International Gathering 2023 - Programme

MONDAY 19th June

Registration – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory.
Collect your Welcome Pack and tickets. Also; Duart Restoration Appeal; the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust; DNA and Genealogy stands; The Gathering Shop. (All open 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday and Friday; 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon Tue, Wed, Thurs).

Guided Walk – 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Meet outside the Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. A guided historical walk arranged by the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust visiting places of Maclean interest around Tobermory.

Welcome Social and Civic Reception – 55.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. Meet other attendees and start your gathering week. Wear something tartan. Light refreshments.

TUESDAY 20th June

Registration – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory.
Collect your Welcome Pack and tickets. Also, Duart Restoration Appeal; the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust; DNA; and Genealogy stands. The Gathering Shop. (Open 10 – 4 Monday and Friday; 10 – 12 Tue, Wed, Thurs)

Visit to Ardnamurchan and Ardgour – 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Depart by ferry from the Calmac pier, Tobermory for Kilchoan. Coach to Ardnamurchan distillery, for a tour, dram and light lunch. Coach to Ardgour Farm House for tea and biscuits, courtesy of Robin and Fiona Maclean of Ardgour. Return by coach via Morvern peninsula, crossing back to Mull on the Lochaline ferry.

Visit to Iona – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. – Meet at Ledaig Car Park. By Coach to Iona Ferry. Guided by Nicolas Maclean of Pennycross and Ian Phillips. Ferry fare and entrance to Iona Abbey is included. The Abbey and its museum contain many important Clan Maclean items which Nicolas and Ian will highlight and explain. Bring a packed lunch.

Visit to Duart Castle - 12.00 noon to 5.00 p.m. Meet at Ledaig Car Park. (This visit is for those who do not have independent transport and who are not donors of the Duart Castle Restoration Appeal - see Thursday’s programme). Coach to Duart Castle. Welcome by a member of the Duart family. Opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the Castle and also visit the shop, Millennium wood, grounds and the Tea Room at leisure.

Evening lecture - 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. “We Carried War Raiment and Arms” (The clothes and weapons of the men of the West Highlands in the time of Hector Maclean of Duart) a lecture given by Jenn Scott. Jenn is an historian, writer, researcher, and a trustee of the Scottish Battlefields Trust. She is author of “Better is the Proud Plaid”; “I am Minded to Rise” and “The Men of Warre”. Primarily interested in the period from the mid -fifteenth century to the Jacobite Risings, she is a keen re-enactor and particularly interested in the history of clothing.

WEDNESDAY 21st June

Registration – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory.
Collect your Welcome Pack and tickets. Also; Duart Restoration Appeal; The Clan Maclean Heritage Trust; DNA and Genealogy stands; The Gathering Shop. (All open 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday and Friday; 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon Tue, Wed, Thurs).

Visit to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa - 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Meet at Ledaig Car Park. Coach to Ulva Ferry to board ship for a trip around the Treshnish Isles and Staffa. Landing (weather permitting) to see puffins, seals, Fingals Cave. Returning by coach to Tobermory. Tea and coffee available on board but bring a packed lunch.

Visit to Kilbrennan on the west of Mull for Friends of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust. - Own transport (share with others if you can) to arrive from 1.30 p.m. at Ulva Ferry Car Park for relay by coach to Kilbrennan for the unveiling at 2.30 p.m.of the memorial to the Rankin College of Piping erected by the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust. Return by coach to car park. Note: There is no parking at Kilbrennan. Friends of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust are invited after the unveiling to afternoon tea at Torloisk House, by invitation of Lucinda and Richard Compton Maclean of Torloisk.
Friends of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust only are invited after the unveiling to afternoon tea at Torloisk House, courtesy of Lucinda and Richard Compton Maclean of Torloisk.

Films for families – 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Tobermory Parish Church Hall, Argyll Terrace, Tobermory. Scottish themed films suitable for all ages to enjoy.

Evening lecture – 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. “A look back at Johnson and Boswell’s visit to Mull in 1773.” (This lecture will tie in with the visit to Lochbuie on Friday to see where they stayed at Moy during their visit). This lecture will be given by Allan Maclean of Dochgarroch. Allan is a trustee of the Society of Highland and Island Historical Research, as well as being Chairman of the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust.

Whisky tasting – 9.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. (Over 18’s only, proof of age may be required). Specialist tasting hosted by whisky experts. Hector Maclean of Jeffrey Street Whisky (www.jeffreyst.com); Charles MacLean (www.whiskymax.co.uk). Sponsored by Tobermory Distillery.

THURSDAY 22nd June

Registration – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory.
Collect your Welcome Pack and tickets. Also, Duart Restoration Appeal; the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust; DNA and Genealogy stands; The Gathering Shop. (All open 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday and Friday; 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon Tue, Wed, Thurs).

Visit to Iona – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Meet at Ledaig Car Park. By Coach to Iona Ferry. Guided by Nicolas Maclean of Pennycross and Ian Phillips. Ferry fare and entrance to Iona Abbey is included. The Abbey and its museum contain many important Clan Maclean items which Nicolas and Ian will highlight and explain. Bring a packed lunch.

