A Gathering of the Clans

When it began, no one knows! When it will end? As long as one clan member feels the longing in his blood for "family" and for being the best at what he does, these gatherings will continue. Originally coming from Ireland, some say by way of the Eurasian Steppes, the Celtic people began settling in Caledonia (now Scotland) around the fifth century BC.

Scots are a blend of Irish pirates, slaves brought by the Romans, Viking sailors, Catholic who came to practice freedom of religion, and Picts the origin inhabitants of the British Isles. These were strong hardy families who bonded together tightly for survival in the Highlands. The English repeatedly fought to control Scotland, only to fail when stringent militia fell to the wiles of "mountain bred warriors" who knew the land intimately and were gifted at camouflage. The English Parliament passed the Act of Union in 1707 officially combining the kingdoms of England and Scotland. The Scots rebelled, fighting several famous battles. After 1745, Bonnie Prince Charles, the wearing of the kilt and the playing of the bagpipes became a crime punishable by death. Many Scots fled their homeland under such oppression. Thousands sailed to North America, becoming part of the very men who helped win freedom from England for the fledgling United States.
Tartan the woven fabric of kilts & shawls is unique to each clan, making bodies found in ancient graves or peat bogs readily identifiable with out extensive DNA testing. Heritage is clung too tightly, giving each clan member a sense of belonging.

This year's coordinator for the annual event was Charles Lamb, one of the few remaining original members of the local group. An interesting wealth of knowledge, his booth gave authentic insight into the traditional dress and lore of his roots.

The 16TH ANNUAL HIGHLAND CELTIC GAMES was hosted at the Douglas County Scottish Society's 2008 Highland Games and Clan Gathering held in Winston at Riverbend Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Athletic competitions, Celtic costume and wares, traditional foods, children's games, Highland sheep and cattle, Clydesdale horses, agility dog demonstrations, live stage entertainment and Parade of Clans and the Kirkin of the Tartans all went in to making this an enjoyable and interesting show of culture.