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Clan Farquharson's Virtual Gathering
Clan Farquharson have shown their ability to adapt and overcome even a Worldwide Pandemic by choosing to hold their 2020 Clan Gathering entirely online. Not to be foiled by the current situation, the gathering which opened last night with a virtual meet and greet, continues all week with events for clan and society members of all ages.
Clan Farquharson's Virtual Gathering
Clan Farquharson's gathering is usually centred around the Ballater Highland Games, however this year, with the Covid-19 pandemic ongoing, the games have unfortunately been cancelled. This year instead they will hold their first virtual gathering, kicking off a week of events to celebrate its history, heritage and international community.
Led by their 101-year-old chief, Captain Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld, clan members will be able to watch musical performances, interviews, virtual tours, and film.
They will also take part in social get-togethers and competitions (including Minecraft challenges for the creative contingent to design their own tartans or build their own castle), and will raise funds for the family seat at Braemar Castle, Scotland’s only community-run castle, which is currently undergoing improvements and repairs.
The virtual Meet and Greet last night opened with short clip of the Clan Farquharson President Jonathan Findlay welcoming everyone to the event with a back drop of Farquharson's Pub and allowed all participants to pull up a virtual chair at one of the many Scottish themed tables and chat to other members of the clan society. I met members from Germany, Scotland and South Africa (now living in Manchester).
Jonathan Findlay, president of Clan Farquharson UK, said:
“Scottish clan societies are an important way to celebrate a shared culture and a passion for Scotland’s history and traditions. While we are unable to meet in person this year, we felt it was important that we find a way to come together for a celebration that will maintain and strengthen our UK and international clan ties. We have Clan Farquharson societies in the UK, United States, Canada, Jamaica, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, plus many other individual clan members right across the globe. We are greatly looking forward to connecting with as many of them as possible and to supporting Braemar community in their fundraising appeal to restore the castle.”
Highlights of the week include:
FORTIFYING BRAEMAR CASTLE - Including 2 new films regarding Braemar castle which are now available on the website.
VIRTUAL TOURS of ROYAL DEESIDE - New videos posted on the website including an Exclusive Virtual Nature Walk along the Clunie Water with Yellow Welly Tours and Braemar Media
OPEN-MIC CEILIDH - Tuesday 11th August (8pm - 10pm BST) You can join as a spectator or as a participant.
VIRTUAL GAMES DAY - Thursday 13th August Lots of events to take part in throughout the day including the Best Dressed Clan Person get your entries in on Instagram using the hashtag #clanbestdressed. There is also and online Pub Quiz 8pm - 9.30pm (BST).
WHISKY TASTING - Friday 14th August (8pm - 9pm BST) An event that blends Virtual with Real as you will be able to physically pour, nose and taste 4 Scottish malts while an interactive tasting is conducted online.
CLAN BANQUET & CONCERT - Saturday 15th August (8pm - 11pm BST) An international clan banquet – a black-tie event combining breakfast, lunch and dinner across the globe, depending on the diner’s time zone with music by Paul Anderson, Shona Donaldson and Heather Downie.
You can see the full program of events online HERE and if you would like to sign up to any of the events please visit Clan Farquharson UK website and register online.
The Oldest Clan Chief in Scotland
The Farquharson Clan Chief, Captain Alwyne AC Farquharson, 16th Laird of Invercauld turned 101 years old this May. He recorded a special message for his well wishers from his home to mark the occasion.
“I wanted to give you an enormous thank you for all the wonderful messages you sent me on the occasion of my 101st birthday. It has taken me about half an hour to visually read all the wonderful messages, and listen to the tunes you have composed to me, and all the splendid greetings. We live in very difficult times. This is a pivotal moment with this wretched virus, and we must stick together, and the clan spirit will help us through that. I hope that in time it won’t be long until this virus is over and we can get together, but in the meantime I would like to encourage you all to keep the flag flying.”
Alwyne was educated at Eton Colleage then Oxford University before serving with distinction as a Captain in the Royal Scots Greys during World War Two and was awarded the Military cross for his role in the Normandy Landings. He is the laird of Invercauld estates but most of the time resides at Valley Farm, Norfolk with his second wife, Madame Patricia Farquharson who he married in 1993. The return regularly to Royal Deeside.
He took over as chief after his aunt, Myrtle Farquharson was killed in a London bombing raid in 1941, he was later severely wounded in France in 1944. He has held the role for over 70 years after being confirmed as MacFhionnlaigh by the Lord Lyon Court in 1949. Following the war, as he recovered from his injuries at his father’s home in Yorkshire, he met his first wife Frances, a fashion editor with Vogue in the United States. She visited Braemar Castle to help organise its contents and the two soon fell in love and married, with the laird’s new wife famously painting parts of the castle’s exterior pink. She unfortunately passed away in 1991.
His appointment as Chieftain of the Ballater Highland Games was duly confirmed at a Public Meeting of the Games held on 24th November 1948, and he has never missed a games day. Last year at the 2019 Games, where crowds and Pipe Bands turned out in force to celebrate Alwyne's 100th Birthday, was his 71st consecutive year attending Ballater Highland Games as its Chieftain.
He will be presiding over the games this year virtually and you can even bid to a part of his Virtual Colour Party with all proceeds going to Braemar Castles 'Raising the Standard' Campaign.
The Virtual Gathering may not have the same feel as a clan gathering does in person, but it has certainly given more people the chance to take part in the festivities. It also shows the wonderful Scottish Spirit of not only adapting but flourishing in adversity.
