The Clan MacLaren Society Games Weekend took place on the 20th - 22nd of July 2007.
20th July - Golf at St Fillans 11am to 5pm
The festivities began on
Friday with a golf competition on the nine-hole St Fillans Golf Course, a traditional
golf course with an "Honesty Box"! Beginners were welcomed. The Chief took part. Lunch
at the Clubhouse was enjoyed before tackling the course for the second nine, though
some only played nine holes. Stableford scoring was used and prizes were awarded at the
Games the following day.
20th July - Fishing on Loch Earn 6 to 9pm
Friday also featured fishing on Loch Earn. A family team of McLarens brought spare gear, rods, bait, flies, etc.,
and beginners were initiated into the art of casting in fly fishing. Success wasn't guaranteed - it is a large loch
and the fish were elusive and uncooperative. Prizes were awarded for the largest fish caught and the greatest
catch. Everyone received a certificate at the Games next day.
21st July - Lochearnhead Highland Games 11am to 5pm
The Lochearnhead Highland Games commenced on Saturday morning when members and friends gathered at the
Clan Tent erected by a team of volunteers the previous evening. A firm from Glasgow offered a range of
MacLaren goods for sale, and traditional Highland hospitality was available in the Clan Tent thanks to the
generosity of members.
In good time the Clans gathered in the Village for the March to the Field at 1pm - MacLarens, McGregors, and
McNabs. As the original Clan in the area, the MacLarens were at the front of the March led by their Chief.
A wide ranging programme of events took place, from the heavy events recognised as part of the national
championships to races for children, a hill race, a tug of war, piping, and dance
competitions.
A variety of stalls surrounded the Field including craft skills and some fairground stands. Around the Clan
Tent, friendships were renewed, new friendships formed, and family links explored.
Apart from the social and sporting aspects of the occasion, the Membership Secretary was on hand to sign up
new members. Ideas on future activities were discussed informally as well as current issues such
as the Clan signage on the Battlefield of Culloden. Links with MacLaren Societies in North America, Australia and New Zealand were strengthened
through personal contacts. Members from Europe were also made very welcome.
Clan MacLaren in action
at the Lochearnhead Games
The Tug of War competition brought the Games to an exciting climax. Professional teams entered as
well as the local and Clan teams. The only Clan in 2007 was Clan MacLaren.
A welcome cup of tea brought the proceedings to an end followed by the dismantling of the Tent
and packing up for another year. Numbers attending each year vary from just about 100 to almost
twice that number, especially when visiting groups from overseas join in.
21st July - Clan MacLaren Society Games Dinner 7:30pm
With many members travelling from afar and staying overnight in the area, an opportunity
was taken to meet for a Clan MacLaren Society Games Dinner at one of the local hotels, the
Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans.
Members dining elsewhere were welcomed to the Ceilidh which followed the Dinner. With
live music it wasn't long before dancing got underway.
