The Gillean Call

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CLAN MACLEAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED Chief: Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart and , Bt., CVO, DL, 28th Chief of Clan Maclean Patron: Dame Cath Tizard ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO.

gilleanGi

ISSUE NUMBER : 56 MARCH 2011 FROM PRESIDENT

IAN’S DESK contribution to the Clan Maclean. He will bring a Greetings to Members and Friends! great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the board as he does to the many other groups he belongs to or First of all I would like to extend our sympathy to our assists. Noel will outline the work of the Heritage members in the Christchurch area who have suffered Trust later in this newsletter. trauma and loss following the devastating earthquake on Tuesday 22 February. We have made contact Katrine and I were unable to go to either Turakina or with some and so far as we know all are safe. Paeroa Games this year, but Noel represented us at Enquiries as to their well-being have come in from Turakina and Rhona took the tent to Paeroa. various parts of the world includingllean one from the Unfortunately both Games were affected by rain, and President of the Clan Maclean International Rhona reports that at Paeroa there were fewer people Association. Our thoughts are with all Cantabrians as around, and the tent, although well manned, saw little they begin to re-build both their lives and their city. activity. The in the Park was once more greeted with enthusiasm by the crowd and attracted thirteen entries. I would also like to congratulate our editor, Noel, on his appointment to the Board of the Clan Maclean Our picnic also had to be postponed because of bad Heritage Trust. This is a richly deserved position as weather, but we are going to try again on Sunday th Noel works so hard not just for the Association in March 20 at Wenderholm, from 11 a.m. onwards. I New Zealand but also in liaising with the other hope some of you can make it. Use your own Associations. This appointment recognises his judgment as to the weather. 1 Call Katrine and I have booked a motel in Hastings for my memory serves me correctly the first edition that I Easter, so we will be attending the produced was No 19 in July 2004. After nearly seven there and hope to meet as many of our Hawkes Bay years maybe it is time to consider both the format and members and friends as possible. the content of the newsletter and also, at some stage whether the “pen” should be passed to a successor. The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Auckland Badminton Centre in Gillies Avenue on It has always been my view that members of any Sunday 17th April beginning with a shared lunch at 1 organisation need regular and interesting p.m. We are still seeking a Secretary to take over communications, apart from any activities and I hope from Katrine or at least to share the work with her. that to some extent “the Gillean Call” achieves this. The financial year began in January and subscriptions We are part of a proud and historic clan that figures have been coming in steadily. We are very grateful to prominently in the history of and indeed those members who have caught up with around the world. There is much in the Maclean subscriptions which were inadvertently missed last heritage that is not only worth recounting, as we do year and which Katrine omitted to remind them from time to time in this simple newsletter, but there about. She and I did a bit of fund-raising last month is equally much to be built on with pride and honour. by catering for a small lunch at a local club and In today’s world there is electronic and digital managed to contribute $100 to clan funds. information at every turn apart from the written word and if I may, could I encourage you to examine the And now a story from the Auld Kirk – vast material available on the internet. There is also great stuff on television and many interesting A nun was shocked at the language coming from the programmes have been screened lately. At present building site next to convent, so she decided to talk to there is a programme on Monday nights on Prime the workmen about it. Channel as Monty Hall travels the islands of the Hebrides – this enables us to understand something She planned to join them during their lunch break and of the conditions that forebears from that area so made up some sandwiches for herself and put endured. This follows on the great little series of his, them in a brown paper bag. At noon she ventured called "Beachcomber Cottage” filmed around the next door and as she sat down, said to one of the Applecross area – an area where some of my men, “Do any of you know Jesus Christ?” forebears lived.

They all looked blank and she repeated the question. Maybe we should also consider again how we One of the men, then shouted to some of his mates distribute our newsletter – but for now it is available eating at the top of the scaffold, “Do you guys ken in two formats - hard copy in black and white which Jesus Christ?” is mailed to you, or you can have it emailed to you in colour. “Why?” came the reply. Don’t miss looking at the many interesting websites “Because he forgot his lunch an’ his wife’s here wi’ that contain Maclean information but above all keep it!” looking at www.maclean.org

