| 9/16,17,18/2011 |
New Hampshire Highland Games The New Hampshire Highland Games were great again this year. Although Friday was very cold and windy, Saturday made up for it. Friday also had a lighter than expected turnout, and we just tried to stay warm. Unfortunately they don't allow the real Scottish food vendors at the Loon games, so the Bridies made by the onsite vendors were a bit disappointing. We were on the edge of the Clan Village toward the concert tent this year, so we were able to enjoy the great music even more. We were not able to stay for Sunday this year due to family obligations, but we made the most of the two days we had. We had a chance to see the sheep dog trials, which were championship quality this year, as well as a good portion of the athletics. We stayed on the mountain again this year, so we woke up to bag pipers in the morning which was fantastic and really got us in the mood for the day. Lots of MacLellan's stopped by the tent over the two days, and their pictures are on the photos page. We really had a great time and look forward to next year. Think On! |
| 8/20/2011 |
Maine Highland Games This was the second year at the Topsham Fair Grounds. They made a great effort to put all the Clans in the same area this year, which was an improvement. Not as many people in attendance as last year, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. We were right across from the parade grounds again this year, so we had a front row seat for a lot of the activities, and most of the music. This year during the opening ceremonies, they introduced the clans a little differently. Instead of just calling the name of the clan, they read a short introduction of each clan written by the clan representatives themselves. Most were historical and brief, but a few seemed to go on forever. I'm not sure it was the best idea. We ate our fair share of good Scottish food, which is always a must, and of course ended up eating some of our own shortbread as well. We actually got to see some of the athletics this year, even though they were some distance from the tent. The adult athletics were great as usual, but one of the best things to watch was the kids caber toss. They might have smaller cabers, but they put their hearts into it. Over all it was a very enjoyable day, and we look forward to next year. |
| 6/11/2011 |
Rhode Island Highland Games This was our first time at the Rhode Island games, and we had a great time. Jane Robitaille, who ran the Western Mass games for many years, is now the clan coordinator for Rhode Island. She has amazing energy and spirit. She persuaded us to make the drive, along with several other clans that have never attended. It's a relatively small games, but they are warm, friendly, and relaxed. The rain threatened through out the morning and held off for the opening ceremonies. However, early afternoon brought a downpour (fine Scottish weather). It didn't seem to dampen spirits though, and everyone took it in stride. Lots of great Scottish food and excellent music really made the day fun despite the weather. I was even in a Bonnie Knees contest and came close to winning. We had several MacLellan's stop by the tent, which was a real treat considering the weather, and most promised to come back and see us again. We will definitely be back next year. Thanks for the invite Jane! |
| 9/17,18,19/2010 |
New Hampshire Highland Games The New Hampshire Highland Games were great this year with cool and quiet weather all three days. Saturday was the best weather and as a result, they had a record breaking crowd. We had quite a lot of MacLellans stop by to say hello and tell stories of how their families came to Canada and the US, and of course eat shortbread. I can't help it...it's really good!. Our cousin and clan member Patricia Hovey (also one of my favorite artists) stopped by to say hi. We may be lucky enough to have her display some of her art at the tent next year. Her paintings are from photos (alot of them are castles) and they are spectacular. We stayed on the mountain again this year so it was another easy walk down to the games each day. The games included an international competition for drum majors, which was really unusual and quite an amazing site. The competition included two nine year old girls as well. We had a record turnout of pipe bands, so when the parade ground was full it was a huge spectacle. It was the international athletic competition as well, so they seemed to step it up a notch. Unfortunately the international sheep dog trials were being held in another part of the country, so there were only demonstrations at Loon. Music is a huge part of the games each year and this year was no exception. We thought that the Red Hot Chili Pipers were the highlight, as well as Albannach and the Brigadoons. Thanks to everyone that stopped by. We look forward to next year. Think On! |
| 8/21/2010 |
