The next Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament at Dunvegan, Isle of Skye is August 1st – 7th, 2026
Kevin Tolmie, G&P Coordinator – parliament@clanmacleod.org
Dunvegan Castle – July 2023 Parliament – (c) Al McLeod
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 17th June 2026
The tickets for the Whisky Tasting session and the Fast Boat rides from Raasay have now sold out.
Tickets for Raasay Day on Wednesday 5th August remain on sale until the end of June. Transport on the 8.00 am bus from Dunvegan to the ferry port opposite Raasay are still available and there is a ‘wait list’ for the 9.00 am bus which is otherwise sold out.
Any remaining tickets for Additional Events are under that section on our main event page here – even though tickets for G&P itself have closed:
If you have any questions, please do reach out. Email link below.
Yours in clanship,
Kevin & Emma
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 15th June 2026
The tickets for the Whisky Tasting are live! There are only 50 tickets, so don’t hesitate to book. The event is on Wednesday, 5th August, 8-10pm. Harris Distillery will join us to host the event and delight us with three whiskies. This event is strictly 18+ only.
Elsewhere on Wednesday 5th August – Raasay Day – tickets are on sale until the end of June. There are still some tickets for the fast boat rides – 2 spaces at 10am, and 7 spaces at 1pm. The early bus/ferry will arrive in time for the 10am ride. And we believe you can fit your lunch in around the 1pm fast boat rides!
You can buy tickets for everything from our main event page – even though tickets for G&P itself have closed: linked from here
As ever, if you have any questions, please do reach out. Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
Yours in clanship,
Kevin & Emma
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 13th May 2026
Plans are well in hand for this year’s Gathering and Parliament at Dunvegan in August.
By the second week of May, 271 MacLeods had registered to attend. It should be noted that registrations after 4th April are ‘restricted’ and do not guarantee participation in all events as only 250 persons are permitted in the Village Hall at one time. Registration remains open until 31st May. Cancellations can be made with refund until 30th June.
Registration for Additional Events
The team coordinating the G&P has been finalising a series of Additional Events not included in the general registration fee. Information about buying tickets for these additional events is on the home page of the TryBooking Registration site under the heading: ‘Additional Events not included in the ticket price’. Buy tickets for the events listed below by clicking on the blue underlined hyperlinks for the events and times listed. Further events may be added as they become available.
Raasay day
Tickets for Raasay Day, Wednesday 5th August 2026, are now on sale on the TryBooking Registration site. More information below:
Raasay Day: £16 adult, children and YMs £6 (this includes a lunch voucher and a second voucher which can be used for EITHER morning OR afternoon refreshment). Note this does NOT include the coach and ferry.
Raasay coach and ferry: £19 adult, child £6. There will be two coach departures 0800 and 0900, 45 seats on each coach. Ferries at 0925 and 1025. Return ferry 1700. Coaches will depart Sconser ferry port at 1740 for return to Dunvegan.
Raasay fast boat rides: Seven places on each boat. Duration 45 minutes. Rides at 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 and 1500. Adult £16. Accompanied child £6. YMs are asked not to book as they will have had a fast boat ride already. Warm clothes and waterproofs recommended.
Other Events
Art workshop: Adult £8. No child price but accompanied children 12 and over can be booked. Two sessions each with 16 places and lasting one hour.
Croft visit: Adult £16 Child and YM £6. Includes transport to and refreshments at croft. Three visits, one each on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. 16 places each visit. Duration excluding travel approx. 1 hr 30 min.
Whisky tasting session run by the Isle of Harris Distillery: details to be finalised.
The full programme for the gathering as at https://www.clanmacleod.org/parliament/parliament-2026/programme-2026/
The Gathering is preceded by the Young MacLeods Activity Week. Twelve Young MacLeods with four support workers will carry out environmental projects for Dunvegan Castle and Estate and the Dunvegan Community. Please note that no additional volunteers are being accepted. You cannot just turn up to help. The Young MacLeods will also help with the running of the G&P.
We look forward to greeting you in Dunvegan this August!
Kevin John Tolmie FSA Scot
Gathering and Parliament Coordinator 2026
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 6th April 2026
Further to the notice last week here is an update.
We have been looking at ways to manage the apparent over-subscription to the Gathering and Parliament. As noted last week, the problem is the capacity of Dunvegan Hall which is 250 and which particularly affects the Opening Ceremony, the Ceilidh and the Ball. Part of our information gathering is the survey which we have asked members who have booked to complete. Our thanks to those who have responded. Members who have bought tickets and who have not yet completed the survey are required to do so by 12th April.
Registration is now reopened but the new tickets are issued on the initial presumption of restricted access. That is to say that they will at present not automatically include admission to the Ceilidh and Ball. We have received a dispensation to exceed the 250 limit in the case of the Opening Ceremony. Given the uncertain world conditions there is a likelihood that people who have already booked may not be able to come to G & P. In that event, restricted bookings would be upgraded in date order of application. It is also the case that from the survey results received thus far, that not everybody who has booked will attend both the Ceilidh and Ball, so in order to maximise availability for these events a ticket system may be used.