Regards As Ian has noted I have just been appointed to a five year term as a Trustee of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust. Not only is this a real honour which I humbly !"#$% accept, as the first New Zealander to hold this position, but also because it is the personal EDITORIAL! appointment of our Clan Chief, Sir Lachlan. I have set out later in this newsletter something of the work of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust and also how As we are now back in to some regular sequence in Macleans can supports the Trust. our newsletters, following on the additional communications last year surrounding Sir Lachlan’s Almost daily I receive information about our kindred visit to our shores, it is a pleasant duty to welcome all Clan associations around the world and it is really members and friends of the Clan Maclean Association of New Zealand to this 56th edition. If 2 heartening to see just how much activity is going on EVENTS TO PLAN FOR! and how many are interested in various aspects of the Clan. One such newsletter advises of the upcoming plans for Sir Lachlan to visit the USA and 20 March Clan Maclean Picnic. particularly the Loch Norman Highland Games at Historic Rural Hill, in Huntersville, North Carolina 17 April Clan Maclean AGM Shared lunch.at 1pm at from 15 – 17 April where he will be guest of the Clan the Badminton Centre, Gillies Ave, Auckland. Gillean USA Inc. 22/24 April Hawkes Bay Highland Games at Following on our most recent Committee meeting of Lindesfarne College, Hastings. (Ian and Katrine will CMANZ we have now confirmed our Annual Dinner welcome your support at the Clan Maclean tent.) in Waipu when we will return to the Clansman Restaurant on 2 July and the following day will be 2/3 July Clan Dinner and Kirkin’ o the Tartan the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at the Waipu Presbyterian at Waipu. Make sure you visit the Heritage Museum Church. So get you travel and other arrangements as well. made for that weekend. 18 – 24 June 2012 Clan Maclean Centenary At that Committee Meeting, our Treasurer Neil Gathering on Mull with wide rage of activities. McLean kindly agreed to take on the additional task of Membership Secretary and any contact you need Apologies! regarding memberships can now be directed to him I apologise for the slight delay in getting this issue (see page 12.) This gesture by Neil will relieve of “the Gillean Call “ to you! I hope you have not Katrine of some of the heavy workload that she has been anxious or concerned at the delay in receipt undertaken for the Clan and we are currently of this. identifying further areas where we can involve clan members in tasks that will ease the administrative CLAN MACLEAN ASSOCIATION OF burden. Some of these tasks may only arise periodically, so if you have any spare time or a NEW ZEALAND INC. willingness to assist our Clan development, please MEMORABILIA contact Katrine. Maclean Polo Shirts So let us all move along together – improving our (State size and colour -normally made to order, communication, supporting Clan activities, always on price on application. Limited sizes and colours the lookout for new members and above all keeping are in stock ) the spirit of our noble clan to the fore.

Regards to you all. Note Cards Pkt. 10 12.00 Pkt. 5 7.00 Embroidered Badges () 10.00 &'()$% Clan Maclean Pens (ball point) 1.50 % or set of 3 4.00 Change of Location! Scottish Recipe Book 8.00 Cross Stitch (Celtic Cross or Thistle) 10.00 Some of our members will have had contact with or Wall Map – Clan Maclean Battles, made purchases from our friends at Scotty’s Gifts Castles and Lands. 15.00 and Collectables in Wanganui. (Discounted) Except for shirts and please add $1 postage and packing We have received advice that this shop, which sells per order. Scottish gear, has moved to Turakina and is now housed in a large building at the western end of the Please order from The Secretary main road along with a cafeteria and antique shop. So Other Items – Tartan Bow ties – crafted by Katrine at it’s a good stop off if you are passing through $5.50 Turakina where Neil and Chris Boyd will welcome Maclean of Duart waistcoat $75 measurements needed. you. “A Boat of Our Ain” by Mervyn McLean Special $22.503 – a 25% discount.

REPORTS FROM AROUND THE GAMES! Since our January newsletter, I attended two more Highland Games and comment briefly on my experiences.

147th Turakina Highland Games – 29 January

These are New Zealand’s oldest games and are held in the delightful small village of Turakina between Marton and Wanganui. Even today these Games still focus on the original ideals of a significant event for the families of the district and it is encouraging to see Competitors in the Sword Dance wrestle with the the participation from locals in many of the activities. wind, just prior to the dancing being transferred indoors. From the challenging hill race, to men and women, boys and girls of all ages attempting traditional field 18th Paeroa Games and Tattoo 12 February events, through to the piping, dancing and pipe bands competitions, everyone was keen to “have a go” or The weather for these Games was fine but the ground admire the talents of others. Of course the clan tents surface initially somewhat soft due to overnight rain. and stall vendors were there as well, but this is very The Paeroa Highland Games are very much much a Highland Games organised for the locals and organised along modern event management lines conducted in traditional ways. with a high degree of consideration for spectators.

