Clan MacKenzie Society in the Americas Cabar Feidh The Canadian Chapter Magazine

September, 2005 ISSN 1207-7232

In This Issue: NEW MEMBERS Roddy Hosts a Dinner in the ...... 2 e welcome the following members who have Seaforth’s New Commanding Officer ...... 2 Wjoined since the last Newsletter: Letters from Members ...... 3 Highland Games Reports ...... 4, 6-8, 13 &14 Mary Margaret (McKenzie) Armstrong, Book Review ...... 5 87 North Park Street, DNA Project Review ...... 8 Brantford, ON N3R 4K2 Genealogy - Canadian Census 1911 ...... 10 Mackenzies at the Battle of Trafalgar ...... 11 Stephen Baker, The Brahan Seer - some reports ...... 11 35 Crawford Crescent, P.O. Box 129, Funeral of “Smokey” Smith, V.C...... 13 Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Clan Mackenzie Gathering in Strathpeffer plus photos ...... 16-20 Alex M. Kyle, 2064 Glade Road, Thurm’s, Castlegar, BC V1W 3K6

Alistair Stuart MacKenzie, P.O. Box 206, Lambeth Stn, London, ON N6P 1P9 COMMISSIONER ALISTAIR D. MACKENZIE, P.ENG., FCSCE Clark Kenneth MacKenzie, listair MacKenzie has been a long time member of 18 Stanley Street, Athe Ontario Committee and is often seen at at the Kingston, ON K7K 1X9 Clan Tent at many of the Ontario Highland Games. Along with Commissioner Ken Mackenzie, yet anoth- Douglas Norman McKenzie, er engineer, he has been very active in the Canadian 314 Morrison Ave., Society for Civil Engineering. We now learn that he Beaverton, ON L0K 1A0 has recently been elected as the President of that august body for 2005-2006. Gary Arnold Mackenzie, We congratulate him and sincerely hope it does not 1712 Fieldstone Crescent, get in the way of his much more important clan Orleans, ON K1C 1R7 duties!!! (See photo page 15).

