INTERNATIONAL CLAN GATHERING

CLAN FORUM MEETING,

THURSDAY 26^TH AUGUST 2004

CORRAN HALLS,

OBAN

INTRODUCTION.

The Clan Forum was held during the International Clan Mac Dougall Gathering, Oban, 25^th to 30^th August 2004. Those attending the Gathering came from Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Ireland, United States, Canada, England and Scotland. The representation attending the Forum came from these areas.

The planning of the Forum during the five day Gathering event was to take the opportunity, face to face, with our international clansfolk to focus on a number of questions collected over the last eighteen months by the Clan Mac Dougall Society UK/Euro and start the process of collective discussion. This was in the hope that such clan issues would generate a consensus and an international policy and strategy determined and the necessary action implemented.

John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro Society) explained the format of the Forum and indicated that the Society found it necessary to condense the questions to number eight to form an agenda. However these eight questions did embrace the feelings and views of most clansfolk. Such was the Forum interest that after the meeting some clansfolk came forward and volunteered further ideas; these are listed under the supplementary section.

We have attempted to minute as much as possible and may have missed out some points; we welcome any additions to eventually provide a complete document for general clansfolk circulation and comment.

Some eighty international clansfolk attended the Forum. To help facilitate the procedures a panel was convened as follows;

PANEL

Clan Chief Morag Mac Dougall of Mac Dougall, Clan Chief, Clan Mac Dowall, Prof. Fergus Mac Dowall, (BC Canada) Richard Mac Dougall, (Mass. USA) Prof.Walter Mac Dougall (Maine, USA), Scott Mac Dougald (Quebec, Canada), John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro), Michelle Mc Dougall, (UK/Euro), Minutes.

AGENDA.

1. (a) Is there a need for regular International Clan Gatherings?

(b) Do we need to hold future Gatherings in Scotland or should we roll the event out to different countries?

2. Is there merit in developing a “Gathering of the Clans” every two years with other Clan societies to be held in Scotland?

3. Does clansfolk want to see an established Clan Centre in Scotland?

4. Can we generate a Clan International Youth Educational Policy and Projects?

5. What future benefits does clansfolk want from their Society?

6. (a) Can we collectively develop an international recruitment policy, e.g. Southern Hemisphere?

(b) Can we collectively produce a programme to generate awareness of their historical links encourage and recruit Septs?

7. Should the UK/Euro Society amalgamate with USA and Canada to form an International Society?

8. Any Other Business.

ITEM ONE.

(a) The panel asked the members for their views and concerns on the subject of future Clan Gatherings. The majority of the meeting was in agreement of regular International Clan Gatherings although some members expressed views on the timing of such Gatherings- some expressed that the suggestion of ten years would be too long an interval. The majority took the view that a timescale of three to five years offered better prospects.

(b) The question of where future Gatherings would be held generated various views. Views embraced a scenario of a major Gathering held in Scotland every ten years with smaller Gatherings held in other countries. Others took the view of a major Gathering in Scotland three to five years with smaller events rotating in other countries every two years. The meeting agreed that come what may Oban was the historic Clan Seat and as such whatever timescale was eventually reached a major International Gathering should be held in Oban.

A representative of the Clan Mc Leod Society, whose wife is a Clan Mac Dougall member, indicated that the Mc Leod international Gathering is held in Scotland every four years with smaller gatherings held in other countries. One member express concern for those clansfolk who live in Australia and New Zealand and perhaps there is room to also include interest from these countries and the Americas when planning and developing future Gatherings. The Panel expressed the view that such planning needed a cohesive strategy and an International Steering Group could create a marketing plan.

Morag Mac Dougall. Clan Chief Mac Dougall of Mac Dougall, suggested that those who have emigrated to other countries or those who have been brought up in other countries would almost certainly benefit from the attraction that Scotland has to offer and would enable those to make contact with their ancestral roots in Scotland. Hamish Mac Dougall, (UK/Euro Society local representative) added that International Clan Gatherings are very special and should be held in our homeland, Oban.

SUMMARY.

It was agreed by the meeting that all future International Gatherings should be held in Scotland/Oban between one to five years rotating to other countries in between if the general clansfolk consensus agrees.