This year I offered my assistance with the field The Paeroa Domain is well presented and the layout events and it was a real lesson of getting back to just for various events enables them to continue without helping people to enjoy themselves. No professional disruption to others. There would be few pipe band heavyweights here, although who is to say they competition venues that enable both competitors and would not be welcomed, but rather it was a case of participants to enjoy the shade of trees, and the Clan guiding all who wanted to participate without causing tents even have their own “Square” where there is injury to themselves or to others. constant entertainment. The highland dancing here too was transferred to a local hall, and as usual the Sadly the weather did not co-operate and initially Highland heavyweight competitions with competitors there was constant and heavy rain but later in the from both New Zealand and Australia, drew a large morning strong winds blew this away to leave an and always appreciative crowd. The wood chopping overcast and windy day – so windy in fact that the events are always popular. Highland dancing had to be transferred to a nearby hall as dancers were unable to maintain balance in the As a build-up to the evening Tattoo the Clan Maclean wind. A few tents also suffered but everyone held its “Tartan in the Park” event and this drew and continued in great spirits, and often with joviality as large crowd as they settled in for the evening and the the wind from time to tie gave new significance to two and a half hour entertainment that followed. With the term “the swirl of the ” thirteen competitors the TITP continued to be popular and I noted one report that said “Tartan in the Park” For those who have not yet done so I recommend that is a new successful attraction for the Paeroa Highland you visit the Turakina Highland Games website and Games and Tattoo and was held at 5.30 p.m. in front not only view the many photos but read something of of the Grandstand. Fun, fashionable, wearable tartan the history of these historical games. Better still plan th was the order of the day with contestants in the fours to visit next time the games are held – their 150 sections being asked about their tartan and any celebrations are only a few years away. Scottish connections after parading on the “catwalk”.

4 One cannot help but be impressed by the annual efforts of the Paeroa organisers to assemble an NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL enjoyable Tattoo with massed bands and a wide MEETING! range of entertainment including two popular

Heavyweight challenges – the “Drambuie” Trans Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Tasman Caber toss and also the very popular Farmers Meeting of the Walk. It is certainly an evening that is not worth CLAN MACLEAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW missing and is also a great way to wind up the day if ZEALAND INC. you have been attending or participating throughout. Will be held on SUNDAY 17 APRIL 2011

Commencing at 2 p.m. Well done to the Paeroa team! At Auckland Badminton Centre, Gillies Ave. Newmarket, Auckland.

Any Notice of business a member wishes to raise should be given to the Secretary as soon as possible.

The only elections this year are for Committee Members as Officers were appointed in 2010 for a two year term.

Nominations for Committee Members may be given in writing to the Secretary, signed by the Proposer and Seconder, and have the written consent of the nominee.

The Annual General Meeting will be preceded at “Tartan in the Park” compere Noel Robinson with 12.30 p.m. by a shared lunch. the Honorary Chieftain for the Paeroa Games SUMMER IS NOT OVER - 2011 Carol Hayes who was also one of the TITP Judges. YET!

So join the Clan members and friends at Wenderholm Reserve on SUNDAY 20 March for our second attempt to hold a CLAN PICNIC this year.

Assemble from 11 a.m.

Take Schishka Road from State Highway 1 Just north of Waiwera. Look for Clan Maclean flag on beach side of car park! No charge – bring your food and drink! Now here is a reader challenge! Are these the ”Three Amigos”, the “Three Musketeers” or who? Dark glasses notwithstanding from left to right, each Bring your family and Friends! wearing a Maclean tartan at the Paeroa Games are Neil McLean (treasurer); John McLean (prominent HOWEVER if weather is bad – it is your call author); and Alasdair Maclean (Immediate Past to decide – there will be no public President) of Clan Maclean Association of New Zealand announcements.

