An Interview with the President of the Clan MacLeod Society of Scotland

The Clan MacLeod Society was originally formed in 1891. There were actually two Societies - one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. The Edinburgh one is now known as the Clan MacLeod Society of Scotland. There are Clan MacLeod Societies throughout the world now in England, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Germany, Switzerland and potentially Belgium, Italy and even Sweden. Collectively they are known as the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies.

What are the aims and goals of the Clan MacLeod Society?

According to the constitution of the society, there are three main goals with a focus on creating social bonds, adding to clan literature, and to support each other through charity. In a social sense, we aim to cultivate social intercourse among the members of the society, through a range of different events and gatherings. Literary wise, our goal is to increase the knowledge and literature surrounding the clan. We also aim to support members, clans people, and the dependants of members through our charitable goals. Although creating a culture through our social gatherings is our main focus most of the time.

How did you become involved with the Clan MacLeod Society?

I got involved at a young age through my parents. We first went to a Clan Gathering in Skye when I was 6 years old and have been going ever since then and that was over 40 years ago. Dad got involved when he was a Scot away from Home in England and got involved in a number of Scottish Societies.

What does your role as President of the Clan MacLeod Society of Scotland include?

My role as president of the society involves chairing society meetings, hosting the annual dinner, welcoming new members to the society, and generally representing the clan whenever and wherever that might be suitable and appropriate.

Your greatest achievement with the Clan MacLeod Society so far?

My wife and I organised the Clan Gathering (known as the Parliament) in Skye at Dunvegan in 2018, and we have been volunteered to do it again in 2022. The Parliament runs for a week and welcomes around 300 Clansfolk altogether from all of the Societies throughout the world. It was exhausting but rewarding and marked 40 years since I had first gone myself.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

The most rewarding aspect of my role would have to be getting to go to Skye on a regular basis and making lifelong friendships with (very) distant relatives.

What do you think makes Clan MacLeod so special when compared to other Scottish clans?

I think what makes Clan MacLeod unique is the connection with Dunvegan Castle, which is still inhabited by the Clan Chief, Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod. It is supposed to be the oldest, continuously inhabited dwelling in the UK and has always been in the MacLeod family. It is pretty awe-inspiring to look at as well!

Do you have a favourite or interesting story from either Clan MacLeod history or about the society that you would like to share with us?

Probably too many to pick just one! Some of the Clan's history is probably not something you'd want to boast about now, with many tales of massacres and battles perpetrated both by and against MacLeods. The most interesting thing these days is the upsurge in interest from some of the European countries. The Clan MacLeod Society of Germany will soon be celebrating its 15th anniversary and is a strong and growing society. It was originally set up in the region of Mecklenburg, whose regional crest of a Bull's Head shared that with Clan MacLeod and hence the original connection - that and the coincidental inauguration of the local Malt Whisky Appreciation Society!

What is your favourite variant of Clan MacLeod tartan?

I have to say that I think the modern MacLeod of Harris is a pretty smart tartan in darker green than the more traditional one. Some people, of course, enjoy the Lewis variant, which is bright yellow and one of the more noticeable tartans you might see and a big hit with the Bay City Rollers back in the day!