destiny, the Lia Fail, not yet called the Stone of Scone. Much later, in the 1200s, the MacDougalls built the Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel that can be seen today. This castle looks out on the Firth of Lorn and guards the entrance to Loch Etive. It was used as a temporary prison for Flora MacDonald who was instrumental in achieving Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from Scotland after the debacle at Culloden. The Castle has been beautifully restored by Historic Scotland and is one of the stops on our Tour of MacIntyre Country.

A short distance further on A85 is the town of Connel, halfway between Oban and Taynuilt. It is on the southern shore of the entrance to Loch Etive at the Falls of Lora. Until 1903 the only way to cross the entrance to Loch Etive was a ferry from Connel to North Connel on the Benderloch peninsula. In that year the cantilever railway bridge was completed but train service stopped in 1966 and the bridge was converted to a one-way alternating motor vehicle road. Ships can only enter Loch Etive when the tide is in. When the tide is out, the rocks below the surface of the water are exposed. As the tide comes back in it creates a tidal falls over the rocks, hence the name, Falls of Lora. Some have already booked their lodgings at the Falls of Lora Hotel. This hotel was the lodgings for our family, when in 1976 we made a bicentennial visit to Glen Noe where we made a movie and started the cairn which you will be able to see at the Gathering on Sunday or on a boat ride on Loch Etive. For the movie, my father borrowed a sword that was used as decoration over a door in the Falls of Lora hotel. The sword belonged to Ian Hamilton, one of the co-conspirators who on Christmas Eve 1950 stole the Stone of Scone from under King Edward’s throne at Westminster Abbey. On April 11, 1951 they allowed it to be recovered by the authorities at the Arbroath Abbey where it was covered by a saltire, the Scottish flag (blue background with the white Cross of St. Andrew). It was the Arbroath Declaration of Scottish Independence from England in 1320 that predates the U.S. Declaration of Independence from England by 350 years. The famous quote from the Declaration is:

“...for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself….”

HIGHLIGHT #2 - OBAN

The name Oban derives from the Gaelic word “ob”, meaning bay and “an” meaning little or the “little bay”. Archeologists have discovered evidence of Mesolithic (Stone Age) man from about 6500 BC. Facing west from Oban is Kerrera one of the Inner Hebrides Islands shelters Oban from the Atlantic the Firth of Lorne. Further on are the Islands of Mull and Iona and then the Atlantic Ocean. Somerled’s son Dugal established Clan MacDougall at Oban in the mid 1100s at the same time that Clan MacIntyre was established. Dugal’s grandson, Ewan, 3rd MacDougall chief built Dunollie Castle in the 1200s. At the beginning of the 1800s, Oban was still a small fishing village of 586 people and was the mainland port for the people living in the Inner and Outer Hebrides. It became a tourist center after a middle class developed and were able to afford to travel and both steamboats and later, trains, made travel convenient. The population rose to 1,398 in 1841 and then spurted when the artists discovered the Highlands and inadvertently advertised it in their works of art. These included Sir Walter Scott, Felix Mendelssohn, J. M. W. Turner, William and Dorothy Wordsworth. The crowning glory for tourism was the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1847 and Oban became part of ‘The Royal Route’. The railway arrived in 1880 making Oban a required stop for anyone on their way north or west to the Highlands and Islands. Today it is the unofficial capitol of Lorne, crowned by McCaig’s Tower (Folly) which will be described in a later Highlight. Oban’s population today is 12,000, which swells to 25,000 at the height of the summer tourist season. It is still a transport hub for those traveling to the Highlands and Islands but the local fishing industry is almost gone due to over fishing by large foreign commercial boats. The fine glass blowing factory has closed but the whiskey distillery is still in operation and there are many other sights.

HIGHLIGHT #1 - The Village of Taynuilt

We are fortunate to have as our home bases in 2008 the excellent village of Taynuilt and the “big” port town of Oban. Greater Taynuilt, including the suburbs has 800 souls. In town there are two churches, a post office, a police station, public school, bus and train stops, historical sites & monuments, a hotel, pub, grocery store, general store, antique shop, butcher, car repair, a well-known tea shop, a medical office, B&Bs, self- catering, golf course and village hall.

In the “suburbs” of Taynuilt there is a service station, camping/caravan site, another hotel, many B&Bs and self-caterings, fishery, gardens, florist, kennel, computer service and similar services.

It will be the geographical center of our Gathering as well as the location of many events. For that reason, and the fact that there is one narrow main street, I’m asking that you avoid using your car in Taynuilt unless absolutely necessary or you have accommodations there. Distances are short and walking is the norm. I’ll try to find a car park along the main route and provide a shuttle bus service.

http://www.taynuilt.net/Business.html

What else do you want to know? Tell us at [email protected]

Application for the 2008 World Gathering of MacIntyres, July 17-20

Press REPLY, complete application, press SEND and repeat for each application.

Please complete a separate form for each attendee, even if the event information is identical. Return it to:

E-mail: [email protected]

OR

Mail: Martin MacIntyre, 41 Temescal Terrace, San Francisco, CA 94118 ------Attendance Definitely Probably Maybe

Name, including full middle name:

Mailing Address:

Telephone Number:

E-mail Address:

Age range: 0-5 6-16 17 – 65 66 or over

Special needs: food mobility hearing vision medical body size

Approx. total number of days in Scotland

Number in group Contact info for group leader ______

I want to be contacted about a guided tour after the Gathering like the one described in the update.

I want to be contact about travel arrangements from my home town to the Gathering and return.

EVENTS (APPROXIMATE FEES)

$40 - Registration fee per adult to pay paid staff, name tags, printed program, welcome gift, shuttle buses between Oban and Taynuilt, tents and entrance fee to Taynuilt Highland Games.

Welcome Reception with Planned Activities - All day Thursday at the Taynuilt Games Field, 10 am to 8 pm

Loch Etive boat trip - $20 adult, $16 under 16, $56 family of four for two hours. (Wednesday - Friday)

Loch Etive Galley excursion - $20 donation

Helicopter ride over Loch Etive, Glen Noe, Ben Cruachan, Stone of the Fatted Calf - $ Unknown

Tour of MacIntyre Sites - $50 or less /person for a 4-hour guided tour (scheduled for Thursday or Friday)

Banquet - $70 or less /adult, $30 for children under 16. open bar (Friday 7-11 pm)

Taynuilt Highland Games – Included in Registration Fee (Saturday - Noon to 5 pm)

MacIntyre Ceilidh & Dance - $20/adult, $5 for age16 or under. (Saturday, 8 pm - midnight, reservations)

Glen Noe Visit – (Sunday 1 to 3 pm)

Walk in and out – 45- 60 min. each way on a unsurfaced road with hills (great exercise and ecological)

$20/person for roundtrip transport (limited reservations)

$20-30/day mountain bike rental

$180 US per adult is the est. cost for the events in bold and includes registration

------Stone of the Fatted Calf - $30 for a 4-wheel drive transport (Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) For non-transport walk details: www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/glennoewalk.htm

Taynuilt Ceilidh - $10 (Thursday and possibly Wednesday night with limited attendance)

Golf Tournament - $30 green fees and many ribbons. Nine holes – three clubs, best ball. (Thursday)