Cabar Feidh Newsletter: Members who wish to write to the Society with contributions to the Newsletter please send submissions to The Editor, Clan MacKenzie Society, 580 Rebecca St., Oakville, ON L6K 3N9. or e-mail to [email protected] Clan Web Pages: www.clanmackenzie.com & www.electricscotland.com/mackenzie Page 2 James Malcolm MacKenzie, participation in the Dutch WWII Prince Bernhard has personally 9 Hillcrest Avenue, 60th Anniversary events. Of all taken the salute at the May 5th Day Kentville, NS B4N 1X1 things Eric and I could possibly of Liberation March Past at (James is our new commissioner have done, it seemed to us that . However, he died last for Nova Scotia) nothing was more appropriate than December. So for the 60th March hosting this dinner exactly 60 years Past his grandson HRH Dutch Norman Walter McKenzie, and one day later in the very room, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander 35 Bishop Tonnos Way, and dining on the actual table, used took the salute. That morning in a Hamilton, ON L9B 2L7 for Germany's Surrender to Canada speech to the Dutch nation, the of The Netherlands. Crown Prince announced that this R. Scott McKenzie, Present at the Surrender were May 5th Day of Liberation of 911 York Street, Canadian Generals Charles Foulkes Holland by Canada will be a per- New Westminster, BC V3L 4S5 and accompanied manent national holiday in The by HRH Dutch Prince Bernhard. Netherlands and the March Past Maureen Smith, At that May 5, 1945 meeting they will continue each year at 1 Lonsdale Drive, dictated the Terms of Surrender by Wageningen. London, ON N6G 1T4 Germany of Holland to Canada. So, all in all, Eric and I managed German General Johannes to host for the Seaforths a remark- Mary Frances (MacKenzie) Blaskowitz signed the Surrender on able dinner at an extraordinary Wilton, behalf of the Third Reich. HRH location of huge significance to 47 Winship Close, Prince Bernhard was at that time both Canada and The Netherlands. London, ON N6C 5M8 Supreme Commander of the Royal Best regards, Roddy Dutch Armed Forces. The Prince was son-in-law of wartime Queen RODDY MACKENZIE HOSTS A SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS NEW Wilhelmina, husband of Queen DINNER COMMANDING OFFICER Juliana and father of Queen Roddy sent us this e-mail which follows up LT-COL. ROB ROY EVERETT from a part of a report which we published Beatrix. MACKENZIE, CD in the previous issue of Cabar Feidh. The Fortunately, Hotel De Wereld ow appropriate that the latest MacKenzies are proud of their historical agreed with our assessment of the commanding officer for the association with the Seaforth Highlanders importance of this historic event, H and consequently we think this report will Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and so kindly served a magnificent be of interest to members. should be a Mackenzie! dinner in the room and on the very thought you might appreciate Colonel Mackenzie was born in table the Terms of Surrender docu- Isome background regarding the Regina, Saskachewan in 1963 and ment was signed. In keeping with May 6, 2005 dinner Eric de Ridder he spent his early childhood in the formality and importance of the and I hosted for the Seaforth offi- Regina, Ottawa and Victoria. In event, we concluded the dinner cers at Hotel De Wereld (Hotel of 1976 his family moved to with a round of excellent port with the World) in Wageningen. . In June 1985 he joined which we stood and had the toasts Eric and I wanted to do some- The Seaforth Highlanders of which form part of Seaforth thing really significant to demon- Canada as a Private. Regimental dinners. strate our appreciation for all In 1986, after attending the A couple of additional points of Seaforth Commanding Officer Col. Reserve Entry Scheme Officer note. First, the Dutch have now McGregor did to include us in this (RESO) training plan, Colonel designated Hotel De Wereld a memorable Seaforth pilgrimage to MacKenzie was commissioned as National Heritage Monument. The Netherlands, for how we were an infantry Second-Lieutenant. In HRH Prince Bernhard personally treated by the Seaforths and the 1987 he attended RESO Phase III opened the reconstructed conserva- Dutch while in Holland, and for and won the Canadian Infantry tory of the hotel nine years ago on what the Seaforth officers on this Association Sword as the Top May 5, 1996. Second, for 59 years trip did for Canada through their Candidate. He continued his service Page 3 with The Seaforth Highlanders of commander and battalion opera- My ancestors hail from Lewis Canada as a rifle platoon comman- tions captain. In 1997, Colonel and some did emigrate. A better der, a rifle company operations offi- MacKenzie was posted to The source of information is Donald cer and a company second-in-com- Canadian Parachute Centre in Mackenzie at the Ness Heritage mand. Trenton, Ontario. He was qualified Centre. He has amassed an enor- In May 1989, after completing a as a military free-fall parachutist mous data base of Mackenzies and Bachelor of Science degree in and as a course officer he conduct- all their inter-relationships.He may Geology from the University of ed all static-line and free-fall basic, be able to help Good luck , Colonel jump-master and parachute instruc- Here is the website for the Ness MacKenzie transferred to the tor courses run by the Canadian Historical Society (Comunn Regular Force as a Direct Entry Army. In 1999, he finished his tour Eachdraidh Nis) & Ness Heritage Officer. In August 1989, he com- at The Canadian Parachute Centre Centre. pleted Phase IV infantry officer as Adjutant and he was posted to 39 http://www.c-e-n.org/ training and was posted to the Canadian Brigade Group Betty (Mackenzie) Jordan Second Battalion Princess Headquarters in Vancouver, as the Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry G3 Training. The following email from in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He served In May 2000, Colonel “ScotlandsPeople” came in recent- his first regimental tour as a rifle Mackenzie transferred back to the ly. This is a Government website platoon commander. He completed and returned to and contains a great deal of help the basic parachutist course and the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada for genealogists: served with the battalion on United as a rifle company commander. In We have previously written to Nations peacekeeping operations in 2001, he completed the dismounted you to let you know of our plans to Cyprus. In 1991, he was promoted company commander’s course and update the ScotlandsPeople website to Captain and posted overseas. He was promoted to Major. In 2002, he with some exciting changes and served as a United Nations Military was appointed as the Deputy additions. We are delighted to Observer on two missions in Commanding Officer. In 2003, he inform you the new site Central America, first in Guatemala completed the Militia Command http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk and then in El Salvador. and Staff Course at the Canadian is now up and running. On his return to Canada in 1992, Land Force Command and Staff In addition to the existing index- he was posted to the Queen’s Own College in Kingston, Ontario and in es and images, ScotlandsPeople Cameron Highlanders of Canada as 2004 he completed the Joint now provides access to historical the Regular Support Staff Officer Reserve Command and Staff wills and testaments from 1513 - and Adjutant. During this tour of Course at the Canadian Forces 1901, creating a unified search sys- duty he served as an instructor at College in Toronto. tem for all these sources. the Princess Patricia’s Canadian The Change of Command cere- Light Infantry Battle School in mony appointing Colonel A number of people commented Wainwright, Alberta and The Royal Mackenzie as the new on my mention of taking up acting Canadian School of Infantry in Commanding Officer of the again in the last issue of Cabar Gagetown, New Brunswick. He Seaforths took place on May 28th Feidh. I am aware that there are also completed career courses and this year. At long last a MacKenzie quite a few members who have pro- graduated United States Army commands this regiment once fessional actors in their family Ranger School. In 1994, Colonel more! (amateur in my case). One I did not MacKenzie returned to regimental know about came to light in this MEMBERS’LETTERS duty with the First Battalion email from Douglas MacKenzie in I spotted this message posted on the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Newcastle, Ontario (formerly living Mackenzie Clan chat line on the Infantry in Calgary, Alberta. He in Oshawa) internet. It will be of interest to the held several positions in the battal- Our Adele is in her 2nd season many members whose ancestors ion including anti-armour platoon at Stratford, (last year Guys & were from Lewis. Page 4 Dolls/Anything Goes, this year of his father George McKenzie's husband they had a good day and Hello Dolly/The Tempest) and lov- untimely passing. George by all accounts it was awfully hot! ing it - still mostly dance, her first McKenzie married Isabella love, quite a lot of singing in cho- McDonald first, and later married HAMILTON HIGHLAND GAMES rus, and some acting. Catherine Marshall, who had JUNE 25, 2005 http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/play Barbara and Andrew, the latter lan was once more not avail- s/company.cfm (Adele MacKenzie’s being my GGF. It forced my grand- Aable for this Games. His photo is included on this website). father into the Albion excuse this time was that he was in My son, Scot, ‘acts’ like a race Mines/Stellarton (founded as Coal Nova Scotia Attending his son Ian’s car driver in the spring, summer Mine Station by Hector passengers) wedding to Soonya Quon. So once and fall, with some 25 dates booked coal mines at the age of 12 in the again Ken and Alastair took up the this season, as he instructs the fund- late 1800s. It would seem the rest of reigns with help from Shawn ed participants of three different the family was of no assistance MacKenzie. racing schools to pursue their motor whatever, leaving them to bare sub- The new clan van was becoming sport dreams from recreational to sistence survival, and it would seem a vital acquisition as different mem- professional. He is still searching he chose to distance himself from bers were taking on the different for adequate funding for his own them. Games. aspirations. We continue to be non- I recently worked some weekend Once again the team had a suc- plussed by seeing those whom he overtime at the GM Oshawa Truck cessful day and were particularly has taught (not always the most plant with a Ron Compton of smug that the Clan MacKenzie gifted) or raced and won against, Scotland whose father or GF died in Society walked off with the best making their way through one rac- the mines over there, and his mom Clan Tent Award yet again - $100 in ing series or another... he is now or GM was given five pounds and crisp $50 bills! There were eight entering his second year in a busi- told to get out of the company- clans in attendance this year. The ness degree programme at The owned house forthwith. Delightful. MacKenzie Clan is the only clan University of Ontario Institute of A. Douglas MacKenzie, ever to have won this award - I Technology, planning to major in Newcastle. think we have won it six times now! finance, and hopes to parlay that to [There are numerous instances of a career (Bay Street - one of his the Mackenzie name being changed repeat track clients is in an invest- with McKenzie, or vice versa, ZORRA HIGHLAND GAMES, EMBRO ment house there) which could lead between generations. I believe that JULY 1, 2005 him back to his own dreams - it cer- this means very little. Mc is an mbro always hold their tainly isn't due to lack of skill, abbreviation of Mac and spelling EHighland Games on Canada desire, or courage that he has not did not attract the quality of detail Day which fell on a Friday this ‘made it’already. that it does today.] year. That complicated matters a lit- On another front, I fully intend tle as we also wanted to attend the to participate in the MacKenzie Kincardine Scottish Festival the GEORGETOWN HIGHLAND GAMES DNA project when an opportunity next day. eorgetown kicked off the presents itself. Alan and Ken manned the tent at Highland Games Season as I have heard from a couple of G Embro. These games are noted for usual. Alan McKenzie was not young folks in Pictou and New its Tug-of-War competitions which available - he was treading the Glasgow who are employed by last through the day in front of a boards in a play with the some research organisations in noisy and enthusiastic crowd. I Mississauga Players. So Nova Scotia, and have discovered notice there are now ladies’Tug-of- Commissioner Alistair MacKenzie that there was likely a purposeful War teams these days and some of took the clan van and with assis- name spelling change in my family these competitors looked quite tance from Commissioner Ken from McKenzie to MacKenzie, capable of pulling a double-decker Mackenzie and other help from most probably by my grandfather bus if called upon to do so! Joyce Mackenzie Hirasawa and her Andrew MacKenzie, about the time continued on page 6 Page 5

