We are happy to announce the appointment of Scott and Gina McFarland as the new International Clan MacFarlane Society Commissioners to South Florida. Scott and Gina have been a delightful addition to our annual Clan gatherings and have volunteered to represent our Society in their home state. Their passion and fun-loving spirit is much appreciated and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish. We asked Scott and Gina to tell us a wee bit about themselves, their personal MacFarlane story and what they have planned for the future of clan work in their area.

We are pleased to announce the installation of John Manchester as the new International Clan MacFarlane Society Treasurer. John has been a dedicated member of our community for many years and has served with distinction in various roles. Many of you may know Melisa and her husband Bill Bermudez from their time as Commissioners to Northern California, USA. During their tenure, they work tirelessly to promote our Clan's history and culture, organise events and gatherings, and connect members from all around the region.

In this issue... ISLE OF CUMBRAE DISTILLERS: THE FEMALE SCOTTISH GIN MAKERS On Scotland’s Ayrshire coast lies the Isle of Cumbrae, just a short ferry trip from Largs. A group of five international women have come together to create the islands first gin distillery called Isle of Cumbrae Distillers. Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas from the team spoke to the Scottish Banner on building a new business during the pandemic, how a women led business is contributing to the community and just why visitors to Scotland should be adding Cumbrae to their travel plans. READ MORE CROWN OF THORNS: SAVING THE ICONIC SYMBOL OF LINLITHGOW When the spire on Linlithgow’s parish church was first erected in 1964, its modern shiny look, contrasting so sharply with the weathered stone of the ancient building, sparked a fierce reaction. Some said it looked like a rocket waiting to take off, others compared it to a wigwam. Certainly many felt the contemporary aluminium “crown of thorns” did not belong on a medieval church just a stone’s throw from the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. READ MORE STELLA: A SCOTTISH CINDERELLA A new Scottish feature film about a German Jewish refugee who finds herself working in a stately home belonging to aristocratic supporters of fascist leader Oswald Mosely has won an international Best Drama award. Stella, inspired by Cinderella, took the award at the Melech Tel-Aviv International Film Festival where it had its world premiere. And it has now been nominated for the Montreal Independent Film Festival – one of the most popular events of its kind. The makers of the film, which features Gary Lewis, Susan Vidler, Richard Hansell and Rufus Wright, are also in negotiation for UK distribution. READ MORE