5 Since then, the Trust has commemorated Macleans in Australia, Canada, Scotland and the USA (and most recently New Zealand) by erecting cairns and memorial plaques; has paid for the restoration of important buildings and historical documents The Clan associated with the Clan; it has funded a Piping Bursary for young Macleans at the College of Piping The Clan Maclean Heritage Trust was established by in Glasgow. The Clan Maclean Association has also the Clan Maclean Association in 1996 to recognize transferred to the Trust ownership of the Maclean and cherish the heritage of the Clan Maclean around Library, which is housed at the Museum the world, as well as in Scotland, and to educate the at Tobermory. wider publicMaclean about it. Specifically, in terms of the Trust Deed, the purpose of the Trust is “promoting The following are the Trustees as at 1 March 2011 – and advancing the education of the public in the history, traditions and music of the Clan Maclean” Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart and Morvern, Bt., CVO, DL (Chairman) It is through research and documentation that it can The Very Rev. Allan Maclean of Dochgarroch (ex- preserve knowledgeHeritage and information but it is also officio) about making such knowledge available to others. Col Donald MacLean (Scotland) The scope for the Trust work is very broad, for it is Judge Sandra L. McLean (USA) known (and in some cases yet to be known) that Mrs Fiona Maclean of (Scotland) members of Clan Maclean have made and continue to Ian MacLean (Canada) make enormous contributions in the field of politics, Nigel Alington, LVO (England) medicine, literatuTrust.re, music, sport, exploration and James Beaton (Scotland) other forms of scientific endeavour, military Brian McLean (Australia) campaigns and many other fields. It seeks to ensure Noel Robinson (New Zealand) their achievements are not forgotten, not only through the printed word, but also through the Treasurer: Dr James McLean preservation of manuscripts, artifacts, buildings and Secretary: William Douglas other tangible links. The Trust has benefited enormously from the This is where you can assist, by letting myself and generosity of Clan members. It has received the gift others know of both past and current achievements of a Gaelic bible of Hector McLean, ancestor of of Clan members and this will be passed on to the Professor Ephraim MacLean of Atlanta; and the gift trust as appropriate. New Zealand is a “late addition” of various heirlooms of the Kaid Sir Harry Maclean to this work and to date, despite many Macleans (1848 – 1920) including his ceremonial sword, pistol having been part of the history and development of and matriculation of Arms. These are now housed for New Zealand it was only last year, when Chief Sir the Trust in the Isle of Mull Museum. Lachlan Maclean unveiled the plaque honouring Sir Donald McLean at McLean Park, Napier that the first In July 2001, to coincide with the 350th anniversary recognition related to New Zealand was given by the of the a Friends of the Clan Trust. Maclean Heritage Trust organization was established. Membership is open to individuals or families. Since its establishment nearly 15 years ago, the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust, has achieved a great deal. For more information on the Clan Maclean Heritage The Trust concept grew from the work started in Trust please log on to www.maclean.org or 1986 by placing the armorial stone above the main http://macleanclan.com or please feel free to contact entrance to Duart Castle, in restoring the ancient Noel Robinson who will be most interested in any Maclean burial aisle at in 1992, by erecting ideas you have that will further the interests of the a cairn in 1996 at Drimnin pier to commemorate Clan Maclean and its heritage. Currently the CMHT Charles Maclean of Drimnin who was killed leading is considering a number of heritage activities in the Macleans at Culloden in the ’45, and by numerous locations in numerous countries. If you commissioning a portrait of the hero, author and have Clan or family contacts in other countries please traveler, Sir Fitzroy Maclean (1911- 1996). let us know. 6 n Troops THE BATTLE OF Highland: 10,000 according to the ballads but HARLAW – 1411! probably far less Lowland: several thousand including significant On 24 July 2011 history will mark the 600th numbers of armoured knights. anniversary of the “Cath Losses: the ballads claim 900 Highland and 600 Gairbheach”. Many accounts have been written of Lowland losses. this epic battle but the following account available of the “internet” is possibly one of the most A grave marker commemorating Sir Gilbert de succinct. Greenlaw, who was killed in the battle, is in the churchyard at Kinkell, to the south east of Inverurie. Summary A substantial monument was erected on the battlefield and unveiled in 1914. There are also cairns In origin the battle of Harlaw was a feudal dispute on the battlefield (Drum’s and Provost Davidson’s but must be viewed in the context of growing conflict cairns) which are said to