Muirhead Clan Hosts Clan Hunter Once again, the Muirhead Banners took their pace among the 78 Clans represented at the 5th largest Highland Games and Clan gathering in the USA. We also had the pleasure and honor to introduce to the Pacific Northwest for the first time Clan Hunter as we hosted Clan Hunter at our tent. Made even more momentous because for both days we had Hunter kinsman that showed up and joined us at our wee humble tent and Represent Clan Hunter in the Parade of Clans. On Saturday the 27th David P. Hunter of Montlaw was not only the first Clan Hunter member to show up at our tent, but became the First Hunter to carry the Hunter banner in the Enumclaw games. It was only three years ago the Muirhead banners joined the Procession of Clans for the first time in 487 years. On Sunday the 27th James and Terree Lyman Hunter kinsman, represented Clan Hunter and once again the Muirheads and Hunters fielded their banners together with pride and honor before the masses. James and his wife, Terree, are keenly interested in becoming members and possibly Washington State representatives of Clan Hunter. James is a gifted water color artist and showed a keen interest in doing an art piece of Hunterston Castle. Perhaps next year Clan Hunter will have their own Clan tent and Hunter representation will be permanently established in the PNW, but even then they will always find themselves our friends and welcome under our humble roof. I would also like to thank the many others who stopped by and said hi! Those who made inquiries into becoming Muirhead Clan Society members as well as those who did the same of the Hunter Clan. Allen & Christina Hunter of Tacoma, Aron Hunter of Tacoma. William Ziegler (Hunter) of Seattle, Don Lyman (Jim and Teree's son) and his wife of Tacoma to name a few of the Hunters that came by. Of our Muirhead members Robert, Bonnie, and Baby Darbie Schueler, Robert's Father and Mother Maurice and Katherin Shueler, whom honored us by walking in the Parade of Clans on Saturday. Of my family that came out was my lovely wife Yen Chi; Clan Secretary Sandie and her family, husband Jerimy, and daughter Skye; Jennifer, Eric, and Makayla; and Clan Vice President Charles D. Morehead. Many hand outs were given out as well as sharing of our History to the public and helping then find leads to there own past with the help of our growing database and library of books. We even had time to swap family stories and get out and about to share in some of our great cultural heritage activities dispite the weather. For myself, it was great to see old friends and family as well as meeting a few new ones. The Haggis was great and could not have been made much better unless I had been eating it back in Scotland. Of the many others, I wish to thank Harold Andrews, President of Clan Ross USA; Marcus J. Wallace, Jr. President of Clan Wallace USA; Robbert B. More, High Commissioner, PNW of Clan Muir Society; Dr. Phil Smith, Jr. Ph. D., FSA Scot, President of the International Association for Tartan Studies/TECA for the kit to help me help others with their Tartan Questions; and so many more who made it a most enjoyable and memorable gathering. Last, but not least, I would like to especially thank Robert Schueler and John Staley who gave of themselves and helped me set up, and Sandie and Jerimy who stuck with me through it all and to the end, in the rain, to break down and get it all back home in good order even if it was a wee damp here and there, including yours truly in his kilt. Raymond L. Morehead Esq. FSA Scot. President/Chief Elect Clan Muirhead The Weekend Events...my take Friday night: Went to the Opening Ceremonies with Dad (Chief Elect Raymond) and Skye-Alexandra (my 4 year old daughter). It hadn't started yet. We were there somewhat early. After an hour or two, Skye became restless and cranky, overactive, and I ended up calling my husband, Jerimy to come and get her. Soon after Jerimy came and took her home, the Opening Ceremonies began with the lighting of the bonfire. Raymond was in the Presentation of the Clans, while I snapped pictures...and then ran out to join in with an impromptu change in the ceremony. Clan members were allowed to take part of the Presentation by forming the border of the Saltire Cross, which the Clan Representatives, ie Chiefs, formed after their torches were lit. Raymond and I stayed for a bit after the ceremony, looking around, saying hi to people, people we had not seen since last year at the Games. We left there about 1030-11pm. I spent the night at my parents' house since we were to be at the grounds to finish setting up and open the tent before the opening of the Games at 8AM. Saturday: We were up at 430AM. Raymond finished packing up the truck with the rest of the items and displays, and off we went to the fairgrounds at 6AM. We set up, moved things around, opened the tent. Chuck showed up...