Entries by Diana MacFarlane

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2023 Annual World Gathering News

As all of you no doubt already know, July 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of the reformation of our society (after disbandment as a result of world wars) in 1973.  To celebrate, we are going back to where the founding of the International Clan MacFarlane Society took place.  This summer, July 6-9th, we will be holding our 50th Annual World Gathering at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games near Linville, North Carolina, USA. Even though we have only begun to start the planning of this year’s event, the Games themselves have set some quickly approaching deadlines.

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The Scottish Banner
January 2023

In this issue…

THE TRANQUILITY OF STONEHAVEN
For many centuries the wee fishing port on Scotland’s east coastline has been a magnetic location for summer tourists, a distinction it retains to this day. Made up of delightful seascapes, an enchanting harbour and a lively town centre,… READ MORE

SCOTLAND’S THE PLACE TO BE IN 2023
Celebrate a new year with plenty to discover across Scotland. New stories, special moments and unforgettable memories are ready to be made in Scotland in 2023. From January through to December,… READ MORE

REMEMBERING DODDIE WEIR
Born in 1970, rugby great Doddie Weir won the first of his 61-caps for Scotland against Argentinain November 1990, but came to prominence as a member of the Scotland side which reached the semi-final of the World Cup the following year. He would go on to,… READ MORE

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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