be associated with the battle, between Highland and Lowland. The situation was while two now lost standing stones also gained also complicated by the fact that King James 1 was association with the battle “ liggars Stane and imprisoned in England and thus royal authority was Donalds Tomb. weak. Donald, , having fought for control of Ross, now planned to strike south east into Assessment Moray towards Aberdeen. But there was substantial The general location of the battle is well established warning of the impending campaign and so defensive at the traditional site, but primary sources provide preparations were put in hand by the in very little details as to the exact context, so the spring and early summer of 1411. accurately placing the troops and the action is not currently possible. Marren (1) has made a reasonable In the medieval period the main road from interpretation based on the relief and the probable to Aberdeen probably followed broadly the route of alignment of the major medieval road from Inverness the A96. It appears that it was along this route that to Aberdeen, but the actual deployments are highly the Highland forces approached Moray. As soon as conjectural he was aware of the approach of the Highlanders, Mar marshaled his troops at Inverurie, which Harlaw is a poorly documented action for which controlled the route. The exact line of the road to the much of the evidence is in the form of ballads, north of Inverurie ran on the north side of the river embroidered with legend. One work by Major in Urie and it was 2km north west of the bridge over the 1527 may have had oral tradition to draw on but is river, just north of Inverurie that the Highland forces more than two centuries after the battle. camped on the night of 23 July, on high ground near Harlaw. On the morning of the 24th the Earl of Mar Human remains were found in 1837 to the north east marched out of Inverurie to engage the Highland of Mid Harlaw and although not confirmed as forces. relating to the battle, they may give a more accurate indication of the centre of the action, for mass graves Mar approached from the south east. The action are frequently found to concentrate in the area of the seems to have been fought on foot and with each initial and most intense fighting. Artifacts including a army probably deploying in “three battles”, the battleaxe have also been found on the battlefield. infantry arranged in “schiltrons”, closely ordered ranks of spearmen. There is no reference to The ballads give a picture of the battlefield as significant numbers of archers and it seems that Mar featureless moorland, but the area today is arable kept his knights as a cavalry reserve. It appears to fields. Though not specifically referred to in the have been an intense and close run fight, but the primary accounts, the action appears to have been sources provide little detail and there is even conflict fought on the line of the major road from Aberdeen over the outcome, with both sides claiming victory. to Inverness. Despite its importance for the What is clear is that Aberdeen was successfully understanding of the action, no reconstruction of the defended and the Highland forces departed without historic terrain, including the road network and the causing significant destruction in the region. 7 extent of the moorland, appears to have been On spotting the islanders, Mar organized his force attempted. into battle array, with the main army behind a small advance guard of men-at-arms under Sir James The battle was significant in that it represented a Scrymgeour (Constable of Dundee, the hereditary stage in the escalation of Highland / Lowland conflict standard-bearer of Scotland) and Sir Alexander during the early 15th century, but it also saw the Ogilvie of Auchterhouse. The islanders were successful defence of Aberdeen. arranged in the traditional cuneiform or wedge shape, with Hector Roy Maclean commanding the right Balgardy House and Harlaw House are both listed, as wing and the Chief of Clan Macintosh on the left is the battle monument, but there are no other designations. At first the clansmen launched themselves at Scrymgeor’s men but failed to make much (1) Peter Marren Grampian Battlefields; the impression on the armoured column and many were historic battles of North East Scotland from slain. However every wave if Islanders that was AD84 to 1745. repulsed, was replaced by fresh men. Meanwhile Mar led his knights into the main body of Donald’s army So what was the Battle of Harlaw all about and with similar results. The islanders brought down the who was actually involved? knight’s horses and then used their dirks to finish off the riders. Based on Wikipedia sources it was one of a series of battles fought during the Middle Ages between the By nightfall amongst Mar’s dead, were Ogilvie and barons of northeast Scotland and those from the west his son, Scrymgeour, Sir Robert Maule, Sir Thomas coast. Moray, William Abernethy, Alexander Straiton of Lauriston, James Lovel, Alexander Stirling and Sir The battle was fought to resolve competing claims to