World Gathering Booking Information
John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac, Chief of the Highland Clan MacNicol (Nicolson); commends all Clan members, family and friends who are able to attend the worldwide gathering of Clan MacNicol on the Clan Lands, situated at Ben Chracaig, near Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland from 1st to 4th of October 2008.
The Gathering will include a meeting of the Urras Clann MhicNeacail, guided hill walks, a bus tour of the scenic areas of Trotternish, informative talks, a boat trip into the Sound of Raasay, Dinner and Ceilidh at the Cullin Hills Hotel, plus Scottish Country dancing, much enjoyment amongst friends old and new, plus lots, lots, more, all amongst the splendour that is Skye.
For details and booking information, please download the following:
Or contact us via the website, or speak with the Chief’s Lieutenant on (02) 95247206.
Clan MacNeacail Society of Scotland
Clan Gathering Itinerary
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
1-4 October 2008
Wednesday, 1st October
A local hike led by Effie Nicolson and Barbara and Murray Nicolson for the fit and able (shorter and longer versions). Location and starting and end points will be determined at the time, depending on weather. Bring strong walking shoes or boots, pack lunch and rain gear.
Evening – informal gathering in the bar at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree
Registration for events on your arrival: 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. at the Cuillin Hills Hotel
Thursday, 2nd October
There will be a full day coach trip around the traditional clan lands of Trotternish on the north-east corner of Skye. Includes stops at Kilt Rock, Flodigarry for a light lunch, Duntulm Castle, the Crofting Museum at Kilmuir and Uig Time 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets £20, booking essential.
Registration for events on your arrival: 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. at the Cuillin Hills Hotel
In the evening at 8 p.m. in the Cuillin Hills Hotel there will be an illustrated talk by Cailean Maclean on the history of Skye. Cailean is a well-known Gaelic broadcaster on the BBC, and has published several books of photography on Skye.
Alternatively, you can join Effie Nicolson with the Portreee Scottish Country Dance group and learn a few ceilidh dances in preparation for tomorrow’s ceilidh.
Friday, 3rd October
9 a.m. Clan meeting at the Cuillin Hills Hotel with the Clan Chief John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac. Reports on the work on the clan lands on Ben Chracaig.
Following the clan meeting, there will be a boat trip from the harbour in Portree into the Sound of Raasay. Estimated cost £12, booking essential.
7:30 for 8 p.m. – Dinner and Ceilidh at the Cuillin Hills Hotel, tickets £28, booking essential..
Saturday, 4th October
10 a.m. Meet at Cuillin Hills Hotel. Walk over the lands of Ben Chracaig led by John Phillips, Senior Ranger on Skye, followed by the closing ceremony at the site of the clan cairns.