It was also agreed that the Clan Mac Dougall Societies in North America and UK/Euro would, following the publicizing of the Clan Forum Minutes to all clansfolk and any feed back received, form a transatlantic steering group and explore the feasibility of a programme of future International Clan Gatherings. This feasibility plan would form the strategy, policy and planning for holding International Clan Gatherings.

ITEM TWO.

The meeting discussed the merits of developing with other Clan Societies, a Gathering of the Clans event in Scotland that would run along the lines of Grandfather Mountain/ USA event. The general view was that such a major project could impact on the planning of our own Clan Gathering work. Furthermore the financing of this type of project required major funding and total commitment from other societies. The meeting felt at this stage, such an event would be impracticable for the Clan Mac Dougall societies.

SUMMARY,

The meeting agreed to note the Gathering of the Clans venture but to await any future developments that might arise from either Government agency, viz. tourist board initiatives or other third party sources.

ITEM THREE

The subject of an established clan centre in Scotland generated a healthy debate. Walter Mac Dougall, (US/Maine) expressed hope for a museum/clan centre that would principally hold the Mac Dougall collection as well as other artifacts and information on the clan and suggested a room that could be put aside for this very purpose. He also suggested that some displays should be interactive embracing IT technology. This would save staff time and which could be used by clan folk to find specific information.

Other members expressed a wish for a genealogical facility that would enable members to search for information on their ancestral and kinship roots. The representative of the Clan Mc Leod Society expressed concerns on financing such a centre and explained that their Society had spent

a five-figure sum on marketing such a facility, a freestanding centre may not be conducive or financially viable, he believed a dedicated “Room” would be more beneficial.

Other clansfolk suggested that a Gylen Castle, Dunollie Castle and House & Hope Mac Dougall Displays and Collection Room sited somewhere within the Dunollie Estate would need to be viable. Other questions inquired whether there were plans to restore Dunollie Castle and House and if so, could there be a possibility of “housing such a room/exhibition site” within either Dunollie House or the restored castle? Such questions raise other issues like opening times, staffing, security, legal/insurance cover requirements plus funding. The Dunollie Estate Factor, Michael Robertson informed the meeting, that there were plans to restore Dunollie Castle but this was subject to generating statutory grants and other funding as well as the completion of the Gylen Castle project.

But what was generally expressed was the interest of establishing a “Clan Centre” that generally met clanfolk’s general interests.

SUMMARY.

The meeting took the view that they would like the Clan Societies in North America and UK/Euro to explore the possibility of some form of clan centre or exhibition site,

Preferably within Dunollie or the general Oban area. The UK/Euro Society agreed to explore with North America the setting up of a “Steering Group” that would endeavor to prepare a definitive report on the subject and refer back to clansfolk. The timing of publishing this report would be dependent on the setting up of the Steering Group and the feedback from the Clan Forum minutes.

ITEM FOUR.

The subject of Youth Development viewed the present policies. Richard Mac Dougall (Mass/USA) advised the meeting of the difficulties in sustaining Youth projects, he did indicate that some very good work was being conducted in Nova Scotia. He emphasized that the Youth subject was worthy of pursuing to encourage young people into the Societies and keep youths involved and interested in their heritage and culture.

Walter Mac Dougall Maine/USA) explained that they had developed a page for young people in their Society Newsletter and also run a Youth Camp which included activities such as story telling, dancing and learning to play the bagpipes. These events normally cost $500 (Scholarship Funding for 3-4 days. Richard explained that there is a possibility to further expand this youth exchange with families in Scotland/America/Canada.

John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro) advised the meeting that the UK/Euro Society had drafted plans for developing a young person’s programme involving educational, outdoor activities and exchange. However these plans needed a committed team to develop relationships with statutory agencies, corporate sponsorship programes and locations that met health and safety standards.

The meeting discussed views of arranging exchange visits where young people from abroad could be given activities in helping to maintain Clan Mac Dougall historic sites and young clansfolk in the UK meeting their counterparts in locations and participating in such events as GrandFather Mountain, Nova Scotia, California events etc. The Youth subject was found to have

a warm interest amongst the clanfolk and the recognition that more must be done. There was the realization that a collectively endeavour would prove more successful.

