Report by the Ceann Cath The Parliament and Gathering 2013

Transcription

1 No rd Edition November 2013 Happy Holidays One and All!!! Report by the Ceann Cath The Parliament and Gathering 2013 What a wonderful Gathering and Parliament we all enjoyed in Dumfries! At least that is my point of view. But I would, of course, be most interested in hearing your thoughts on the grand occasion. Planning for the Clan Parliament can be a long process and fortunately the responsibility for this year's Gathering was not left to Fiona and me. The 2009 Parliament had recommended it would be too much for Fiona and me with all my Commander Iain with the Macfie staff in the Chapel on Oronsay 1

2 new responsibilities. So Andrew and Vanessa Duffy stepped up to the mark and said they would take on the task. Volunteers are what keep this Clan chugging along! I must congratulate Vanessa and Andrew Duffy on their preparations for the Parliament, Gathering, and all the trips they arranged. Of course, I knew that with their skills and experience at both work and play, things would run smoothly. Fiona and I, in the build-up to the Gathering, visited Dumfries just Vanessa and Andrew Duffy once to approve the choice of the hotel by way of a site visit. Andrew and Vanessa s arrangements were so good, I had no need for more input, and my second visit to Dumfries was to attend the Gathering itself. Tuesday 3 rd September: We set off for Glasgow where we were to pick up my brother Bob before setting out for Dumfries in glorious weather. We lodged the first Cairndale Hotel - Dumfries night with Andrew and Vanessa in their lovely home on the outskirts of Dumfries. In the evening we drove into town for a meal and met up with other Clan members who had already arrived. Wednesday 4 th September: Another glorious day. More visitors arrived at the Duffy s home while Andrew and Vanessa were still working, making last minute adjustments. In the early afternoon we all moved to the Hotel. Finding our room in the warren of passages took some time, but eventually we did. It was large and comfortable, but getting there was difficult. Still in casual clothes, we made our way to the conference room. The room had to be dressed in flags and banners and a reception desk was prepared and made ready to greet delegates. With these tasks done and the Clan reception area manned by Frances Mary Duffy, Fiona and I retired to our room to prepare for the Reception. We arrived at the Reception Room a minute or two before 6:00 PM. Most of the delegates had already arrived. Without formal introductions, Fiona and I joined in the merriment. We had already met most of the Clans' folk in a more informal way so we felt there was no need for formal 2

3 introductions. The reception flew past and soon it was time for the evening meal. The dining room is large and the meals were very good, though perhaps a bit slow in service. After dinner we returned to the conference room for a Ceilidh. Thursday 5 th September: The formal opening of the Parliament, details of which are in the Gathering Journal and other papers, took place in the conference room, as did all our indoor activities. As usual, the Parliamentary sessions were morning events with the afternoons set aside for sightseeing. This afternoon's excursion was to the Solway coast. We had lunch in a very old pub, and our guide for the afternoon joined us for lunch. While talking to him, I noticed an arrangement of buttons on his blazer. Each of the Queen s Guards' Regiments has a distinct arrangement of buttons on their tunics. The next time you see the "Trooping of the Colour," have a look. The guide s buttons told me he was an Officer in the Coldstream Guards. This was not surprising as that regiment recruits from the Scottish borders. He told us wonderful stories of how the area had been a port for ships sailing to the Americas and Australia. He also mentioned John Paul Jones as he was born not far from where we were. Leaving our guide, we travelled to where John Paul Jones was born. A small museum dedicated to John Paul Jones now occupies the house. There were many artifacts to view and also an excellent short film on John Paul Jones' activities as Captain of an American ship. He raided this area and elsewhere in Britain. In the evening we danced to the music of a duo consisting of an accordion and drums. They played many old Scottish tunes as well as modern tunes, but few people took to the floor to show off their dancing skills. Friday 6 th September: There was no Clan business as today's trip was an all day event. We were travelling into England to visit the Lake District. It was a rather wet day which limited what we could see from the coach. However, at one point, we had just crested a high pass in the hills and were descending into a valley when the sun burst through and lit up the entire scene. It was quite magical the way the light bathed the whole area. However the rain soon returned. We arrived at Bowness where we were to board a steamer for a short trip on Lake Windermere. The town is a tourist hot-spot and despite the weather was overrun by visitors. The sail up the Lake was very pleasant as we watched the passing scenery. On disembarking, we moved a very short distance to a railway platform where we were to travel back down to Bowness. It 3