BOOK REVIEW n 1940 when it appeared that the British IArmy was about to be defeated in France, a massive effort was made to get the bulk of the troops back to England by evacuating them in countless ships and small boats from Dunkirk. The success in getting back 300,000 troops to Britain was due in no small part to the defiant rear- guard action of the 51st Highland Division which was sacrificed to protect the Dunkirk beaches from the massive German forces surrounding the area. Among the regiments was the Seaforth Highlanders who along with the remains of the Highland Division were taken prisoner. The defensive role played by the Highland Division against such overwhelming odds won the admiration of their enemy leader Rommel as well as Allies such as de Gaulle who fought alongside them. Members may know that among the pris- oners of the Seaforth Highlanders taken was our late Clan Chief, the Earl of Cromartie who was a major in the Seaforths. While he was in captivity for the rest of the war he wrote most of his book “A Highland History”, which is a useful reference source for the Mackenzie Clan. The book we are looking at opposite is a fascinating look at the stories of some Highlanders who were taken prisoner and the exploits they had in escapes and recap- tures with some successes at getting back to Britain. Two of the main contributors, Angus Campbell from Lewis and Donald John MacDonald South Uist, were traditional Gaelic bards and this volume contains their stories translated from the original Gaelic. Here is a quote from the Introduction: “Three men from the Argylls were also decorated after escaping from the march. After over a month of adventures, Cpl John MacDonald, L/Cpl James ‘Ginger’Wilson and Willie Kemp reached the Spanish fron- tier and eventually returned to Scotland by The cover photograph shows situations and refuse to be cowed by their ship from Gibraltar. At one point they were Lieutenant-General Erwin Rommel, with captors. arrested and famously managed to baffle his prisoners, General Victor Fortune and The book was first published in Great all their interpreters their captors could Lt Col. H. Swinburn. [copyright Imperial Britain in 2004 by Birlinn Limited, throw at them by speaking Gaelic. When War Museum, London.] Edinburgh. asked to point out their homeland on the The vivid accounts in this book bring I recommend having a look at the map, Kemp pointed vaguely towards alive the chaos and horror of war and grim Birlinn website at www.birlinn.co.uk for a Russia! [who were theoretical allies of deprivation of the camps and forced wide selection of Scottish books, including Germany at that time.] marches which so many endured. Yet these those terrific books by Alexander McCall The book is a thoroughly good read personal stories resound with the spirit, Smith (I read all of his books!). Get them and is well illustrated with maps and pho- humour and sense of comradeship which from the library! tographs. enabled men to fight on in desperate continued from page 4 Page 6 Once more it was extraordinari- ly hot but there was a powerful wind which was quite a nuisance and in fact when we were taking the tent down at the end of the day it blew the tent over onto its roof. That is the second time that has happened at Embro. No damage was done though a few spectators scattered rather quickly! The day was quiet as far as sales were concerned but as usual with Ken present there were some inter- esting conversations with the visi- tors to the tent. One such was our member Dave Mackenzie, who we knew from past visits to be a former police chief. Now he has pro- gressed further and is now the Conservative Party Member of This photo gives some idea of the crowds that congregated in front of our clan tent at Kincardine, Parliament for Oxford. Dave lives when the various pipe bands marched past during the day. These were the massed bands in fact - in Woodstock, Ontario. only five of them, the other 20 were competition bands who were busy practicing. In the process of packing I bent into town I decided to change back marched past the clan tents and over to pick up some tent poles and into my kilt and the rest of the crowds came to watch so we did I distinct sound of ripping in the Highland gear and off I went to a find visitors made there way to seat of my pants occurred. I was left Tim Hortons. On leaving after satis- where we were located. with an embarrassingly large hole fying my hunger and thirst a car Sales were very respectable and in the seat of my trousers passed me and I heard a wolf whis- we picked up another candidate for Once we were packed Ken tle beside me. The lady driving who the DNA Project. We now have 75 departed as he had other duties must have been in her forties and Mac/Mckenzies taking part in this waiting for him at home and Alan should have been better brought up project and the more we get the took the clan van and tried to find said to me through the open win- more useful the results will be. his way to Kincardine. I got lost as dow “Sexy!” This was a new expe- The weather at Kincardine was a result driving through rural rience for me! I am now 69 and it spectacular and although I thought I Ontario but I was in no particular shows that there’s life in the old dog would not be able to take part in the hurry as I had indicated to the B&B yet! Clan Parade through town because in Kincardine that I was not likely I was on my own, Pat and Evert KINCARDINE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL to get there before 8 p.m. In the Jansen turned up and they were able process I found myself driving JULY 2, 2005 like Kincardine. The people are to help out and, indeed, Evert and I through the little towns of Seaforth friendly and the organizers were paraded the Clan Banner through and of Kintail and the Mackenzie I keen that we should feel properly the streets of Kincardine in front of Camp Grounds. Clear evidence that looked after. We were in the same large crowds. By the way, there this region of Western Ontario had location as last year, which is off were vast numbers of MacArthurs, once been settled by large numbers the street and not in the grounds McGregors and Buchanans follow- of Mackenzie settlers. where the band competitions take ing their own clan banner and I do Once I had arrived at my B&B place. We hated this last year but wonder why large clans such as in Kincardine I tried without suc- we soon learned that this was not at MacDonald and Campbell seldom cess to mend my pants. Since I was all a bad spot. All the bands appear and the Mackenzies get so hungry for a meal and had to go Page 7 few to take part in these parades. tographs and even some short films clans present hastily pulled down Strangely, though, neither the taken at Chatham. Take a wee look, their tents and we followed suit. Buchanans nor the McGregors had as Alastair would say, at: Orillia is particularly noted for a clan tent, which I though decided- http://www.electricscotland.com/ga its huge parade through the town ly odd! therings/sertoma/index.htm . with very many pipe bands. A final comment on the All in all, a very pleasant day Cameras were at the ready as the Kincardine event - the quality of the with good sales. As is usual with a bands marched past our tent fol- competing bands was very high and place so close to the US border, we lowed by a huge throng of people. there were many grade one bands had a large number of American There is no admittance fee to the taking part. In all there were 25 visitors to the tent. festival and the crowds like that! bands at Kincardine and among So another pleasant casual day. these I noted the 78th Fraser We did some respectable sales and ORILLIA SCOTTISH FESTIVAL Highlanders, the Peel Regional picked up one new member with JULY 17, 2005 Police and the Toronto the very strong possibility of anoth- e like Orillia. The Scottish Metropolitan Police Pipe Bands - er one joining later when he settles Festival takes place in a pub- all of them world class. The Frasers W into a new home. lic park on Lake Couchiching. The won 1st place and our member, Erin We did hear that the Highland clan tent was manned by three com- MacKenzie Grant, was playing for Games at Cambridge, Ontario was missioners, Norman, Rad and Alan. the Toronto Metropolitan Police washed out with heavy rain further Norman was just back from his role Pipe Band, who were just edged south and, indeed, Toronto was hit as Tattoo Drum Major at the Nova into second place. with thunderstorms and heavy rain Scotia International Tattoo and he later in the day. CHATHAM SERTOMA HIGHLAND declared it “the best ever”. GAMES