SUMMARY.

It was agreed that the North American Society and the UK/Euro Society would endeavour to generate transatlantic planning team to develop new or revise Youth strategies and exchange programmes and to research statutory/corporate sponsorship funding that would create a viable and sustainable programme.

ITEM FIVE.

John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro) explained that the subject of member’s benefits from a Clan Society was a very broad subject. But he felt that Clan Societies recognizing their core cultures and heritage had to address the modern world. Many Clansfolk were travelling wider afield, experiencing new ideas, information technology was affecting everyone and the impact of this changed lifestyles generating new interests. One way the UK/Euro Society was addressing this was providing fashionable merchandising, planning new events that attracted young and old,

employing new marketing techniques, developing corporate and statutory relationships. All aimed to develop a modern “family” spirit amongst its members.

The meeting debated that the Youth Education programme is just one benefit that clan member’s families could be attracted to. It was also agreed that members contribution to continual heritage

development was also a rewarding experience. Scott Mac Dougald (Quebec/Canada) emphasized the importance of participating in fundraising events for the preservation of our historical heritage sites such as Gylen Castle project as being beneficial to all members. He suggested that these preservation projects could be updated with written and photographic material on the Clan Mac Dougall Websites.

Clan members also indicated that other benefits could be put in place for all those concerned with regards to a database of individuals who would be willing to participate in sharing information on other Mac Dougall’s, history and related subjects such as pen friends/chat rooms etc. Fergus Mac Dowall advised other benefits for the Societies which would involve passing and sharing information on the sale of land etc in our homeland, (Oban and elsewhere) which would enable Mac Dougall’s to purchase and accrue Mac Dougall land/property for timeshare/let.

Richard Mac Dougall explained that in Cape Cod for example, many of the towns and villages have

raised funds to purchase town land and historical properties to preserve same and avoid being destroyed by developers. Such sites cannot be used for other purposes other than for the benefit of the local people. (This subject is also addressed in the supplementary section relating to UK/Euro Society Feasibility & Business plans).

Hamish Mac Dougall (UK/Local Rep) suggested that now the Gylen Castle restoration is nearly completed, we should try to transfer that focus towards Dunollie House and Castle as a programme for development that could be a selling point for clan members and new clan members.

SUMMARY.

The philosophy of a database for the Clan is something that is feasible for the near future. The North American and UK/Euro societies will address the idea of purchasing property and most likely include this issue in the Clan Centre project. The Societies will endeavour to address the other ideas expressed including regular updates and sharing of information on the restoration sites as well as general clan information relevant to registered members.

ITEM SIX.

This topic embraced common recruitment policies and what attention should be given to creating awareness to Clan Septs and those other names that has historical links?

Some clan members suggested that we need to be honest with people when recruiting them as members to the Society. There also needs to develop a research programme in order to register as to where the Sept names originated from in order to demystify the historical roots of the Sept names.

Walter Mac Dougall (Maine/USA) suggested One Name, One Clan approach-as in Internal Heritage, we should avoid selling ourselves in order to gain numbers. It would be useful for background information on this issue, as it appears that there is pressure from people/individuals who want a tartan for the sake of it so the societies need to be aware of this when recruiting Sept names. The Society perhaps needs to take into consideration as to “WHY” individuals want to “belong”?

Scott Mac Dougald offered the suggestion of the UK/North American Societies coming up with a series of articles on Septs, which could be adapted to our mutual Web Sites. This could embrace home locations, original spelling, name meanings, history or key events e.g. the Sept member who saved the charter chest when Gylen Castle was burned, this and other related clan information could generate Sept awareness and interest? By omitting our Septs we are ignoring a population perhaps equivalent to our total Mac Dougall population?

SUMMARY.

This subject generated a lot of discussion and it was clear that a fresh approach should be taken. It was agreed by the Panel and the meeting that the Societies should look into the possibility of gaining access to a Historian who would be able to research and gain information to the historical background of the Mac Dougall Clan and its Sept association.

This could prove favourable to the ongoing development of the Clan Mac Dougall Societies and its members. Further to this a Genealogy Site embracing data from this research project could be beneficial to the Clan Societies.