Alexander Irvine of Drum who according to Maclean the Earldom of Ross. The , regent of history dueled with Hector Maclean until both were Scotland, had taken control of the earldom as dead. Many families lost not only their chief but guardian of his niece Euphemia Leslie. This claim every male in their house; Lesley of Balquhain died was contested by Donald, Lord of the Isles, who with six of his sons. married Euphemia’s aunt Mariota. Donald invaded Ross with the intention of seizing the earldom by It is recorded that Mar and his surviving men were force. too feeble to retreat and camped on the battlefield expecting the combat to resume in the morning. First he defeated a force of Mackays at Dingwall. He Come dawn they found Donald had withdrawn captured the castle and then advanced on Aberdeen during the night, retreating first to Ross and then with (supposedly 10,000) clansmen. Near Inverurie back to the Isles. he was met by a force of the local gentry, many in armour, hastily assembled by the Earl of Mar. After a Editor’s Footnote: day of fierce fighting there was no clear victor – Donald had lost 900 men before retreating back to the I recently noted a report of the Otago Gaelic Society Western isles, and Mar had lost 500 The latter would contained in an 1899 edition of the Otago Witness. claim strategic victory in that Aberdeen was saved, Part of that report reads – and within a year Albany had recaptured Ross and “The monthly meeting of this Society (The Gaelic forced Donald to surrender. However, Mariota was Society) was held on the night of the 5th in the awarded the earldom of Ross in 1424 ad the Lords of Oddfellows’ Hall, Stuart Street. Mr. D. Munro the Isles would keep the title for much of the 15th occupied the chair, and in the course of his remarks century. read an extract in Gaelic from the Mac-talla, recording the death in Canada of Archibald M’Lean, The Battle of Harlaw took place on the eve of the the son of the bard of that ilk whose genealogy feast of St. James. Donald’s army was armed with the article traced back in an unbroken line to “Mhie swords, bows and axes, short knives and targe Eachainn Ruaidh nan cath, traith Dhubhairt, a thuit shields, Mars men in the main were well armed with am blar Harlaw ‘sa bhliadhna 1411” (the son of Red many in armour and carrying spears, maces and Hector of the battles, the Chief of Duart that fell at battleaxes. 8 the battle of Harlaw in the year 1411. Not many in As I gaed on an’ farther on and doon an’ by these days could trace their descent so far back.” Balquhain Oh it’s there I saw Sir James the Rose and wi’ him Since researching the above article I have looked John the Graeme. again at that most excellent of publications – the CD Rom “The Clan Maclean” produced for the Clan It’s cam’ ye fae the Heilan’s man, cam’ ye a’ the Maclean Association and noted some additional wey? comment regarding the Battle of Harlaw. Here are Saw ye MacDonald and his men as they cam’ in fae some extracts – Skye? “Donald drew his troops up in a wedge shape and put Hector Roy, 6th Chief (of Clan Maclean) on his right It’s I was near and near eneuck that I their numbers wing. The right wing was traditionally awarded to the saw leaders most trusted supporter. Although Mar’s men There were fifty Thoosan’ heilan’ men a-marchin’ tae were outnumbered, his army was better trained and Harlaw. had mounted warriors in chain mail. The battle raged all day; the right wing under Hector Roy held, but the “Gin that be true,” says James the Rose, “We’ll no left wing under the MacIntoshes was broken. During cam’ muckle speed the battle Hector Roy, a famous swordsman, We’ll cry upon wir merry men and turn wir horses encountered the best of Mar’s swordsmen, Sir heid.” Alexander Irving of Drum. The two men fought a determined and heroic duel, which only ended when “Oh na, o’ na,” says Jon the Graeme, “This thing will they both fell mortally wounded. It is said that for nivver be years afterwards, the Macleans of Duart and the The gallant Graemes wis nivver beat, we’ll try fit we airings of Drum would exchange swords on the can dae.” anniversary of the battle. Well, as I gaed on an’ further on an’ doon an’ by 900 of the Islesmen and 500 of Mar’s men were Harlaw slaughtered in this battle. The Lord of the Isles There fell fu’ close on ilka side sic straiks ye nivver retreated west and was never again to affect the saw. stability of Scotland on this scale. The Lords of the Isles were for a brief time to be acknowledged Earls There fell fu’ close on ilka side sic straiks ye nivver of Ross but their ambitions on this earldom were saw. eventually to lead to their downfall. It is interesting to An’ ilka sword gaed clash for clash at the Battle of note that Lachlan Bronnach, Hector Roy’s son (who Harlaw. was held captive by Mar after the battle) was in time to marry the daughter of the Earl of Mar and name The Heilan’ men wi’ their lang swords, they laid on their son as his heir; marriage diplomacy was a us fu’ sair welcome antidote to war.” And they drave back wir merry men three acres breadth and mair.