The weather was warm again but JULY 9, 2005 knowing Orillia from past experi- GLENGARRY HIGHLAND GAMES, listair MacKenzie and Alan ence there is always the danger of MAXVILLE, ONTARIO AMcKenzie made the long drive thunderstorms at this time of year. JULY 30, 2005 to Chatham, Ontario. We had a very Well that did not happen this year . en Mackenzie and Alan relaxing day in bright warm sun- But the fine weather finally sug- KMcKenzie made the long jour- shine. It was necessary to drink a gested rain was now about to hap- ney to Eastern Ontario for these lot because of the warmth. A flask pen at 3.30 p.m. so that the few giant games. We had a special guest of tea soon went and vast quantities of water followed! It was a great pleasure to see our good friend Alastair McIntyre, who now lives in Chatham following his emigration from Scotland. Alastair, you may remember, runs the largest Scottish website in the world with 20,000 pages and over one million visitors a month. He also hosts our Canadian Clan MacKenzie website and the records of our DNA project can also be found on this vast web- site. As usual Alastair McIntyre was very busy with his camera and if you have never been to a Highland Games then drink in the atmos- phere with hundreds of his pho- Orillia Scottish Festival - Commissioners Norman MacKenzie, Alan McKenzie and Rad MacKenzie with us this year. He is Alastair Page 8 human race starting with our earli- McIntyre, of electric scotland, who new member, which is another dis- est ancestors in Africa 200,000 hosts our Clan Mackenzie Canada appointment. years ago. I was more than happy to website: www.electricscotland We counted 26 clans present and do this and I received a certificate .com . we noticed six clan spots not taken from the Genographic Project off Alastair was kept very busy as up, which might have been a reac- the internet confirming my ancestry he toured the extensive grounds and tion to the decision to locate us in being part of the Haplogroup R1b took hundreds of photos and spoke the barns again. Fergus had 52 with the added note of my ancestor to numerous people. He was given clans last year! Point made! known as M343. Quite a coinci- a special pass to go onto the main dence he should have the initial M! field to take photos. His website I think I might share this ances- THE MACKENZIE DNA PROJECT will show many of these pictures. try with you and it ought to be of BY ALAN MCKENZIE Special visitors to our tent s I write we have now 75 interest as it is likely that nearly all included the Minister of AMackenzies of various our members have exactly the same Citizenship and Immigration for spellings signed up for the DNA distant ancestors. The map on this Ontario, Hon. Mike Colle, who has Single Surname Project. (Since page helps with this complex “fam- a Mackenzie pedigree and was increased to 86). I fully expect to ily tree”. pleased to buy some of our mer- see numbers run into the hundreds Although I refer to M343 as if he chandise. Another popular visitor as the idea gradually infiltrates the was a single person, it is in fact a was Hon. Flora McDonald, who is a imagination of male Mackenzies genetic marker and is described as regular attendee at these games around the world. “the final destination of a genetic from Ottawa. I recently had an email from journey that began some 60,000 The weather was gorgeous and Family Tree DNA inviting me to years ago with an ancient genetic the crowds were huge. contribute my own DNA results to chromosome marker called M168. Unfortunately the big plan to let us The Genographic Project. This “This widely dispersed M168 out of the barn and onto the fields huge project seeks to trace the marker can be traced to a single was abandoned because the orga- movement of populations around individual - ‘Eurasian Adam’. This nizers said there was not enough the world since the beginning of the African man, who lived some room. So we were back in the barn and this is a poor location for attracting some of the crowds who prefer to stay and watch the many events and pipe bands from the grandstand. Disappointing, and despite their huge size they have a long way to go to compete for clan loyalty compared to Fergus with its splendid clan village. We did have a small stage set up opposite our tent and a man from Scotland was giving talks on genealogy and at times there were good crowds to hear what he had to say. The average sort of attendance at our tent makes it very hard to justi- fy the expense of the long drive (at these gas prices!) and hotel. We tend to view it as a public relations exercise. We picked up just one The genealogical route of most Mackenzies 31,000 to 79,000 years ago, is the Page 9 M9 lineage, which was moving to common ancestor of every non- the north of the mountainous Hindu this steppe “superhighway” and African person living today. His Kush and onto the game-rich eventually peopled much of the descendants migrated out of Africa steppes of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, continent. and became the only lineage to sur- and southern Siberia. “A group of M89 descendants vive away from humanity’s home “The M45 lineage survived on moved north from the Middle East continent. these northern steppes even in the to Anatolia and the Balkans, trading “Population growth during the frigid Ice Age climate. While big familiar grasslands for forests and Upper Paleolithic era may have game was plentiful, these resource- high country. Though there num- spurred the M168 lineage to seek ful hunters had to adapt their behav- bers were likely small, genetic new hunting grounds for the plains iour to an increasingly hostile envi- traces of their journey are still animals crucial to their survival. ronment. They erected animal skin found today. “Improved tools and rudimenta- shelters and sewed weathertight “Some 40,000 years ago a man ry art appeared during the same clothing. They also refined the flint in Iran or southern Central Asia was epoch, suggesting significant men- heads on their weapons to compen- born with a unique genetic marker tal and behavioural changes. These sate for the scarcity of obsidian and known as M9, which marked a new shifts may have been spurred by a other materials. lineage diverging from the M89 genetic mutation that gave “The intelligence that allowed group. His descendants spent the “Eurasion Adam’s” descendants a this lineage to adapt and thrive in next 30,000 years populating much cognitive advantage over other con- harsh conditions was critical to of the planet. temporary, but now extinct, human human survival in a region where “Most residents of the Northern lineages. no other hominids are known to Hemisphere trace their roots to this “Some 90 to 95 percent of all have survived. unique individual and carry his non-Africans are descendants of the “Members of haplogroup R [Ed: defining marker. Nearly all North second great human migration out that is most of us] are descendants Americans and East Asians have of Africa, which is defined by the of Europe’s first large-scale human the M9 marker, as do most marker M89. settlers. The lineage is defined by Y Europeans and many Indians. The “M89 first appeared 45,000 chromosome marker M173, which haplogroup defined by M9, K, is years ago in Northern Africa or the shows a westward journey of M45- known as the Eurasian Clan. Middle East. It arose on the original carrying Central Asian steppe “This large lineage dispersed lineage of “Eurasion Adam” hunters. gradually. Seasoned hunters fol- (M168), and defines a large inland “The descendants of M173 lowed the herds ever eastward, migration of hunters who followed arrived in Europe around 35,000 along a vast belt of Eurasian steppe, expanding grasslands and plentiful years ago and immediately began to until the massive mountain ranges game to the Middle East. make their own dramatic mark of south Central Asia blocked their “Many people of this lineage upon the continent. Famous cave path. remained in the Middle East, but paintings, like those of Lascaux and “The Hindu Kush, Tian Shan, others continued their movement Chauvet, signal the sudden arrival and Himalaya, even more formida- and followed the grasslands of humans with artistic skill. There ble during the era’s ice age, divided through Iran to the vast steppes of are no artistic precedents or precur- eastward migrations through the Central Asia. Herds of buffalo, sors to their appearance. “Pamir Knot” region would subse- antelope, woolly mammoths and “Soon after this lineage’s arrival quently become defined by addi- other game probably enticed them in Europe, the era of the tional