Welcome Our New Clan MacFarlane Commissioners

Meet our new Clan MacFarlane Louisiana Commissioners!

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.

Mari and James are fairly new members to the Society whom we met on our recent tour of Scotland during our Clan MacFarlane World Gathering held this past June.  They immediately became part of the family and we are so very blessed to have them onboard.

Meet Mari and James Bittner

Mari and James are from Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA and are the owners of MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub.  Mari and James are joined in business by their two sons, James Bittner, III and Branson Bittner.  The pub currently seats 75 persons but the Bittners are planning to expand that capacity to 400+. McFarland’s serves up traditional Celtic faire and focuses on promoting whisky tastings, Celtic cuisine and various Celtic Holidays. In addition to the restaurant, Mari and James also run a successful catering business.

In their own words

We asked our new representative to tell you all a bit about themselves, their connection to Clan MacFarlane and their thoughts on representing the Society. Here’s what Mary had to say:

Q: Tell us a bit about your ancestors/personal family history.

My Great Grandfather was one of the original settlers of Jennings, Louisiana, USA. His father was James, whom I am presently researching, when my grandfather immigrated to the United States. I was told he was born in Ireland.

Q: How did you come to discover your MacFarlane heritage?

I’ve done DNA testing thru 23 & Me and Ancestory.com which confirmed my Celtic roots.

Q: What area of Clan MacFarlane history or heritage interests you the most?

I am most interested in preserving the MacFarlane History in Scotland as well as here in America.

Q: As Commissioners, what are you looking forward to the most?

I look forward to networking with other MacFarlane’s and educating them about Clan MacFarlane and their own heritage.

Q:  What would you most like to accomplish?

Visit various festivals and introduce people to Clan MacFarlane and hopefully spark interest in them in their own heritage.

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