(Vice President of the Clan). Raymond and Chuck marched in the Clan Parade along with David Hunter of Montlaw, (of whom turned out to be someone I had corresponded with at one time for the SCA). David represented the Hunter Clan, of whom the Muirhead Clan was representing during the Games as the Hunters do not have a tent or Coveners to do so at this time. The weather was warm, but not too hot with an occasional breeze that was wonderful. We had some yummy haggis, of which I promised to learn to make...just as I do every year, and still have not. Jim Lyman and his wife...I think her name was Terree...who are Clan Hunter...came by as well and chatted a bit. We convinced them to come back on Sunday. Jennifer (My sister), her daughter Makayla, and Jennifer's significant other, Erik, showed up. Yen Chi, our Clan Treasurer, showed up as well and we all chatted a bit. I had to go home. I was tired and I needed sleep!!! I decided to go to my home to sleep, so I left about 530PM. Before bed, I baked some Scottish oatmeal scones to take for the morning, a batch with dried cranberries, and a batch of plain. Sunday: Overcast and cool, but not cold. I was up at 530AM to get ready to go. Jerimy came home from his friends' just before I left, so convinced him to come with me. We spent all day at the Games. I marched in the Parade of Clans, carrying the Muirhead banner. Jennifer was there again, this time to take pictures. Her daughter, Makayla, marched with us, holding Chief Elect Grandpa's hand! Jim and his wife marched, carrying the Hunter banner and shield. Raymond is trying to convince the Lymans to become the Coveners for the Hunters here in WA state. They are going to send in their things to join the Hunter Association and get the ball rolling for it. The weather sprinkled a bit...more of a fine mist than anything, but it didn't lessen the mood of the Games. Raymond donated one of his hand made targes to the Ross clan, to be raffled off. The Muirhead Clan will receive a portion of the proceeds to go into our coffers for the Muirhead Clan Scholarship Fund. My cranberry oatmeal scones disappeared!! I didn't mind though as I had made them to share with everyone. The last Massing of the Pipes and Drums was especially touching this year to me. Maybe because it was marking the Closing of the Games, or maybe because I'm just sentimental. In either case...listening to the last Massing of the Pipes and Drums brought tears to my eyes. If you have never heard 4+ Bagpipe and Drum bands playing at the same time, loudly and beautifully, then you don't know what an awesome sound and sight they make. When the lowering of the colors was done, and the Games officially closed, the pipe and drum band marched through the grounds, passing by the Clan tents, playing. As soon as they had finished and were dismissed...it began to rain. Of course, it soaked everything, including US who had to pack everything up. Still, it was not COLD...which was great. I made a comment about it being fine Scottish weather, and fitting...to which Raymond replied that it wasn't Scottish...since it wasn't coming down sideways. All in all, it was a blast. I always look forward to the Games and this one was no different. I eagerly await next year's! =) Sandie Morehead (-Smith) Secretary and Webmistress Clan Muirhead to Host Clan Hunter and the Scottish Tartan Authority >>>Taken from the write up in the Event Program<<< Raymond L. Morehead, Esq. FSA Scot, President/Chief Elect of Clan Muirhead has been "Officially Linked in Friendship" with Clan Hunter. Madame Pauline Hunter of Hunterston and of that Ilk, Clan Chief and 30th Laird of the Hunters, and all of her Officers agreed that a link of friendship should be offered to Clan Muirhead through their both losing Clansmen at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. As Clan Muirhead no longer has a Clan Seat in Scotland, Madame Hunter has offered and invited Clan Muirhead to consider Hunterston Castle as a shared Scottish gathering home and the two clans will join at the Hunters International Clan Gathering held every three years at Hunterston Castle, next held in 2004.