Clan MacLeod Parliaments
The next Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament is in 2030.
Dame Flora McLeod speaks to Fayetteville McLeod Clan Meeting, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28th September 1953
What is the Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament?
by Kevin John Tolmie
In 1956 Dame Flora, the 28th Chief, had the idea that MacLeods from around the world should meet regularly 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 if you bring MacLeods together, they also want to have fun!
The Clan MacLeod Parliament has been held on Skye every four years, typically for a week in 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 presents 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 that the effort is worthwhile. Just don’t tell anybody else, unless of course they are a MacLeod.
Over the years, the social activities have grown in importance, and we added the word ‘Gathering’ to reflect that we are gathering to celebrate our kinship. There are still business meetings where we decide how the Clan should be managed. It’s also election time for the President and Council of the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies. Since we meet for a week, there is plenty time for a few meetings, to explore Skye, catch up with old friends and make new ones; remembering that as a Clan we are not just friends but distant cousins!
Traditional events during the week include trips to local places of historical significance to MacLeods, talks on MacLeod history and DNA, 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. A recent highlight has been the barbecue at Dunvegan Castle hosted by Clan MacLeod Society of Germany. For many years, the group has traveled across to Raasay mid-week. And at least one or two whiskey tastings are known to have happened!
The week before Gathering and Parliament is called Activity Week for Young MacLeods aged 18-30. During this week, Young MacLeods from the various worldwide MacLeod societies meet for a week of fun, volunteer activities, and local travel.
In the past, we have arranged ‘pre-Parliament’ tours to MacLeod lands, such as Assynt, Harris, Lewis, and Mull and Iona.
The Clan MacLeod Gathering and Parliament is a fantastic event that is a ‘must do’ for any MacLeod! We hope to see you there!