It was agreed that the North American and UK Societies would look at the prospects of commissioning two historians, one in North America the other in the UK who would work in tandem to an agreed specific brief.

From the UK side it is possible that some statutory funding or corporate sponsorship may be generated to offset the cost of the commission. The Societies would have to address the financial spin-offs from such a study. Members will be kept informed on the progress of this topic.

ITEM SEVEN.

John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro) explained to the Forum that the UK/ Euro Society had, over recent months, received questions embracing amalgamation of present Clan Societies with the view of determining common international strategies and policies. This question was put to the Forum in an attempt to clarify what is more beneficial to the Clan societies and its membership.

John (UK/Euro) explained to the meeting that from his experience there was a close working relationship with the North American clansfolk and from his position this would continue. The feedback from the majority of members at the Forum agreed that there was little merit in an amalgamation with the North American and UK/Euro Societies as distance is so vast for this to work practically in terms of administration.

There was comments made that small North American regional societies work to local policies and questioned how an International Strategy and/or policy would impact on them? The meeting agreed that in principle Societies should continue to work collaboratively in terms of events, updates etc but perhaps there is more room for International Councils that would incorporate smaller societies in an organic way perhaps leading to a common communication process like an International newsletter?

SUMMARY.

Although the members agreed in principle that amalgamation was seen as impractical in terms of administration purposes. It was agreed that the Panel should look in to the possibility of incorporating smaller Societies into an International recognized body, more likely in North America as opposed to the UK at present.

There is scope for conducting research in determining the constitution of an International Body (like a Holding Company) to provide a general agreed Rules/ Constitution, common policy and strategy that adapted by Clan Societies would form a “common image”. It was proposed that this item, when circulated to all clansfolk, should encourage interest and response to determine levels of agreement for or against the International suggestion as discussed.

We would ask clansfolk when considering this question to look at the bigger picture and the other topics discussed in the Forum because some of the subjects impact on this International question.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

This was the last item on the Forum Agenda and gave the meeting the opportunity to touch on any subject whether discussed or not.

Some members asked what processes were in place regarding making donations “online”. However at this juncture the facility does not exist with the UK Society. This is due to the cost of operating the system within a Sterling and Euro financial scenario.

However, the UK/Euro Society indicated that it was examining new more cost-effective facilities and would advise when the fiscal aspects have been fully considered. Michael Robertson, Factor to Dunollie Estate advised the meeting that both Gylen Castle and Dunollie House and Castle be now incorporated within a Trust in the UK that enables tax relief on contributions.

This Trust is however in its infancy but it is now up and running. There is a similar facility in operation in the USA where the US Tax Authorities recognize donations, through this source.

The Panel indicated that receiving this information on these Trusts, this would be helpful and permit the Societies to disseminate the information to clansfolk. The Societies would monitor the progress and await new information on the Trusts. Mr. Robertson also advised that the Brooch of Lorn had also been placed in the Trust. This was welcomed by the meeting. Mr. Robertson agreed to provide the Trust information to the relevant Societies.

Other Forum members questioned the Panel on the possibilities of Mac Dougall’s young and old, to help contribute towards the preservation of Dunollie House and Castle through volunteering, whereby visitors could visit Scotland on an exchange basis for volunteer work.

Other questions raised explored the possibility of recognition for those who have contributed towards the preservation work of Gylen Castle, Dunollie House and Castle and any other Clan Mac Dougall historical site. Some members believe that this would further add strength and insight and using the Societies as the medium would also help the organization sustainability.

The Panel was in agreement that answering the questions posed under Any Other Business would require further deliberations especially the use of online donations and circulating information on the Trust. The Panel would also look at how a volunteer programme could be orchestrated mutually between Clan Societies so that a dedicated plan could be applied. The Panel would also look at the subject of recognition for donations to the clan preservation schemes and Societies.

The Panel thanked the members for attending and providing a constructive discussion. The Minutes would be circulated to our International Clansfolk in the hope that the Forum will generate further interest and innovative approaches towards the clan development.