genetic markers. to explore new grasslands. Neandertals came to a close. “The marker M45 first appeared “With much of Earth’s water Genetic evidence proves that these about 35,000 to 40,000 years ago in frozen in massive ice sheets, the hominids were not human ancestors a man who became the common era’s vast steppes stretched from but an evolutionary dead end. ancestor of most Europeans and Eastern France to Korea. The grass- Smarter, more resourceful human nearly all native Americans. This land hunters of the M89 lineage descendants of M173 likely out- unique individual was part of the travelled both east and west along competed Neandertals for scarce Ice Age resources and thus heralded Page 10 Jewish origin. their demise. European lineage.” I find it most interesting that “The long journey of this lineage While the foregoing was intend- within just 30,000 years most of us was further shaped by the prepon- ed for me personally, explaining my descend from a single male ances- derance of ice at this time. Humans own genetic heritage, nevertheless tor. Perhaps Scots should make were forced to southern refuges in it probably applies to most peace with the English at last! We Spain. Italy and the Balkans. Years Mackenzies. Indeed, of the results seem to be closely related and even later, as the ice retreated, they which have come in from our more so with the Irish and the moved north out of these isolated Mackenzie DNA Project to date 82 Spanish! refuges and left an enduring, con- percent have an “R1b” result. A Up the Cro-Magnon Clan! Now centrated trail of the M173 marker couple have an “R1a” reading and think up a war cry for them! in their wake. there are a few “I” results which GENEALOGY - CANADIAN CENSUS “Today, for example, the mark- suggest a northern European genet- 1911 er’s frequency remains very high in ic ancestry - possibly Viking. There he Canadian Bill S-18, which northern France and the British are a very few who have no specif- allows public access to 20th- Isles - where it was carried by ic haplogroup specified and there is T century census records, is finally M173 descendants who had weath- one of Middle Eastern and possibly ered the Ice Age in Spain. “Members of haplogroup R1b, defined by M343 are the direct descendants of Europe’s first mod- ern humans - known as the Cro- Magnon people. “Cro-Magnons arrived in Europe some 35,000 years ago, during a time when Neandertals still lived in the region. M343-car- rying peoples made woven clothing and constructed huts to withstand the frigid climes of the Upper Paleolithic era. They used relatively advanced tools of stone, bone and ivory. Jewelry, carvings and intri- cate, colourful cave paintings bear witness to the Cro-Magnons’ sur- prisingly advanced culture during the last glacial age. “When the ice retreated geneti- cally homogenous groups recolo- nized the north, where they are still found in high frequencies. Some 70 percent of men in southern England are R1b. In parts of Spain and Ireland that number exceeds 90 per- cent. “There are many sublineages within R1b that are yet to be defined. The Genographic Project hopes to bring future clarity to the disparate parts of this distinctive Here is Ann Ship with Commissioner Ian Stuart Mackenzie at the Victoria Games about to become law. It is reported Page 11 mackenzie.org.uk\clan\seer.html). The that the Library and Archives of Brahan Seer was burned in oil at THE BRAHAN SEER Canada has already scanned images Chanonry Point on the Black Isle in have often been asked to put Scotland about 1677 on a charge of of the 1911 National Census of Isomething in the magazines witchcraft; this however was at the Canada and they should be avail- about the Brahan Seer. The histori- demands of Lady Mackenzie because able online almost immediately. an, Alexander Mackenzie, wrote a he had given her the answer to a ques- tion that she didn't want to hear! i.e. Canadian genealogists may be able well known book about this strange to spend the summer looking for She basically asked why her husband man, who was a Mackenzie, we are was taking so long returning from ancestors in these 1911 records. told. However, although I have read France; the answer was that he was Read more at: about him I have to admit that I get spending time with his mistress! http://globalgenealogy.com/global- turned off hearing stories about Coinneach Odhar (Kenneth) Mackenzie apparently had the gift of gazette/gazce/gazce117.htm characters living years ago who See also: http://globalgenealo- second sight for both present and supposedly had second sight and future. The alarming thing is that his gy.com/Census/ could predict the future with uncan- prophecies have turned out to be Congratulations to the ny accuracy. So I have stayed away extremely accurate, which also includ- Government of Canada for getting from the subject. However he has ed a final prophecy of the tragic this right at last! demise of the clan Chief's male blood cropped up again. Rob Stewart, our line, made just before the Seer's exe- sometime printer and publisher, cution! The Chief's four sons died with- BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR drew my attention to a website run out issue (decessit sine prole). A large ou may have seen that Britain by a well-known member of the rock stands as a monument to the Clan Mackenzie in Scotland. He is Brahan Seer at the point where he was Yis celebrating the 200th executed. anniversary of their huge victory at Brian Mackenzie-Hanson and his the Battle of Trafalgar. web page is at www.spiritualhu- Quote from Rev. D. MacKenzie: One tends to think of the British manism.org “...Here’s my theological question: navy at that time being manned by I will let Brian speak for himself. Has anyone with authority within English sailors. It therefore came as He has kindly allowed us to reprint the Clan Mackenzie ever formally a big surprise to find that there are the Brahan Seer argument on his RENOUNCED the occultic activi- 14 McKenzie sailors listed as hav- web page. ties of the Brahan Seer? Nowhere ing taken part in this famous battle. does any of your literature suggest The list with the details of these Brian Mackenzie-Hansen that the activities of this man were men can be found at the following ello fellow Spiritual done on behalf of (or to the glory web site. HHumanists! My name is Brian of) Jesus Christ - in fact, the use of http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk Mackenzie-Hanson and I am a new stones would imply quite the oppo- /trafalgarancestors/results.asp clergy member from East Yorkshire site. Now, I have little doubt as a Please let us know if any of in Great Britain. In addition to Christian pastor of the veracity of these were your ancestors! being an Arianist I am also involved several of the stories, but prophecy A person I knew well when I with the Clan Mackenzie Society in done in the name of one’s self worked for Barclays Bank of Scotland (a registered charity). I (whether accurate or inaccurate) Canada was Chris Collingwood recently received a query from a does not honour God, and is right- from Newfoundland, who was a Pastor in Canada (Rev. D. fully called witchcraft. Demonic director of the bank. He was a MacKenzie) asking if anyone with forces love to piggy-back off false direct descendant of Admiral authority in the Clan had formally prophecy; it allows them the oppor- Collingwood, who took over com- renounced the occultic activities of tunity to manipulate entire nations. mand of the British fleet on the the Brahan Seer! That’s the ‘hook’. death in the battle of Admiral Lord “The problem with heathen sin- [Background: The Brahan Seer Nelson. (Kenneth Odhar Mackenzie) lived in cerity is that it’s still heathen. the Scottish Highlands between circa Prophecy misdirected is still an 1650 - 1677 and was a clairvoyant abomination before the Lord, as according to Clan Mackenzie legend Scripture bears witness. Hence, has (http://www.clan- any God-fearing leader in the Clan Page 12 Mackenzies. But there is also the Mackenzie done anything about possibility that the legend of the Earls of Cromartie. There is an ear- this, that you’re aware? Brahan Seer has been greatly and lier branch of the Clan which also “I would not see my broader cleverly exaggerated through time, has a claim to the chiefship of the family sold out to the curse of not and Coinneach Odhar Mac clan as their decent is from the main serving the Lord God ... I’ve Cainneach (Kenneth “the Dunn” branch and has an unbroken male noticed that such gifts (and their Mackenzie) may have been con- line of descent and according to demonic counterfeits) often