The next Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye is between
August 1st – 7th, 2026
Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament 2026 – An Overview
What is the Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament? In 1956 Dame Flora, the 29th Chief had the idea that MacLeods from around the world should meet at Dunvegan in Skye, the traditional home of the Clan MacLeod to discuss how to manage the Clan as a world-wide organisation. This was serious business and Dame Flora, who was born in 1878 at the home of the UK Prime Minister in London, thought the grand title of Parliament was appropriate. But bring MacLeods together and they also want to have fun!
Over the years the social activities have grown in importance and to reflect this it was decided to add the word ‘Gathering’ to denote that like other Clans do, we are gathering to celebrate our kinship. There are still meetings and these are the ‘Parliament’ bit where we decide how the Clan will be managed and by whom since it is election time for the President and Council. We meet for one week so as well as a few hours of meetings, there is plenty time to explore, catch up with old friends and make new ones; remembering that as a Clan we are not just friends but distant cousins!
We do this in Skye every four years in the northern summer (July or August). These days we must share Skye at its busiest time of year with tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world. This poses challenges that Dame Flora did not have to worry about. But to be in Skye in summertime with the long evenings and beautiful scenery is such a delight that we all believe the that the effort is worthwhile. Now just don’t tell anybody else unless of course they are a MacLeod!
In August 2026 we will meet in Dunvegan for a whole week of Clan Events, trips to places of historical significance to MacLeods, and in between hold meetings of the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies on a wide variety of topics of significance to the Clan. Those who are returning from events past will have their own personal highlights from Parliament Weeks over the decades, but they will no doubt include exuberant Ceilidhs with live performances and dancing, climbing MacLeod’s Tables on a sunny afternoon for a magnificent view of Dunvegan, and trips out to Borreraig, home of the MacCrimmon Pipers. We are looking forward to the now traditional barbecue at Dunvegan Castle hosted by the Clan MacLeod Society of Germany – “Bratwurst and Beer at the Pier!” and Whisky Tasting evenings have been known to be available! There will be plenty of time for socialising of course and it is often the more spontaneous events that folk organise themselves that prove the most fun. And on top of this and the now traditional day trip to the Isle of Raasay, your registration fee gives you complimentary access to Dunvegan Castle itself as part of a memorable week!
Planning is also well underway for an Activity Week for Young MacLeods aged 18-30 in the week before the Gathering and Parliament, so the last week of July 2026. This week has been a feature of Parliament for many years and for any Young MacLeod who has been part of this in previous years, it’s probably the highlight in their Parliament memories. More detail on this in updates as the programme develops!
We are anticipating the registration for Parliament will go live towards the end of the year and will be accessible through the clanmacleod.org website. Ther is no pre-Parliament tour this time around.
We look forward to greeting you in Dunvegan next summer. The draft programme is posted in the menu on the left of this page and the latest updates will always be available at https://www.clanmacleod.org/parliament/parliament-2026/clan-macleod-pariament-august-2026-update
Kevin John Tolmie
President CMS Scotland and Gathering & Parliament Organiser