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Family History & Clan Connections
October is here, and there's plenty happening around the Clan as we move into the final months of the year.
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This month, we're celebrating Family History Month with a look at the stories behind our surnames and a few articles to help you explore your own Clan connections. We're also looking ahead to our 2027 Scotland tour, sharing details about upcoming Clan gatherings, and recognizing October as Membership Month.
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Whether you're researching your family roots, planning your next Scottish adventure, or simply keeping up with the Clan, we hope you'll find something of interest.
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Our family names carry stories that stretch across generations and oceans. But have you ever wondered what the spelling of your surname might reveal about your family's origins? What is in a Name explores the history behind the MacNeil and McNeill names, their connections to different Scottish islands, and the journeys that brought our ancestors to North America.
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Family history is about more than names and dates. It is about understanding where our ancestors lived, why they moved, and how their stories connect to our own.
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How to Use Y-DNA Testing to Trace Your Ancestry
Curious about what DNA can reveal about your family's past? Learn how Y-DNA testing can help identify paternal family lines, connect distant relatives, and shed light on ancestral origins.
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Scotland 2027: An Adventure Worth Sharing
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Plans are moving forward for our 2027 Clan MacNeil Scotland Tour, August 16–28, 2027! This 13-day journey will take us from Edinburgh through the Highlands and Outer Hebrides, with plenty of Scottish history, spectacular scenery, and opportunities to connect with fellow Clan members.
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A highlight of the trip will be three nights on Barra, the ancestral home of Clan MacNeil, including a visit to Kisimul Castle. CMAA President Kenny McNeil is working with the Chief on plans for a 2027 Clan MacNeil Gathering on Barra. Details are still being developed, and we'll share more information as it becomes available.
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The organized Scotland tour offers an opportunity to explore the country together, with time on Barra planned around the anticipated Gathering. Those interested in attending the Gathering independently can watch for additional information as plans take shape.
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Thinking about joining the tour? Space is limited to 32 travelers, and Scotland Folk Tours currently lists availability through December 31, 2026. See the booking page for current pricing and availability. A £500 per-person deposit reserves your place, with installment payments available.
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Traveling solo? Scotland Folk Tours has added shared-room options for solo travelers willing to share with another traveler of the same sex. These limited spaces are available at the standard £4,650 per-person rate, without the single-room supplement.
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We've put together an overview of the trip, including itinerary highlights, pricing, what's included, and what makes this particular journey special for Clan MacNeil.
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Ready to explore the day-by-day details? Scotland Folk Tours has the complete itinerary, current room availability, and booking information.
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Have questions before booking? Email Kenny (president@clanmacneilusa.org) and he will be happy to help.
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Stone Mountain Highland Games | October 17–18, 2026
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The Stone Mountain Highland Games are almost here! If you're heading to Stone Mountain, Georgia, be sure to stop by the Clan MacNeil tent, where Phyllis and Needham Bass will be welcoming visitors throughout the weekend.
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We'll also be cheering on Jane McNeill, Cathy Hamilton, and Katie Hamilton, who will be competing at the Games. We wish them all a fantastic weekend!
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Will you be participating in an upcoming Highland Games or Scottish festival? Whether you're competing, performing, hosting a Clan tent, or participating in another way, we'd love to hear about it!
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Fill out our participation form and let us know which event you'll be attending and how you'll be involved. We'd love to recognize and share the many ways our Clan members are representing MacNeil across the country.
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Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk | December 5, 2026
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The MacNeils are heading back to Alexandria, Virginia, for the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 5!
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Each year, Alexandria kicks off the holiday season with festivities celebrating its Scottish heritage, bringing together clans, pipe bands, and plenty of Scottish spirit. Clan MacNeil plans to participate once again, so bring your Scottish ruckus and revelry!
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And the celebration doesn't end with the parade! Following the Scottish Walk, Vivian Ramirez and her family will host a post-parade gathering featuring Scottish fare and light refreshments. It's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new Clan members, and celebrate the start of the holiday season together.
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Planning to join us? Please RSVP for the gathering so Vivian and her family can plan accordingly.
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A Quick Membership Check-In
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October is one of our twice-yearly membership renewal campaigns, and it's a great time to make sure your CMAA membership information is up to date.
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When was the last time you checked your member profile? Take a moment to confirm that we have your current mailing address, email address, and other contact information. While you're there, you can check your membership expiration date and renew if needed.
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And if you've been following along but haven't officially joined CMAA, we'd love to welcome you!
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Thank you for being part of Clan MacNeil Association of America.
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