Ballads of War! An’ Forbes tae his brother did say, “Noo brither, can’t ye see The following is one of the ballads written about the They’ve beaten us back on ilka side and we’ll forced Battle Harlaw. It is interesting to note the “poetic tae flee.” license” that lyricists sometimes take. “Oh na, na, my brither bold, this thing will nivir be “As I cam’ in by Dunideer and doon by Nether Ha’ Ye’ll tak yer guid sword in yer haun, ye’’ gang in wi’ There were fifty thoosan’ heilan’ men a-marching tae me.” Harlaw. Well, its back tae back the brithers bold gaed in (Chorus) amangst the thrang Wi’ a diddy aye o’ an’ a fal an’ doe And they drave back the heilan’ men wi’ swords And a diddy aye o’ aye ay. baith sharp and lang.

9 An’ the firstan stroke that Forbes struck, he gart MacDonald reel ANDREW’S CORNER An’ the neistan straik that Forbes struck, the brave MacDonald fell.

Greetings from the South Island! An siccan a ptlairchie O’ likes ye nivir saw As wis amangst the Hielan’ men fan they saw A lot has changed for me over the summer; I have MacDonald fa”. accepted a position in the Bachelor of Music Program at the University of Otago, and am now living in Some rade, some ran and some did gang, they were Dunedin, ready to start my first semester. Needless to o’ sma’ record say, I have been working on a little project, and I For Forbes and his merry men, they slew them on the have finally launched my own piping website, road. www.andrewhayawrd.co.nz

O’ fifty thoosan’ Heilan’ men, but fifty three gaed It is still in its infancy, and I expect that it will go hame through many changes this year, but its purpose is to And oot o’ a’ the Lawlan’ men, fifty marched wi’ promote myself as a bagpiper in Dunedin. I will be Graeme. updating and on-line piping and music-study diary called a “blog”, and a link can be found on my site Gin onybody spier at ye for them that marched awa’ too. Ye can tell them plain and very plain they’re sleepin’ at Harlaw.” Meanwhile, I haven’t heard from anyone in a while. Maybe its time for another competition? What do you Saturday 2July and Sunday 3 July 2011 think? (And here is a short update from Andrew’s blog!)

“WAIPU CALLING” Feeling right at home this weekend, I enjoyed watching and listening to many of the South Island’s

highland pipe bands competing in the Octagon. From Clan Maclean again promotes two major what I recall of the annual RNZPBA Summer annual events based in Waipu as part of Schools, South Island piping is “interesting” and kind Waipu’s Tartan Week activities. of “weird”, but yesterday and today I was quite impressed with may of the South Island pipers and ANNUAL CLAN DINNER their pipe bands. I especially enjoyed the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band, and the City of Invercargill on Saturday 2 July from 6.30 p.m. Highland Pipe Band, both of whom played rollicking at the CLANSMAN RESTAURANT, strathspeys in their MSR’s, and one of them, I think, Waipu played Mrs John McColl – a favourite 2/4 march of Ticket price TBA. Book through Katrine our mine. Secretary. This is a great fun night at the same location The City of Dunedin Grade Two pipe band - I am we hosted our Clan Chief Sir Lachlan, last told is one of three bands – also a grade 4 and a November. juvenile) – is one I would like to join, partly because they wear one of my family , Gordon, but AND mostly because it has been a while since I have played in a pipe band and I feel my technique is “The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” getting a bit sloppy.

At Waipu’s historic Presbyterian Church. In all this was an excellent weekend of piping. I only At 10 a.m. Sunday 3 July. wish I could have bought some haggis for my dinner. Led by Rev Peter Dunn. Regards

Clan members and guests most welcome! *#+,(-$% 10 CLARIFYING THE WRITINGS! “If I may be so bold as to draw your attention to some misconceptions in the December 4 article about

the plaque commemorating Sir Donald McLean at On Saturday December 4, 2010 the Hawkes Bay McLean Park. Today newspaper carried an article and photo concerning Sir Lachlan’s visit to the area. In part that Douglas McLean, his son, was not the only person article read – involved with the donation of land for the park.

Leading citizens of Napier had approached him to ”McLean is a well known name in Napier and ascertain whether he thought a statue of Sir Donald members of the have celebrated the would be a suitable memorial for the town. family’s role in Hawkes Bay. Douglas knew his father would not have appreciated

a statue and would have preferred a park where all Clan Chief Sir Lachlan Maclean visited Napier citizens could enjoy sporting activities, including recently to unveil a new plaque commemorating Sir Caledonian sports and piping. The citizens agreed Donald McLean at McLean Park. and, with Douglas also donating, they raised the

money to buy suitable land. It was Sir Lachlan’s first visit to New Zealand but he Re the spelling of McLean and Maclean, neither Sir hoped there would be other opportunities to recognise Donald nor Douglas used the “a” when signing successful members of the clan. letters, though Douglas did use MacLean once on a

calling card in England when he sought membership “They have done significant things. This is the fist of an exclusive club that did not look favourably on plaque unveiled in New Zealand, but I am sure it colonial members. Douglas’ wife, Florence, always won’t be the last. Those of us left in Scotland are included the “a” in her use of the name as it was the very proud of what they have done.” spelling used by the chiefs of the clan. A letter in the