Maine Highland Games The games were held in a new location this year. Although we will greatly miss Thomas Point and all it's picturesque beauty, the Topsham Fairgrounds turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. It's a much bigger facility so it's quite a long walk to get around the grounds. The only real issue was that not all of the Clans were able to fit in the area assigned to the tents and were forced to locate a small distance away. I think we had more people this year and a lot of new faces. It was interesting that early in the day the standard food vendors were mobbed, but the Scottish food vendors had a very short line. By the end of the day the trend had reversed. I guess they just couldn't resist the smell of Bridies, meat pies, and Haggis puffs. Lots of happy faces all around on what turned out to be an incredible weather day. Warm, but not hot, and cloudy later in the day with no hint of rain. Most of the clan tents had a great view of the parade grounds and the music stage, so we didn't miss anything there. We were only able to see the athletics briefly as they were being held on the opposite side of the grounds from the clan village. Many of the pipe bands were small, but they were really good. There is nothing like hearing a field full of pipe bands that are truly in sync. What a great sound. I think the new location will work out just fine once the minor kinks have been worked out. We look forward to next year and helping to make the new location home. |
| 7/17/2010 |
Glasgow Lands Highland Games The forecast earlier in the week called for rain, but instead we had a beautiful sunny day. The only problem was the heat. We went through a case of bottled water before the day was out to stay hydrated. These are some of my favorite games. They are small, but very friendly and family oriented. If you have never been to these games, the opening ceremonies always have an unexpected treat. After each of the clans gives their war cries, Jonathan Tucker raises his dirk and all the clans shout their war cries together. This gives the crowd an idea of what the enemies of the Scots heard coming toward them in a battle. They forgot to call our clan this year, but we made up for it by screaming "Think On" extra loud when they asked if there were any clans not called. Our home made shortbread went pretty fast after word got out how good the real traditional recipe was (at least that is what I was told). Camerons Scottish food vendors were there, so of course I had a couple of Bridies. They make the best! We had some great people stop by the tent including a few MacLellans, or at least possible MacLellans. A few of them have been told by relatives that they may be MacLellans, but they can't seem to find the connection. I told them it took us years to find our connections to our family and to Scotland, and to keep at it. We wish them luck and look forward to next year. |
| 9/18,19,20/2009 |
New Hampshire Highland Games The New Hampshire Highland Games were great this year despite high winds and rain on Friday night. Several tents were lost, but the Clans that had damaged tents made the most of it and stuck it out. We stayed on the mountain this year so it was just a stroll down to the games each day. We had the biggest year ever of people stopping by the tent. A large amount of them were MacLellans. We posted pictures of most of them on the photos page. We had a wonderful artist stop by the tent again this year named Patricia Hovey. She is a MacLellan and a clan member. Her paintings are from photos and they are spectacular. She let us display two of her paintings of the MacLellan Castle at the tent. I loved one so much that I bought it on the spot. There are pictures of her paintings on the photos page and a pointer to her website on the links page. Thirty pipe bands were in attendance including special guests The Scots Guard. The weather was perfect on Saturday for the calling of the Clans, and we were treated to some music from famed Scottish singer Fiona Kennedy from Highland Heartbeat to open the games. Music is a huge part of the games each year and this year was no exception. Albannach is always a favorite, as well as Red Hot Chili Pipers, Malinki and many others. Again I made two large batches of Shortbread, and there wasn't a single piece left at the end of Sunday. We ended the weekend by riding the gondola to the top of Loon Mountain on Monday to enjoy the view. We are already looking forward to next year. Think On! |
| 8/15/2009 |
