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Scotland 2027? Let's do it!
We’re settling into a rhythm with our new monthly newsletter, and there’s plenty happening around the Clan.
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This month, we’re sharing our plans for Scotland in 2027, looking ahead to our fall membership drive, and catching you up on a few things happening across the Association.
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Let’s start with Scotland.
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Scotland, Summer 2027: The itinerary is here!
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A couple of weeks ago, CMAA members got an early look at plans for a Clan MacNeil trip to Scotland in the summer of 2027. We shared the news on social media a few days later, and now we’re bringing the details to our broader newsletter community.
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Plans are in place for the 2027 Clan MacNeil Gathering in Scotland (August 16–28, 2027, with a trip that will take us from Edinburgh through the Outer Hebrides and Highlands.
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At the heart of the trip are three nights on Barra, including a visit to Kisimul Castle and the Clan MacNeil Gathering. The Chief has already begun planning the Gathering for the weekend we’ll be there, with more details still to come.
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We’ll travel with our own dedicated coach and tour guide, and there is room for just 32 travelers. We need at least 20 travelers for the trip to go forward, so if Scotland in 2027 has you intrigued, now is a good time to take a closer look. A £500 per-person deposit reserves your place, and an installment payment option is available for the remaining balance.
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We’ve put together an overview of the trip, including itinerary highlights, pricing, what’s included, and a little more about why this particular trip to Scotland is special for Clan MacNeil.
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And if you’re ready to get into the day-by-day details, Scotland Folk Tours has the complete itinerary 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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Scottish Folk Day Is Coming
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September 23 is Scottish Folk Day, part of the wider European Folk Day celebration of the living traditions that connect communities across Europe. Here in the Scottish community, that means everything from traditional music and song to storytelling, Highland dance, piping and drumming, and the many other ways Scottish culture continues to be practiced and passed along.
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Those traditions aren't simply pieces of Scotland's past. They're still being performed, taught, shared, and carried forward today.
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Many of you are involved with other Scottish organizations, whether through Highland dance, pipe bands, music, cultural societies, Highland games, or something else entirely. Are you or your organization doing something to mark Scottish Folk Day or celebrate these traditions? We'd love to hear what you're doing.
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We'll be taking a closer look at some of the people and organizations helping keep Scotland's folk traditions alive later this month. Watch for more near the end of September.
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Where to Find Clan MacNeil in September
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September brings another full calendar of Highland games and Scottish festivals, and you’ll find some familiar Clan MacNeil faces at several of them.
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- Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival | Estes Park, Colorado | September 11–13 - Keith Lif will be at Longs Peak this month. If you’re headed to Estes Park, be sure to stop by the Clan MacNeil tent and say hello. Keith would love to see you!
- Columbus Scottish Festival | Columbus, Indiana | September 12–13 - Kenny and Pam McNeil are headed to Columbus and can’t wait to welcome fellow MacNeils to the tent. If you’re at the festival, come find them and introduce yourself.
- Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games | Lockport, New York | September 19–20 - Bob McNeill will be flying the Clan MacNeil colors at Niagara. Stop by the tent, say hello, and spend a little time with the Clan.
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And as we mentioned last month, Cathy and Katie Hamilton, are competing at Highland games throughout the Southeast. Their calendar is getting a little too long for us to list every stop, but we have some particularly fun news to share: both Cathy and Katie have been invited to compete in the SHAG Championship at Stone Mountain in October. Congratulations to both of them! If you’ll be at Stone Mountain, be sure to stop by the Clan MacNeil tent and say hello while you’re there.
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Headed to the Games Yourself?
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Competing, performing, volunteering, or representing Clan MacNeil at an upcoming Highland games or Scottish event? Tell us where you’ll be. We’d love to help spread the word and let other MacNeils know where they can find you.
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A Quick Membership Check-In
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October is one of our twice-yearly membership renewal pushes, so September is a good time for a quick membership check-in.
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Not sure when your membership expires? Wondering whether your information is current? Or perhaps you’ve been following along but haven’t joined CMAA yet? We’ve put together a quick guide to checking your membership, renewing, or joining.
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Thank you for being part of Clan MacNeil Association of America.
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