crop up victed entirely on suspicion. The Scottish Clan traditions are the again and again within family Clan Mackenzie has had many rightful claimants to the chiefship lines...” bloody episodes in its past some- as the present chief’s descent has times being termed as the “Bluidich several maternal links (in Clan My [Brian’s] response was as Mac Cainneach”, as well as its terms a deer rather than a stag!). follows: heroic and romantic episodes; how- The Seer’s prophecy only seems to Kenneth Odhar Mackenzie is ever we understand that this is all have affected or pertained to the NOT viewed as a witch (warlock) part of the history and legend of our Seaforths that wronged him and by the clan but as an innocent clair- Clan and in no way means that we doesn’t affect other branches. voyant who was wrongly accused are all going to make our neigh- While occultic activities would and executed. As he was executed bours shorter by their heads the perhaps be viewed as something to there is debate as to whether he pre- next time there is a feud! renounce if it had occurred, I am dicted or manipulated the demise of Although the Brahan Seer has not sure that there is anything to the Earls of Seaforth in a final and never formally been renounced by formally renounce! Being born potent prophecy. I would tend to the Clan Mackenzie since his exe- clairvoyant isn’t necessarily a sin believe that this was a premonition cution, it is interesting to speculate and it doesn’t automatically follow used in anger rather than a curse as that if the Earls of Seaforth had that a clairvoyant would engage in being a clairvoyant wasn’t his fault, repented and begged God's forgive- “occultic activities” even if he or if anything it would have been a ness (perhaps they did!) that mat- she shared their experiences! curse to him or perhaps a God given ters may not have unfolded as they Perhaps there is something to apol- gift for him to use wisely to serve did. In convicting the Seer for ogise to the Brahan Seer for? God. During his life the Brahan witchcraft it could be argued that Bearing in mind that the Clan Seer seems to have been encour- they did renounce the Seer after-all! Mackenzie reaches across the aged to share his premonitions and Should the Clan Mackenzie for- world it encompasses many faiths was approached with questions; it’s mally renounce the Brahan Seer? In and, no doubt, there will also be a not clear if there were any selfish doing so could it remove a possible few pagans among its ranks. The reasons for his prophesies and those curse from the clan Chief Clan Mackenzie maintains that it is around him did seem to have made (Although there is no evidence of non-sectarian and non-denomina- use of him and exploited his leg- this today)? Is the act of prophecy, tional. Therefore, formally repent- end! He was still only human at the whether or not accurate or with ing and renouncing the Clan’s con- end of the day and the sins were good intentions, witchcraft? Does nection with the Brahan Seer may largely committed by those around prophecy dishonour God? come across as absurd to some and him! Assuming that these were prophe- even offensive to others. Although I remember a priest giving a cies and not just lucky predictions, the Clan Mackenzie would never blessing several years ago which was the Brahan Seer an innocent condone occult activities, the pertained to the Brahan Seer at clairvoyant or was he evil? Could Legend of the Brahan Seer is held Chanonry Point, however the leg- the Brahan Seer have brought a out of interest and is a part of the endary curse of the Mackenzies curse onto the Clan Chief's family? history of our Clan. pertained to the extinction of the Is the Clan correct in maintaining Furthermore the gift of second line of succession of the then chiefs the monument at Chanonry Point sight, premonition and telepathy of the Clan, the Earls of Seaforth. and should the Clan Chief go fur- (sending/willing) is reputed to fol- This line did become extinct and is ther and formally pardon the low many branches of the now carried by a cousin branch, the Brahan Seer? Page 13 Regards, tent and drove the two hours south to Victoria. Brian. The weather was much better the next day and we Arianist & Genealogist - www.mackenzie- impressed the Campbells by setting up our tent like hanson.co.uk pros. The sun was shining and there was only a slight breeze, causing no problems. We had quite a few [Ed: If you go into the website where we extracted Mackenzies stop by and sign our visitors book. I fol- this piece you may notice that it starts a range of cor- lowed up on each one by sending them a back issue of respondence which gets quite excitable at times! the clan magazine, inviting them to join our Society. Perhaps I am wise to stay away from the subject We were delighted when Ann Ship from Ontario joined after all!] us for a while, taking part in the parade at the opening ceremony and helping at the clan tent when I was TWO FOR ONE WEEKEND - VICTORIA AND COURTNEY competing in the piping. Being a member of the 78th HIGHLAND GAMES Fraser Highlanders, I was doing double duty that day MAY 21 AND 22, 2005 and changed kilts to act as guard when the cannon was by Commissioner Ian Stuart Mackenzie fired at the opening of the Games. There were many y family (mother Jill, wife Lynn and two sons visitors to the Games and my boys were tickled to see MJames and Charles) and I fancied a weekend quite a few West Highland terriers, suitably dressed for away, so what better way to do it than to represent the the occasion in tartan coats. The stalls seemed to be Mackenzie Clan at the Highland games in Courtney very busy and the heavy events drew large crowds. All and Victoria (21st and 22nd May). in all, a good time was had by all. (See photo page10). We took the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island We didn’t realise that Victoria has a huge May early on Friday and drove the scenic route to Courtney. parade on the holiday Monday and found out that 86 The weather was cool and cloudy but we were hoping marching bands from across Canada and the US were for better weather as we explored the town. taking part, along with many pipe bands. So next year, We awoke on Saturday morning to bright sunshine we’ll know what to expect of this busy weekend and be and set off in anticipation of a busy and enjoyable day. a little better prepared! We had a few weekends to We'd just purchased a tent to use on these occasions but recover before setting up at the BC Highland Games in had only put it up once in our back yard to see if we Coquitlam but that’s another story ………. could do it. Funny how it seems more difficult when there are lots of people around watching you struggle. SMOKEY SMITH V.C. We eventually got it all together with the help of our neighbours, the Campbells, sharing a few stories and a BY RODDY MACKENZIE, VANCOUVER few laughs along the way. his morning [August 13th], I cut short my Unfortunately, the day didn't turn out quite as we'd TCanadian prairie vacation and drove back from hoped. The wind got up and the rain came down. We'd Calgary to Vancouver today to pay my respects to the fitted half walls on two sides of our tent and put up a most famous of the Seaforth Highlanders, Victoria back wall. We sat with our coffees watching the rain Cross recipient Smokey Smith. Smokey's remains had get blown into other tents, feeling very sorry for them. been lying in state in Ottawa accompanied by two We soon found out why others hadn't put sides up. The dozen Seaforths from Vancouver. However, his wind gusted through the half open sides and our tent remains and his Seaforth Honour Guard returned home acted like a great sail. Imagining what might happen, to lie in state today at the Seaforth Armoury here in Lynn and the boys had gone off to buy more tent pegs, Vancouver. When I arrived this evening, mourners I was competing in the piping and poor mother was left were still waiting in line to sign Smokey's Book of hanging on to the tent poles for all she was worth! Remembrance and to view his coffin covered by There were very few visitors to the games and even Canada's flag, and guarded by Seaforths. The Seaforth less to our clan tent. The dancing competitions had to Honour Guard of four soldiers and an officer changes be abandoned due to the slippery, wet conditions. We with military precision each 20 minutes all day long. felt very sorry for the organizers who'd obviously put On display for those in line to view were one each in a lot of effort. Admitting defeat, we packed up the of every class of medal Canadians have earned, com- Page 14