Maine Highland Games The Maine Highland Games has always been a fun family friendly gathering. It was a beautiful day weather wise, and there was a large turnout for the final time the games will be held at Thomas Point. We arrived early and began to setup the tent when we realized we had forgotten to bring the tent top. We thought about braving the day without the top, but thought better of it. We made a quick trip to the local Walmart and purchased a temporary replacement tent. The unfortunate thing was that when we returned they had closed all vehicle access to the grounds. It took us a couple of hours to move all the tenting supplies from the parking lot to the Clan MacLellan space, but it was worth it. It was good exercise, not to mention it gave us a good story to tell. Our tent was positioned right behind the music tent, so we had great entertainment all day. We had several MacLellans stop by the tent and chat about family history and trips to Scotland. I had a chance to see my friend Stuart MacPherson and found out he had made yet another trip to Scotland. We got a chance to see the caber toss and some highland dancing competitions this time. I also got a chance to eat some bridies and a haggis puff. We are looking forward to next year at a new location. |
| 6/5,6,7/2009 |
Clan MacLellan AGM and Arlington Texas Highland Games This was the first time we met other officers and regional directors of the Clan, and they were all great! Special thanks to Jill Burt who hosted the AGM for her hospitality, and for making everyone feel at home. It was great to finally put faces to the names of people we have been communicating with for several years now. It was very hot, but thanks to Jill and the other Texas conveners we had plenty of water and food to keep us hydrated. Did you know strawberries help your hydration? The athletics were great and the athletes held up amazingly well in the heat. There was even a MacLellan competing, so we had something extra to cheer for. They don't do a calling of the Clans the same way in Texas because of the heat in the middle of the day. They do a much more subdued calling the night before the games. We were not able to attend the Calling of the Clans, but we were told that many clans do not participate. The MacLellan tents at the games were always full of people and they were always smiling. The friendliness of Texas people is infectious. It's really a wonderful place to visit. We had dinner on several nights with other clan members and had a chance to sample the great food of Texas. We are really looking forward to next years AGM which will be held in Estes Park, Colorado. We hear the scenery is spectacular! |
| 8/23/2008 |
Quechee Scottish Festival The Quechee Scottish Festival was another first time experience for us. From what the many people stopping by our tent told us, this was the first time Clan MacLellan had been to these games for some time. Although it is usually very hot at these games, we were very lucky to get a warm day with a constant light breeze. The games took place on the Quechee polo grounds which is located in a beautiful picturesque valley. We again had many friendly people visit us throughout the day, including many MacLellans, and our homemade shortbread did not last long. The historic highlanders put on some great demonstrations of different time periods in Scottish history, and the athletics were great fun to watch as well. The high point of a wonderful day came when Jamie McLellan and his beautiful wife and daughter stopped by the tent. They are from Glasgow Scotland and were on holiday in the states and just happened on the Quechee festival. I have never met a MacLellan from Scotland, so needless to say it was a thrill. Jamie and his family are some of the most charming and friendly people I can remember meeting, and I was delighted to have a chance to visit with them. The closing ceremonies were small but very enjoyable. We plan on returning again next year. Think On! |
| 6/28/2008 |
Western Massachusetts Highland Games This was the first time we attended the Western Mass Games, and I'm told it is also the first time Clan MacLellan has been represented at these games. It was a hot day with always the threat of rain, but we never felt a drop. Of course that would only have made it more like Scotland. We had a couple of MacLellans stop by the tent to say they were very happy to finally see the MacLellan Clan tent at the games, and that they are now planning on joining the Clan. We always meet new and old friends at all the games we attend. We met Brian Cooper from Clan Donald and his fiance who are very charming people. We also saw our good friend Stuart MacPhersen who we hadn't seen since last year. I had my share of Bridies, and we had plenty of homemade shortbread to go around. I even got the seal of approval on my shortbread from Beverly Duncan of Clan Donnachaidh, where the original recipe came from, when she tasted some. The day ended with a wonderful friendly ceilidh. We look forward to returning next year. |
| 4/5/2008 |
National Tartan Day Proclaimed We attended Tartan Day ceremonies last year in Augusta, ME. It was a small but enthusiastic turn out on a cold day, but the hope was that some day it would be nationally recognized. Well yesterday that hope became a reality, thanks to all the people who worked so hard to achieve the goal. Finally our Scottish heritage is recognized fully in America! On April 4th President Bush proclaimed April 6th 2008, National Tartan Day. We plan to proudly wear the tartan tomorrow and every April 6th to help celebrate the wonderful addition to our national calendar. |