It also offered the present Clan Societies the opportunity to work closer together in pursuing common objectives for the benefit of their members and the clan. The Panel welcomed any additional suggestions outside the meeting that could be added to the Minutes before circulation to clansfolk.

The Clan Chief’s Madam Morag Mac Dougall and Fergus Mac Dowall thanked the attendees for attending and contributing to the Forum and also expressed they’re thanks to the Clan Mac Dougall Societies for organizing the Forum. They hoped that the topics from this Forum would help to generate happy Clan Gatherings in the future..

The Panel announced the Forum closed.

SUPPLEMENTARY.

1. One Clans person came forward with the suggestion that in recognition of the source of donations by any clan person to the preservation scheme a Clan Cairn be designed and at the base or bases the names that made contribution are listed. That this Cairn be located in a visible location preferably in the grounds of Dunollie Estate

Scott Mac Dougall has added that the problem arises when, as evident, people have given anonymous donations. So recognition could only be from names freely given. Some donations are small so this listing could be extensive and expensive. But the general recognition of a well-designed Cairn is still a good idea. Perhaps, suggests Scott, it could be incorporated in the proposed clan centre?

2. Clan Centre. John Anderson Mc Dougall (UK/Euro) supplementary addition advises that he did not offer the following information at the Forum because he wanted to ascertain the members views free of bias on the Clan Centre subject. Nor did he wish to prejudice the Forum thinking on the subject in anyway. However John/Michelle feels in the light of the discussions the following information should be circulated to ascertain wider interest.

The UK Society holds a definitive Feasibility Study and Business Plan on establishing a stand alone Clan Centre facility. The Study explored in great depth the subject matter and found that such a centre could not rely or be sustainable purely on clan visitors but required a more community approach embracing a wider audience.

The Study looked at educational features linked to the Scottish education processes, accommodation, and exhibition features involving Interactive and Information Technology, a Clan Library, retail and mail order marketing. These, plus a number of innovative subjects, embrace the Study.

The Business Plan covers a five year period and provides a fiscal breakdown relating to forecast income and expenditure, staffing, training etc. This Study and Plan requires a small amount of updating and we have established that the financing of the project could come from match funding, viz., Statutory, Corporate, Charitable Funding sources and Private equity. The vision is to seek suitable land in the Oban area to establish such an operation.

The UK/Euro Society who commissioned this work, recognise that to establish such a project requires the setting up of a Holding Company similarly to UK Charitable organizations when they operate their retail charity/thrift retail networks. And as such all Clan Societies should have an interest in the operation.

Scott Mac Dougald comments that the UK/Euro Society clan centre plan is a good idea. He suggests that the clan place be in a room at the Hope Mac Dougall Collection area, even if it means building on a new room. Hope would be thrilled if it were dedicated to her memory. No other place has the cachet, and it will already a have staff there that probably could be paid a portion of their work to support the clan centre. This would reduce “overhead costs” for both operations at the same time.

A further comment from Scott touches on the subject of “ one overarching loose federation” of the Clan Mac Dougall Society is desirable if it can be demonstrated to be workable.

The forum did indicate a serious interest in “ one clan one society”. The trick is for us (said Scott) is not to get too many management layers for our small widespread population.

Fergus Mac Dowall has added the following, “ I feel a room in Dunollie House would be better to start with and would attract an Historic Scotland Grant. Eventually, a new Gate House might sell souvenirs etc and admission to the Castle. I believe the ultimate place for MacDougall’s museum would be in Dunollie Castle after partial restoration with roofing etc”.

Perhaps these topics also touches on what the Forum attending members considered of the idea about the clan investing by purchasing back their own historic Mac Dougall lands in Scotland.

Clan Chief Morag has advised that the Hope Mac Dougall Museum Collection display area has not, as yet, been finalized for siting in part of Dunollie House. There are a number of hurdles to overcome regarding this, which will take a while, but, although it is not finalized as yet, we are hoping that it might be possible.

Prepared by

The Clan Mac Dougall Society (UK/Euro)

1^st November 2004

NOTE: Clansfolk in North America should direct their views and comments to their regional commission officers or those members who represent the executive body of the North American clan. This is to permit a central pool that will liaise with the UK/Euro Society who are also at present representing clanfolk in Australia and New Zealand.