The next Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye is between

August 1st – 7th, 2026

Kevin Tolmie, G&P Coordinator – parliament@clanmacleod.org

Sunset over Coral beach – July 2023 Parliament  – (c) Al McLeod

Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: November 2025

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] named it a ‘Parliament’. 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 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 summer time with the long evenings and beautiful scenery is such a delight that we all believe that the effort is worthwhile. Now just don’t tell anybody else unless of course they are a MacLeod!

Gathering and Parliament is only a few months away! Planning continues with an exciting range of activities for you. All for a reasonable per capita cost of £225 or only £210 if you book before 1 March.

We are excited to offer Young MacLeods (18-30) to participate in an Activity Week during the week before the main G and P event. This gives the chance for Young MacLeods to undertake projects help Dunvegan Castle and Estate as well as the village and community of Dunvegan. Not so young MacLeods are also welcome to join in. Contact the Coordinator for further details.

The theme of the Gathering and Parliament is Cùm greim do dliùth do sinnsearan (Hold fast to the honour of your ancestors). This tone will be set on the Opening day of the Gathering when Professor Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiubhart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (the Gaelic College in Skye) will give the Mervyl and Stanley McLeod Trust Memorial Lecture. Before then we will have the traditional parade to Dunvegan Hall from the Kirk. Bring your MacLeod flags! Also let us know if you are happy to pipe us down the road! Before the church service we will honour the fallen at the village war memorial. Later in the week, local artist Karen Davies will hold a workshop where you can re-imagine the Faerie Flag. Places will be limited so early expression of interest is advised. We will be running excursions to a local croft where you can get close to native breeds of livestock. On Thursday there will be a Fèis or Fair where local makers and vendors will have their products for sale. Please do support them by buying a souvenir! We will also be having an additional talk on the link between Clan Chiefs and heraldry given by the Seanachie to Clan MacEwan, Ross MacEwan. The Tables Restaurant have agreed to extend their popular dining evenings to Wednesday in addition to Monday and Tuesday, giving more people the chance to sample their fine menu. There will be the traditional barbeque again hosted by our German cousins. This will be preceded by ‘The Sword Experience’ led by Adrian Paul of Highlander fame giving a demonstration of swordsmanship. Raasay Day will feature, a fast boat ride organised by Raasay House (extra charge applies) and mini-bus tours (no extra charge). Mark MacLeod, our DNA Coordinator will update us about the MacLeod DNA Project and has offered to give one-to-one consultations to those who have participated to help them interpret the results. And of course we will have our usual ceilidh and ball (music by the Angus MacKenzie Ceilidh Band) with plenty chance to practice your dancing skills beforehand with local coach, Nanette Muir. But remember we will be looking for your participation whether in music, song or storytelling! Also do bring something for the Silent Auction. Advance notice of your intentions would be helpful to me as Coordinator, particularly if you want to participate in the Activity Week or if you plan to attend with children. I look forward to seeing you at Dunvegan next year. Meanwhile look out for updates here.

Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 1st August 2025

Gathering and Parliament is only one year away! Planning continues and we aim to have an exciting range of activities to interest you. All for a reasonable per capita cost of between £200 and £250.

The theme for the G & P is ‘Cùm greim gu dliùth do sinnsearan (Hold fast to the honour of your ancestors)’.  This tone will be set on the Opening day of the Gathering when Professor Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiubhart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (the Gaelic College in Skye) will give the Mervyl and Stanley McLeod Trust Memorial Lecture.

Before then we will have the traditional parade to Dunvegan Hall from the Kirk. Bring your MacLeod flags! Before the church service we will honour the fallen at the village war memorial. Later in the week, local artist Karen Davies will hold a workshop where you can re-imagine the Faerie Flag. Places will be limited so early expression of interest is advised. We will also be having an additional talk on the link between Clan Chiefs and heraldry given by the Seanachie to Clan MacEwan, Ross MacEwan.

There will be a craft fair giving you the chance to sample fine locally produced goods such as food, drink, clothing and house furnishings. The Tables Restaurant have agreed to extend their popular dining evenings to Wednesday in addition to Monday and Tuesday, giving more people the chance to sample their fine menu. There will be the traditional barbeque again hosted by our German cousins. If all goes to plan that will be preceded by ‘The Sword Experience’ led by Adrian Paul of Highlander fame giving a demonstration of swordsmanship.

Raasay Day will feature a RIB high speed experience out on the water organised by Raasay House (extra charge applies) and mini-bus tours (no extra charge). Mark MacLeod, our DNA Coordinator, has kindly agreed to give one-to-one consultations to anyone who has questions about their DNA test results or taking a new DNA test. And of course we will have our usual ceilidh and ball (music by the Angus MacKenzie Ceilidh Band) with plenty of chances to practice your dancing skills beforehand with local coach, Nanette Muir.

But remember we will be looking for your participation whether in music, song or storytelling! I look forward to seeing you at Dunvegan next year..

Registration will go live on the Clan website at the end of the year. Do check back then and meanwhile look out for updates here

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Young MacLeods Activity Week 2026 update – 1st August 2025

Another important part of the Gathering and Parliament next year is the Activity Week in the seven days immediately before the G & P.  This is primarily for Young MacLeods (YM) between the ages of 18-30 to support the Village as well as the Castle and Estate.  In years past young adults called themselves the North Room Group (NRG).  Nowadays many of these former NRG participants are more mature MacLeods.  Although the Activity Week is aimed at Young MacLeods, former NRGs and others who simply want to help are welcome.  Robin McLeod Ingram is the organiser for Activity Week – youngmacleods@clanmacleod.org