photo of Hogmanay celebration vikings with axes and torches
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Hogmanay: Scotland’s New Year Celebration

Hogmanay is Scotland's New Year celebration, Explore the meaning behind the various customs and symbols associated with this special holiday.
Cover art for December 2022 issue of The Scottish Banner | Clan MacFarlane | MacFarlane.org
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The Scottish Banner
December 2022

SAVING KINLOCH CASTLE Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum is an ornate castle which was built by George Bullough. Now frozen in time but slowly crumbling despite all sorts of plans over the years, including intervention by the then Prince Charles, the castle is looking for help to secure its future as a key part of the small island community. NEOLITHIC CULIMARY TRADITIONS UNCOVERED A team of scientists, led by the University of Bristol, has uncovered intriguing new insights into the diet of people living in Neolithic Britain and found evidence that cereals, including wheat, were cooked in pots. CHRISTMAS RECIPES Glazed ham, holiday potatoes and Sherry trifle.
Art for Clan MacFarlane post John Knox The Thundering Scot
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John Knox | The Thundering Scot

We look back at the life of religious reformer John Knox, one of Scotland's most divisive figures, 450 years after his death. A Scottish reformer whose pervasive influence is still felt, there is no doubting John Knox was the dominant figure in the Church of Scotland's establishment, but little is known of his early life.
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St. Andrew’s Day

photo of cover of The Scottish Banner, November 2022 issue
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The Scottish Banner
November 2022

In this issue... 10 REASONS TO VISIT SCOTLAND IN 2023 Autumn is often the time when thoughts turn to travel plans for the coming year. To inspire you in planning you next trip, we’ve teamed up with Visit Scotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation, to bring you our top ten reasons to visit Scotland in 2023! THE CLAN MACPHERSON MUSEUM OPENS On Friday 5th August 2022, as part of the 75th Annual Clan Macpherson Gathering, Clan Chief James Brodie Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie invited a group of approximately 190 clansmen and women to ‘raise a glass’ to the future prosperity of the Clan Macpherson Museum as the latest chapter in the Museum’s illustrious history was written. The Clan Macpherson Museum.... IAN BAIRNSON - SHETLAND'S MUSIC MAKER For some Scottish musician Ian Bairnson may not be instantly a recognised name, however you are very likely to have heard the many projects which he was part of. Neil Drysdale tells the story of the Shetland guitarist who played on Kate Bush’s biggest hit Wuthering Heights. Ian Bairnson, who also had a No 1 hit with Pilot, also recorded backing vocals on Paul McCartney’s Mull of Kintyre and sold millions of records with the Alan Parsons Project.
feature art of Origin Of The Jack O' Lantern© International Clan MacFarlane Society
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Samhain And The Origin Of The Jack O’ Lantern

The origin of the Jack O' Lantern has roots in a Celtic holiday called Samhain that celebrates the end of summer and the final harvest.
Photo of Discover Scotland Issue 50 Cover© International Clan MacFarlane Society
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Discover Scotland
Issue 50

In this issue... LOCH LOMOND: A STORY OF CULLODEN The song Loch Lomond is well-known by Scots. Most of us learnt it as children. The lyrics are not immediately clear; it is a lament bout “me and my true love” but it does not say who they were. The story behind the song is true. “Me and my true love” were Robert King and his wife Janet Kissock who lived in Renfrewshire from 1673 to 1746. They courted in 1698 - 1700 and married in 1700, to be parted by his death 46 years later. FINLAY WILSON: THE KILTED YOGI Viral Scottish yoga star Finlay Wilson is back with his new book Wild Kilted Yoga: Flow and Feel Free, get ready for more tartan, more dramatic scenery and more tips and tricks to make your yoga practice extra special. Finlay took time to speak to the Scottish Banner on his love of yoga, his rescue dog Amaloh, tartan and of course Scotland. THE KING AT PLEASURE AND PRAYER James IV is usually remembered as the tragic king who not only lost the Battle of Flodden in 1513, but also died on the field. In fact, he was a very much more complex and interesting figure who influenced both the world of the church and the world of the arts. One place where these interests came together was Linlithgow Palace.
© International Clan MacFarlane Society
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Meet New Clan MacFarlane Commissioner to Virginia, USA

Meet our new Clan MacFarlane Virginia Commissioner - Katelyn McFarland! We are very happy to announce the appointment a new representative from the great USA state of Virgina, Katelyn McFarland.  Katelyn have graciously volunteered to serve as Commissioner for her home state and has been appointed to the post. Find out more about her here.
photo of Mari and James Bittner, Clan MacFarlane Commissioners(c) Laura Kelley Photography
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New Clan MacFarlane Commissioners to Louisiana, USA

Meet our new Clan MacFarlane Louisiana Commissioners - Mari & James Bittner! We are very happy to announce the appointment of two new representatives from the great USA state of Louisiana, Mari (pronounced Mary) and James Bittner.  Mari and James have graciously volunteered to serve as Commissioners for their home state and have been appointed to the posts.
photo of Clan MacFarlane Plant Badge

Clan MacFarlane Plant Badge – The Cranberry

What is the Clan MacFarlane plant badge? Learn what it is and what its role it plays in the heritage of of the clan.