Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi ‘snach fhaic!
(Good health everyday, whether I see you or not!)

Dear Cousins,

I was just re-reading my June ’24 President’s Pen. It opened with a whiny lament about the state of UK weather and the fact that it was cold, wet and grey — everywhere! What a contrast this year. Yorkshire, where I call home, has declared a drought, as have several other counties across the UK. The sunshine has been amazing here in Scarborough — it’s like living on the Riviera — sort of . . .

Preparations are well under way for the Clan Munro Gathering in August at Foulis Castle, Inverness and other locations near the Munro Seat. It’s grand seeing everyone and I particularly enjoy meeting up with our Monroes from Southeastern France. It’s also a chance to catch up with our Clan Chief, Hector W. Munro and his family.

Most importantly, it’s chance to carouse with our indefatigable and erstwhile Secretary, Jo Ann Tuskin, and other dear friends who are members of the Clan Munro Association of Canada and our friends and cousins from the USA. There’s nothing that a dram or two can’t put right!

I was interested to learn recently, after reading an online version of Scotland’s ‘The National’, that the Stones of Stenness in Orkney date back at least 5,000 years, possibly longer than those at Stone Henge!

Standing Stones hold a fascination for me as the constructions all those thousands of years ago is so mysterious. And what was their purpose? The Summer Solstice has just passed, and it is generally thought that these stone circles have a particular role to play at these times of year.

The BBC reports that a rock crystal jar made by Vikings is to go on display in Kirkudbright. The jar is part of a Viking hoard that was buried around 900 AD. A metal detectorist, Derek McLennan found the hoard 2014.

I will draw this brief missive to a close. In these turbulent times, may I wish you and your families a healthy, happy and peaceful summer.

Yours Aye,



 

© The Clan Munro Association of Canada