| 9/21,22,23/2007 |
New Hampshire Highland Games-at Loon Mountain What a great time we had at the New Hampshire Highland Games. It was the best weather for all three days anyone could remember. My wife Deane and I hosted the Clan MacLellan tent again with our Northeast Regional Director Bill Chellis and his wife Joan. Friday night we attended the Tartan Dinner Dance where they had an address to the Haggis and pipers as well. The Brigadoons put on a fine show for the gathering and there were plenty of dancers. The crowds broke all records on Saturday and we had lots of MacLellans stop by the tent. We have pictures of some on the photos page. My sister Mary joined us for the opening ceremonies, so there was a loud cry from the MacLellans when our clan name was called. The massed bands were thrilling and numerous and when they played Scotland the Brave we were all very moved. The athletics are always exciting and did not disappoint this time. We did not get a chance to see the caber toss because of duties at the tent, but many of the other events were just as rousing. The Kirkin-O-The Tartans on Sunday was attended by a very large number of people and the service was very nice with a great deal of humor thrown in. The shortbread recipe I got from Scott Duncan of Clan Donnachaidh was again a big hit. We made two large batches and there wasn't even a crumb left at the end of Sunday. By all accounts this was one of the best New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain to date. We look forward to next year. Think On! |
| 8/18/2007 |
Maine Highland Games This was the first time my wife and I helped to host a games with our Northeast Regional Director, Bill Chellis. Bill is a true Scotsman and a wealth of knowledge. He is also quite the story teller. We had many friendly people stop by the tent and I did my best to keep up with Bill helping them find information about Scotland and their history. It was a downpour when we arrived to setup, but it turned out to be beautiful weather as the day progressed. The opening ceremonies were a little confusing and delayed, but turned out to be very moving as usual. The athletics were very exciting with all of them leading to a very loud crowd response. |
| 7/21/2007 |
Glasgow Lands Highland Games Another great weather day, but we did have some real blow away gusts of wind. The opening ceremonies are a bit different at the Glasgow Lands games. We were piped on to the parade grounds as usual, but after all the clans gave their mottos and war cries a dirk was raised and all the clans shouted the cries together. This was to show the crowd what it would of sounded like if you were on the wrong side of the battle. We met some more great people and a couple of real characters. One was an author named Frank Verderber. He wrote "The Blandford Chronicles". He entertained us with Scottish lore of the area. I made the shortbread that Scott Duncan had given me the recipe for and it was a big hit at the tent. |
| 6/30/2007 |
Round Hill Highland Games We had some more beautiful weather for the Round Hill Games. We saw many friends from the Southern NH games and met many friendly people. Round Hill is one of the oldest games in the country. This was the 84th annual games. They had our motto and history wrong in the program, but they were very apologetic and cordial to us. It's a very family oriented gathering with games and road races designed for participation by all. They even had a caber toss for the wee ones, which turned out to be little more than small branches but great fun to watch. The opening ceremonies were a bit confusing and unorganized, but the high point was having all the pipe bands march between the assembled clans. It was an amazing amount of pipe bands for such a small games. Stuart MacPherson just got back from the old country and had many great tales to tell. Norm MacInnes was in Scotland at about the same time and they believe they crossed paths and didn't even know it. Scott Duncan of Clan Donnachaidh gave me a recipe for shortbread which I plan to make for the next games. |
| 6/02/2007 |
Southern New Hampshire Highland Games It was the first time my wife and I had hosted the Southern New Hampshire games. It was beautiful weather. Sunny but a little on the hot side. Compared to the torrential downpours the year before, the heat was welcome. We met some great people as well as many MacLellans. The opening ceremonies were very moving. A lot of proud Scots displaying their tartans and voicing mottos and war cries. Stuart MacPherson of Clan MacPherson was getting ready for another trip to Scotland. This will be his fourth. Norm MacInnes of Clan MacInnes is getting ready to travel across the pond as well. |