Oban Times newspaper in Scotland said “a” could The plaque was funded by the clan’s historic trust, only be used by families who actually owned land, a which Sir Lachlan chairs. He said his role was about parallel to the use of gentlemen in England. supporting members of the clan, maintaining Duart Although Douglas signed his will McLean he was not Castle, the traditional home of the clan, and alive when the cairn was built and dedicated, and, by encouraging members to visit the castle. then, Lady Florence Maclean was able to use the

spelling she preferred. Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott said the McLean Sir Lachlan Maclean asked me to pass the family had made a big contribution to Hawkes Bay information to the Mayor in case she thought the history and their name was still visible around the spelling on the cairn should be changed. I could not region. agree as it delightfully proves that a strong woman is

never beaten. I thought his clarification would be “We think the stadium is the most significant legacy interesting to many of your readers, not only those of in terms of visible proof of the McLean’s role here,” Scottish heritage. she said. “It is known throughout New Zealand and is Alan Scarfe (Hastings) unique because its name has not changed since it was built.”

The stadium was built on land donated by Douglas McLean in 1910 to commemorate his father………

• The spelling of the name has varied across families and countries but the spelling on the park and the plaque is based on how Sir Donald spelled and signed his name throughout his life. Both Maclean and McLean are considered correct spellings.

That article drew an explanatory response from local historian and good friend of the Clan Alan Scarfe explains history at the McLean gravesite. Maclean – 11 CLAN MACLEAN ASSN. OF Articles and comments from members are welcome and these should be in the hands of the NEW ZEALAND INC.% Editor no later than the 20th of the month preceding publication. The Clan Maclean Association of New Zealand is The Clan Maclean Association of New Zealand is a registered incorporated society having as its registered also with the Charities Commission. main objects the advancement of Clan fellowship, history and heritage. MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Officers Membership is available upon completion of a formal Chief: Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart and Morvern application and acceptance by the Committee. th Bt., CV; DL; 28 Chief of the Clan Maclean. Subscriptions apply for the calendar year (our Patron: Dame Cath Tizard ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, financial year) and are currently $20 per individual or DBE, QSO. Former Governor General of New family. Membership forms available from Committee Zealand. members, Area representatives and at Clan activities President: Ian McLean and should be mailed to the Secretary. 341 Mangawhai Road, RD 5, Wellsford (9)423 9145 [email protected] Subscriptions for the year 2011 are now due!. A three Vice President: Arthur Dickinson (9)535 7742 year membership is available at $50. Members are [email protected] notified when subscriptions are due and should a Immediate Past President further reminder not result in payment of fees then Alasdair MacLean (9)534 5322 membership services, including the newsletter, will [email protected] cease. Members are responsible for notifying and Acting Secretary change of address. Thanks to all who are currently Katrine McLean up to date and we do of course welcome new 341 Mangawhai Road, RD5, Wellsford (9)423 9145 members at any time. [email protected] Treasurer / Membership Secretary NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! Neil McLean (9)444 3021 44 Hiwihau Place, Glenfield, Auckland 0629 AREA REPRESENTATIVES! Committee Members – Northland Andrew Hayward Iain H MacLean (Hikurangi) 0272 378 197 [email protected] Hawkes Bay Donald MacLean (also Archivist) (9)443 5049 Iain G McLean (Hastings) (6) 877 6604 [email protected] Canterbury Rhona McLean (9)437 7155 Glenis McLean 0272 624 674 [email protected] Otago / Southland Daphne Stephens (9)420 5073 Allan MacLean (Cromwell) (3) 445 3137 [email protected] Noel Robinson (also Newsletter Editor) (9)278 1834 UPCOMING EVENTS!

(Please let us know about events in your Please! area.) Address all correspondence to the Acting Secretary, 341 Mangawhai Road RD5, WELLSFORD Mar 19 Papakura in the Park (Dancing) Northland: remit all monies to the Treasurer / Southland Championships, Invercargill Membership Secretary, and address any newsletter Heretaunga Thistle Club – Hastings items or genealogy queries to Noel Robinson, P O Mar 20 Clan Maclean Picnic Box 23 642, Hunters Corner, Manukau City 2155. Mar 26 Otago Centre (Dancing) Balmoral Club – Competitions “The Gillean Call” is the Newsletter of the Clan April 2 Nelson Highland Dancing Maclean Association of New Zealand and is April 3 Thistle Caledonian – Palmerston North published bi-monthly in January, March, May, April 16 Auckland Centre Easter Awards Waimate Competitions Society July, September and November April 22/24 Hawkes Bay Easter Highland Games (Hastings) 12

!

13