CLAN CARMICHAEL INTERNATIONAL GATHERING & HOMECOMING 2014
THE TENTH CLAN CARMICHAEL INTERNATIONAL GATHERING & HOMECOMING 2014
June 26 to July 2 2014
The latest in a series of International Carmichael gatherings - each organised by Chief Richard and his family since 1983 - will be held at Carmichael Scotland in late June and early July 2014. Previous gatherings have been held at the rate of three a decade and this year’s event will be the second hosted by Chief Richard with son Andrew and grandsons Fraser & Aidan in support.
The theme this year will be to celebrate the second Great Scottish Homecoming Year (the first was in 2009) and the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn, which led to the creation of the Barony of Carmichael. The Scottish victory in this battle confirmed the Independent Nation of Scotland and the supportive families and clans were rewarded with land grants. Sir James Douglas was King Robert The Bruce’s right hand and the Carmichaels were kinsmen and neighbours in Douglasdale, and as such instrumental in the victory. If this battle had been lost we would not be here now and the origins of the Carmichael name would also have been lost! This is a unique historical opportunity to celebrate in style.
Clan Carmichael Gathering 2014 Schedule
THURSDAY June 26th. Welcome dinner 7.30 pm.
FRIDAY June 27th am. Clan lands march with piper opening remarks. An introduction to Carmichael the place, and an historical perspective presentation by your Chief, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn.
pm. Pipefest Stirling Castle. We march on parade as a global clan with a 1000 pipers through the streets of historic Stirling. (www.pipefest.com)
SATURDAY June 28th – SUNDAY June 29th. (plus Monday June 30) Clan Carmichael has been approved and will have a tent in the Clan village at the National Trust of Scotland Battle of Bannockburn re-enactment weekend. You can choose to attend on either one, two or all three days and may be asked to help with our presentation which will include food from our 900 year old clan lands farm, Bannockburn era artefacts, clan migration and global clan data 2014!
There will also be Carmichael clan visits to Stirling Bridge, Stirling castle and nearby Wallace monument during these days. (www.battleofbannockburn.com)
SUNDAY June 29th . Alternative day 1 Church service in Carmichael. Bless this gathering. Whereas many of us will be at Bannockburn we also hope to have a significant presence in the historic Carmichael kirk (1750) now called Cairngryffe Parish church. Afternoon trip to Falkirk Wheel.
MONDAY June 30th. Alternative day 2 (last day volunteer team to Stirling). We visit historic Abbotsford House the home of Sir Walter Scott returning in plenty of time to prepare for the 2014 Tartan Ball in the evening.
TUESDAY July 1st. Based at Carmichael in the gathering field we tour our district in a lighter day with plenty of relaxation time built in. Carmichael in the landscape, and in its historical perspective. Come find our Bannockburn roundels. BBQ clan lands meats on the ground itself. Challenge orienteering on a 1750 map. Mini Highland Games and Gala Dinner pm.
WEDNESDAY July 2nd. Departure
Gathering Price
As with all our previous events the 2014 international gathering is priced fully inclusive of all transportation, meals, entry fees, banquets, tartan balls, taxes at 20 %, gratuities and accommodation for all six nights at £780 per person. Single room supplement £50. Local hotel instead of Clan lands cottage supplement £175. Cottage reservations first come first served. For those wanting to join the gathering for a lesser period and arrange their own travel and accommodation the cost for attending the open day BBQ lunch on Tuesday July 1st is £30. Individuals can also visit the Carmichael clan tent at Bannockburn, day tickets cost £20-£75 and also obviously join the Sunday Clan Carmichael church service. Full gathering deposit to secure a place £100 due now. Deposit non refundable. You must insure yourself for any possible reason you may have to cancel. Balance due April 30 2014 fully refundable for cancellation by June 10. Non refundable thereafter. Further reductions are available (please ask) for children under 16 staying in clan lands cottage with family.
See http://www.carmichael.co.uk/Clan-Carmichael-Gather... for more information