Smokey's nephew. John was there with his three young children so that they could see their Great-Uncle being honoured by Canada. As an aside, John will likely become West Vancouver's Member of Parliament in the next federal election. August 14th: Here in Vancouver we have now concluded Seaforth Highlander and Victoria Cross recipient Smokey Smith's full military funeral. It was Canada's biggest military funeral in the half a century since WWI flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop died in 1956. Thousands of Canadians lined from the Seaforth Armoury to St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church to respectfully watch the passage of Smokey's flag-draped coffin accompanied by the Seaforth pipes and drums, the Seaforth Honour Guard and a strong representation of Canada's Armed Forces and Canada's veterans. This included 400 regular force soldiers who came from Edmonton, Canada's army base closest to Vancouver. While Smokey's coffin was crossing the , CF-18 fighter jets of Canada's Air Force roared overhead in the Missing Man Manoeuvre mencing with the Victoria Cross. In addition, there to honour Smokey as a fallen comrade. was a picture and biography for each Canadian who Official Announcement: It is with great sorrow that I must has received the Victoria Cross since Queen Victoria announce the death of Sgt (retd) Ernest Alvia “Smokey” Smith, created it in 1856. Pictures were also on display of an Canada’s last surviving Canadian Victoria Cross recipient. Smokey died August 3, 2005 in Vancouver B.C. exuberant Smokey being greeted by a very young Smokey was born in New Westminster, B.C. on May 3, 1914. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and a very recent During the Second World War Mr Smith enlisted in the Seaforth one of Smokey being warmly welcomed by the Prince Highlanders of Canada and served with that unit throughout its of Wales. involvement in the Italian and Northwest European campaigns. It An interesting point about funeral bouquets. At one was in 1944 at the battle of Savio River, during the Italian cam- paign that he clearly distinguished himself from other soldiers. At end of was a long line of official funeral the battle his actions of valour were recognized through him being bouquets. However, at Smokey's coffin there were awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest award only two bouquets. One was from the Government of for valour. His war service ended with his de-activation from the Canada. The other was from HRH Princess Margriet, permanent force on April 13, 1945. the younger sister of Dutch Queen Beatrix. Princess Margriet was born in Canada during the Dutch Royal FERGUS HIGHLAND GAMES & SCOTTISH FESTIVAL Family's exile here in WWII. She most recently saw BY COMMISSIONER ALISTAIR D. MACKENZIE Smokey when we were all in The Netherlands in May e had quite a successful day at Fergus. The for WWII's 60th Anniversary. It was at the Governor Wweather was very good, not too much sun. We General of Canada's reception in Holland on the Dutch were very busy, and had over $700 of sales - and ran Day of Remembrance in May 2005 that my friend Eric out of the small Tee Shirts. We got one new member, de Ridder and I were seated for a few minutes with but several others were interested and said that they Smokey. would follow up (One fellow who promised to contact I had a pleasant surprise at the Seaforth Armoury us is from Oakville and his name is Alistair D. this evening. A lawyer I was practicing law with, John Mackenzie, so if he does follow up it should cause Weston, was there. I asked him why. He told me he's some confusion!!!). page 15