Guided Walk – 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet outside Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. A guided historical walk arranged by the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust visiting places of Maclean interest around Tobermory.

Visit to Glengorm and Isle of Mull Cheese Factory and Shop - 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Meet at Ledaig Car Park. Visit north west Mull and enjoy walks short, or long, around the grounds of Glengorm Castle. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust will meet you and you can join in a whale watch. Enjoy a snack or lunch (cost not included in your ticket), at the Glengorm Tearoom. After lunch coach to Isle of Mull Cheese Shop for a tour of the factory and afternoon tea in the shop’s café (this is included in your ticket).

Duart Castle Restoration Appeal Reception for Guardian Donors and above. Duart Castle - 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Free optional coach from Tobermory, departs 3.45 pm and returns at 8.15 pm. This event is exclusively for Guardians, Life Guardians, Patrons and Chief’s Circle Donors. Please wear your Guardian badge to gain entry. To become a Donor or upgrade your Donor status, please donate via one of the following websites: Worldwide donors in GBP: www.maclean.org/duart-appeal/ USA donors in USD: www.duartappeal.org

Films for families – 6.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. Tobermory Parish Church Hall, Argyll Terrace, Tobermory. Scottish themed films suitable for all ages to enjoy.

Whisky tasting are invited after – 9.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory. (Over 18’s only, proof of age may be required). Specialist tasting hosted by whisky experts. Hector Maclean of Jeffrey Street Whisky (www.jeffreyst.com); Charles MacLean (www.whiskymax.co.uk). Sponsored by Tobermory Distillery.

FRIDAY 23rd June

Registration – 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Aros Hall, Main Street, Tobermory.
Collect your Welcome Pack and tickets. Also, Duart Restoration Appeal; the Clan Maclean Heritage Trust; DNA and Genealogy stands; the Gathering Shop. (All open 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday and Friday; 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon Tue, Wed, Thurs).

Clan Maclean International Clan Congress 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Maclean Marquee Memorial Park, Tobermory. Learn more about the Duart Castle Restoration progress. Meet the International Presidents; hear more about how the Associations operate worldwide; have your say on your clan, and your Associations, and discuss the future of your clan.

Visit to Lochbuie – 1.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Coach from Tobermory to Moy House to see where Johnson and Boswell stayed in 1773, guided by Allan Maclean of Dochgarroch. Afternoon tea by invitation of Patience and Jim Corbett (This visit is only to the building visited by Johnson and Boswell and NOT to Moy Castle.)

Chief’s Grand Ceilidh Concert – 8.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Maclean Marquee, Memorial Park, Tobermory. Gather for a casual evening listening to local performers. Isle of Mull Gaelic Choir, Sorren Maclean and Hannah Fisher; soloists; Mullukes and more. Bar available.

SATURDAY 24th June

The Clan Maclean International Gathering - 11.00 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. Duart Castle. Free coach travel from Tobermory and return departing at 9.00 a.m. from Tobermory departing 4.30. p.m. from Duart Castle. Arrive by 10.30 a.m. ready to muster for the Grand March starting at 11.00 a.m. Local craft stalls and food producers; tour the Castle; re-enactors; dancers; storyteller and more. Duart Appeal Silent Auction result. Ending with the group photograph at 4.00 p.m.

Grand Dance 8.30 p.m. to midnight. Maclean Marquee, Memorial Park, Tobermory. Wear the finest clothes you have with you, lots of tartan, and join in the dancing to Charlie Kirkpatrick’s Dance Band. Charlie will call the dances and there will be a bar available.

SUNDAY 25th June

Kirkin o’ the Tartan Church Service - 11.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon. Tobermory Parish Church, Argyll Terrace, Tobermory. Arranged by The Reverend Elizabeth Gibson and Marjorie Maclean, Nova Scotia. Bring your own piece of tartan and come to commemorate at this lovely local Church. There will be a collection during the service towards the Church funds. With thanks to the Minister and Congregation of Tobermory Parish Church.

Currency: It is recommended that you ensure you have enough cash in Pounds Sterling for your needs. There is very limited availability of cash machines (ATMs) on the Isle of Mull and some retailers also have limited or no network availability to be able to accept card payments

Coach departures: (Excepting the Tuesday visit to Ardnamurchan leaving by ferry from Calmac pier Tobermory) all excursions by coach leave from the Ledaig Car Park, west end of Tobermory Main Street.

Mobility Issues: If you have problems with mobility and would like to discuss your needs with regard to events on this form, please contact in the first instance Mrs Vera MacLean on col.damaclean@btinternet.com.

Accommodation: Booking of accommodation is solely the responsibility of the attendee and not the CMA.

Travel Arrangements: It is advisable to check ferry times before travelling and book your vehicle space if travelling by your own transport.

Personal Insurance: Please ensure that you have suitable, and adequate, personal health insurance.

Travel Insurance: Please ensure that you have taken out suitable travel insurance for your journey and stay, including cancellation insurance in case of a resurgence of the Covid pandemic.

Compliance with local laws: Be aware that on arrival at the event should there remain Government ruling regarding pandemic safety, the laws may be different between England and Scotland and all local laws in place at the time of your visit must be complied with.