Hebridean Homecomings

There is so much to do in the Hebrides: clan gatherings, ceilidhs and highland games draw many Hebridean émigré descendants home from around the world to share the uisge beatha (whisky) and laugh with old and new friends. The following information is just a sample of what’s happening: there is lots more to come! For a comprehensive what’s on listing, see Events in www.visithebrides.com

Clan MacNeil Gathering, Isle of Barra

At eighty five miles west of mainland Scotland, Barra is the most isolated of the Hebridean island chain, but has one of the strongest and best known clan families around: the Macneils. Kismul castle, which is the fortress of the Macneil clan, still stands on its own off the island of Barra and Macneil of Macneil (the clan chief) spends most of the year on the island.

Clan Morrison Gathering

The Morrisons of Ness (in Lewis) and the Isle of Harris are another clan which have a strong base in the islands. Originally acting as brieves and judges to the Lord of the Isles, they have always maintained a strong representation in the Hebrides. Further to the recent archaeological discovery of what was probably the clan’s stronghold, at Dun Eistean off the North West coast of Lewis, a homecoming event was suggested . The first ever Clan Morrison gathering was held in the month of July 2002. Over 60 Morrisons from around the world attended the opening of the bridge to Dun Eistean. The event was a huge success and there is talk of another gathering to follow and the possibility of building a Morrison centre in Ness on Lewis. To find out more about the gathering, please click here.