Commissioner Jimmy with granddaughter Alessia.

Quebec Commissioner Jimmy McKenzie at the Montreal Highland Games with two of his grandchildren

Montreal - And here is the winning band with their McKenzie Trophy!

A bandsman accepts the Annual McKenzie Trophy awarded for best band in its grade at the Montreal Games. Apart from myself, the tent was manned by Ken and Shawn Mackenzie and Jack Hirasawa. It was Ken, Jack and I, together with Jack’s two children and a couple of their friends who were in the parade. Shawn did a lot of the sales whilst the rest of us were in the parade. I assumed that we would be working on our usual arrangements at Fergus whereby we pick our own space and put up our own tent and as none of the tents that the organizers had erected for the Clans had our name on it, I did just that and commandeered the end spot (where we were last year). We donated $20 for John Campbell’s retirement gift Commissioner Alistair D. MacKenzie at Fergus page 16

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“Margaret Struth, who made HRH Prince Charles’ kilt recently, made my kilt for the Mackenzie Gathering in Scotland in 1995. It is still as good as new despite constant wear. Alan McKenzie ” from all the Clans. We even had a visit from Graeme Mackenzie (Clan Genealogist - just back from Strathpeffer) albeit in his Macmillan attire!! None of us had a camera but one of my engineer colleagues dropped by and took the photo (page 15 sorry it’s only me, I think the others were busy selling at the time!!)

CLAN MACKENZIE GATHERING, STRATHPEFFER AUGUST 6 - 14, 2005 he third Gathering of the Clan in Strathpeffer was Ta great success yet again. There were 300 partici- pants this year which is down on 2000 but well above the number in 1995. There were groups from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States as well as some from South America and even a fine delegation from France who were all smartly turned out in Mackenzie kilts. This is John Campbell receiving a gift from all the Clans at Fergus for Aside from the usual tours of the castle and music all his good work organizing the Clan Village for many years. John has now retired and he will be missed. page 17 event in the state rooms in the castle, a dinner and a ball, there was a wide selection of coach tours some of which were fully booked. Most popular were the trips to Eilean Donan Castle as well as Loch Ness to see Nessy! I visited Fort George to see the upgraded Highlanders Regiment Museum with lots of exhibits of the Seaforths and portraits of Mackenzies. Trips to Gairloch and Applecross were also very popular and the coach trip across the Cattle Pass over Applecross was as good as any excitement one would get on rides at the CNE. We did wonder at times if the coach was At the Gathering. The Ball - Toronto Commissioner Norman S. too big to get around those frightfully narrow roads on MacKenzie, Lieutenants to Cabarfeidh: Sonia Mackenzie (New the edge of plunging drops. It was even more exciting Zealand), Alan McKenzie (Canada) and (Canadian Clan Secretary) Mary-Lou Oyler

The Gathering - Angus MacKenzie (with the sign) and his Mackenzie Holidays coach party. The man kneeling on the right is Donald McKenzie - to be the next US Clan President.

such a scheme would be vital, of course. The great when we met cars coming in the opposite direction. advantage of the scheme is that if successful the old We made our presentation to Cabarfeidh of our castle would be brought up to a fully habitable state. clan’s gift of £5,000. He was delighted. He told us that There are severe building restrictions on such a devel- urgent repairs were needed to one of the chimney opment by Historic Scotland and other bureaucratic blocks and the cost was £10,000. So Canada’s donation bodies and these include things like installing fire was very timely. The gift, from both clan and individ- sprinklers. All the stone work and windows would ual members, got a big round of applause at the open- need massive major work. We shall wait with interest ing ceremonies, with hundreds present. to see how this develops. Meanwhile at a meeting of There are big plans to try and convert the old castle the commissioners and presidents of the worldwide tower to a time share project. The cost would approach societies it was agreed that all the Clan MacKenzie three million pounds and would be financed from the Societies should make an effort to raise funds to deal time share project itself. The marketing worldwide of page 18 with the most urgent repairs to the castle. cousin from New Zealand and we are each going to go It is our intention to put as many photos of the for 37 markers to test our relationship further. I was Gathering on the website as we can get and we are also introduced to another 4th cousin from Australia including some in this issue of Cabar Feidh. who descends from the New Zealand Branch of that I gave a talk on DNA to about 30 people and we vast family. It was our first ever meeting, and he was signed up seven new members to the DNA Project. We present at my DNA talk and came up and introduced now have 86 Mac/McKenzies in the Project and many himself afterwards. Such are the unexpected pleasures of them are starting to upgrade from 12 markers to 37 that a Clan Gathering can produce. markers as they find a number of matches with other One of the things we learned at the Gathering was clansmen. If any male Mac/McKenzie would like to that Cabarfeidh and Lady Cromartie are to be the spe- join the DNA Project then send me an email at cial guests at Stone Mountain in October 2006. [email protected] and we will sort it out for you. Norman MacKenzie and I immediately thought this I was pleased to make a reacquaintance with a 4th would be a great opportunity for a coach trip to Stone

The Gathering - A part of the Canadian contingent on the steps in front of Castle Leod. Front row heidyins are Cabarfeidh, Alan McKenzie and Norman S. MacKenzie. Alan’s son-in-law holds the youngest attendee, Alan’s youngest grandchild, Delia McKenzie Jansen. Mountain - one of the finest Highland Games resorts in the world. So watch out for future reports on this sub- ject. Stone Mountain is near Atlanta, Georgia and is well worth visiting.

Gathering - Torchlight Procession from Castle Leod ended with a huge bonfire

Didier Bauland, President of the Clan MacKenzie in France and his wife.

Lady Julia Mackenzie. By her side is our new Commissioner for Nova Scotia, James Malcolm MacKenzie.

A shieling at Newtonmore Highland Museum

Some leading Mackenzies in the USA invited Alan to dinner at the Coul House Hotel, the former home of the Mackenzies of Coul. Janet, Lady Cromartie with Lieutenant to Cabarfeidh Ron McKenzie Driving to Applecross - approaching Loch Marie At the Applecross Museum

Returning from Applecross down the tortuous “Pass of the Cattle And of course - a visit to Eilean Donan Castle was not to be missed!

The New Zealanders in the March Past the Chief at the Strathpeffer And here are the Canadians. Despite the raincoats, the rain kindly held Highland Games off during the march. For more photos in colour from the Clan Mackenzie Gathering go to our website: www.electricscotland.com/mackenzie