The Wait List is now closed. Those already on the Wait List are first in line for Restricted Access Bookings provided they confirm by making a booking. They will be contacted today to invite them to do so.
This is good news in that people can still come to Skye and participate in most of the events of the Gathering and Parliament, with the hope that they would indeed be able to participate in all that they wish to as attendance numbers will be kept under review.
Kevin John Tolmie FSA Scot
Gathering and Parliament Coordinator 2026
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 29th March 2026
The sale of tickets for the Gathering and Parliament has now reached capacity in terms of the number of people that can fit into the G&P main venue at Dunvegan Hall. Therefore the committee has had to review how to manage numbers, in the light of insurance requirements, for the three events where the capacity limit might be exceeded and has for the moment paused bookings until a way forward can be found.
In the meantime, a waiting list has been activated on the G&P TryBooking registration site so if you are planning to attend, please add you name to that and keep checking back on the Parliament/Updates section within the Clan MacLeod website (this page) for further news. Please be assured we are working to find a solution as quickly as possible and will set out next steps as soon as we can.
Kevin John Tolmie FSA Scot
Gathering and Parliament Coordinator 2026
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Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 10th March 2026
A reminder for anyone thinking of attending the Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament that the ‘early-bird discount’ expires on Sunday 15th March.
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Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 28th February 2026
Registration and Bookings: Cost adjusted to £250 per adult with an Early Bird discount to £221 which is available until 15th March. Booking went live officially on 6th January. Young MacLeods price is £158. Child price (5-17) is £69. To date 127 have signed up for the Gathering and Parliament (G&P) including 106 adults. Bookings for additional events such as the trip to Raasay will go on sale in May.
Badges/ banners and bags: New Gathering and Parliament badges have been made along with ‘2026’ bars. Young MacLeod badges have also been made. New banners and bags will also be ordered.
Safeguarding activities for children: It has been confirmed with the relevant authorities that as the Young MacLeods Activity Week is primarily for young adults, no further measures are needed other than to have our recently updated and approved Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct in place.
Insurance and Risk Assessment: Insurance is in place. Risk Assessment is being compiled.
War Memorial: Laurence McLeod, President of CMS New Zealand, has agreed to lead on the Commemoration at the War Memorial on the morning of Sunday 1st August.
Kirk Service: Rev Gary Wilson will leave the parish in spring so Rev Rory MacLeod of Glendale has been invited to take the service at Duirinish Kirk.
Parade: All armigerous Clan Members are encouraged to bring their flags. It is suggested that national flags should also be carried. Calum MacCrimmon has agreed to lead the Pipers for the parade from the church to the hall. Calum will also pipe at the opening Ceremony and plans to stay for the ceilidh on Monday night.
Mevryl and Stanley McLeod Memorial Lecture: Dr Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart is our speaker for the Mervyl and Stanley Memorial Lecture. The theme is as for the entire Gathering: ‘Cùm Greim do Dliùth do Sinnsearan!’ (Hold Fast to the Honour of Your Ancestors). Dòmhnall is also acting as our Gaelic Consultant for such things as bi-lingual signage. We are in the process of identifying a local tutor for the Gaelic practice sessions.
Dunvegan Castle: Photo ID in addition to your G&P pass will be required for free entry to the Castle for G&P participants.
Parliament: Apart from the Official opening, Parliament will take place over five hours from Monday (one hour), Tuesday (two hours) and Friday (two hours). These are open meetings to which all participants are welcome.
Silent Auction: Contributions to the Silent Auction are both requested and welcome!
Raasay: In an addition to the programme Rebecca MacKay will give talks at the Community Hall.
MacLeod Tables Café Dinners: Dinners at the Tables Café near Dunvegan Castle, popular during the Gathering and Parliament of 2023, are sadly not available during G&P in August 2026 at the time of writing.
Handbook: An enhanced G&P Handbook is currently in preparation.
Barbeque: We will be joined at the barbeque by The Sword Experience. Before the barbeque they will give a demonstration of sword techniques. Thanks to Robin McLeod Ingram who has arranged with Highlander actor Adrian Paul, who will be in attendance. The equipment to be used has been sourced by the Castle.
Whisky tasting: Our Treasurer David MacLeod has made arrangements with the Harris Distillery for this to take place.
Makers and Traders: A Craft Fair has been arranged for Thursday 1100-1600. This will display a small but varied group of local crafts and wares. This event will be open to the public. To date 12 of the maximum of 15 places available are taken.
Kevin John Tolmie FSA Scot
Gathering and Parliament Coordinator 2026
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Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 6th January 2026
Registration for our next Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye in August 2026 is now open. Booking is now available by clicking on the button above.
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: 23rd December 2025
It has proved necessary to postpone the go-live date for the purchase of tickets for the 2026 Gathering and Parliament. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 9pm GMT/UTC. Early bird pricing for registration and ticket sale will be available until 13th March but some of the optional additional events may sell out due to demand so early booking is advised. Keep an eye on our website here for details.
Gathering and Parliament 2026 – update: November 2025
In 1956 Dame Flora, the 28th 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 £250 for the Week with ‘Early Bird’ discounts of around 10% available if you book before a date to be confirmed in mid 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