4 was interesting travelling on a steam train, though the scenery was not all that exciting. Lunch was a scramble...far too many visitors seeking shelter from the rain. After lunch, we set off moving further inland to an area where part of Hadrian s Wall was easily accessible. Despite the persistent rain, many brave folk exercised themselves by walking on the Wall and taking photographs. It is a wonderful piece of architectural engineering...built to keep the Scots out. which Burns frequented. We were privileged to see rooms where he sometimes slept. He had inscribed a poem on one of the windows with a diamond. Apparently he did this in a number of places he visited. This was a very short stop and we soon moved off to travel on to Gretna Green. We arrived there so late most of the shops and the famous Wedding Chapel were closed. Back at the Hotel, we dried ourselves off and had another fine, but slowly served meal. This evening s entertainment was a portrayal of the life of Robert Burns. The presenter was dressed as Rab would have been, and he did have a passing resemblance to the poet. It was a very interesting talk on his life interspersed with quotes from some of his poems. I immensely enjoyed the evening; however, I am not sure if our overseas' visitors understood much of the poetry. Saturday 7 th September: A number of important decisions were made at the second session of Parliament (see elsewhere in this issue). The Parliament closed to reconvene in 2017 at a place yet to be determined, but possibly the Isle of Skye. In the afternoon some went off to shoot with old muskets while others visited Ellisland. This farm was worked by Robert Burns. He had moved to Dumfries from Ayrshire for health reasons. He also worked at this time as an Excise Man (a revenuer). From the farm we drove into the town to visit a pub Bob McFie and Andrew Duffy at the Clan Dinner The Clan dinner is always a pleasant event. So Saturday evening was a medals and diamonds affair. That is if you have any medals or diamonds. We were delighted to have a family group from Sweden at the dinner. What an interesting person Andrew and Vanessa Duffy persuaded to speak at the Clan Dinner. Sir John Orr, a past Chief Constable of the Strathclyde Region was accompanied by his lovely lady, Joan. They are neighbours of Andrew and Vanessa. During the meal he and I had a wonderful discussion. Well, I thought it was. At one time as a young constable the force he worked for covered the Isle of Bute. There are a lot of Macfies on the island, so I asked if he ever had any trouble with them, but he refused to comment. 4

5 Unfortunately, Sir John was unable to deliver his full speech due to a dental procedure that day. It would have been fascinating to have shared some of his thoughts on the Lockerbie Disaster, of which he was the lead investigator. Sunday 8 th September: The visit to Colonsay was as usual inspiring. We traveled to Oban with a full passenger list, Stuart and Nancyann Carkeek, Bob, Fiona and me. We stopped en route in Glasgow at Bob's home for lunch (thanks to Bob's daughter Marion for the hospitality!). We arrived in Oban with plenty of time for shopping before boarding the ferry to Colonsay. After dropping the Carkeeks at their lodging in Colonsay, the three of us, Bob, Fiona and me, due to call-offs, rattled around in a five-bedroom house. However, once the house was heated up, it was very comfortable. Monday 9 th September: We gathered at the Standing Stone to rededicate Dr. Earle s plaque. What a wonderful refurbishment Dave Russell achieved. The high technical finish he applied should keep the memorial resplendent for many years. I, for the sake of those who did not know the history or the significance of the Standing Stone and the various memorials, gave a short talk. I did apologise for not wearing my kilt, but we rose rather late, and dwelt over breakfast too long, leaving no time to dress properly. It seems I was quite wise not to wear my kilt as the midges were biting very well. Bill and Cindy McGaffey Happy Birthday, Bill! In the afternoon some made the trip over to Oronsay to visit the Priory. The weather was pleasant, though a bit windy. I arrived late, again, and walked over with Jim Gilcrest. In the evening, Balromindhu was the venue for a Ceilidh...a grand evening with many of the visitors, with unexpectedly fine voices, contributing to the fun. And we managed to surprise Bill McGaffey with a lovely birthday cake and small birthday celebration. Tuesday 10 th September: Tuesday was a please yourself day, and Bob, Fiona and I made our way to Kiloran Bay via May's Tearoom. The beach was almost uninhabited, though we did spy the Gilcrests as well as some Aussies on the beach, and one, Rob McPhee, the son of Brian and Merilyn McPhee from Oz, even went in for a swim. He must take part in Iron Man events. As Bob says, If you see me in swimming, you know I have fallen in. The same sentiment applies to me. Kiloran Bay Front: Bob McFie, Linda McFee Gilcrest, Fiona McFie & Merilyn McPhee Back: Iain McFie and Brian McPhee at Kiloran Bay 5

6 Linda McFee and Jim Gilcrest had invited all the Colonsay folks to their "Pig's Paradise" flat in the Colonsay House at 5:00 PM for drinks, cheese and nibbles. Sociable chat made time fly, and we were all scattering to go to dinner before gathering in the hotel bar for our final Ceilidh when we were surprised as Jerry McAfee, USA, presented each of us with a wood-burned magnet souvenir of Colonsay...Malcolm's Standing Stone being the most sought after! Jerry had been making these while staying in his room on Colonsay. bedrooms directly above the bar were occupied by our own folk who told us the next day they had opened their room windows, the better to hear what was going on. The McPhees from OZ At the Hotel Ceilidh, we were joined by the McPhees from Oz and were entertained by Aimee and Charley, two of the younger Aussies, who read a charming Christmas story. As we were enjoying Bob playing his pipes, we were told he had to stop playing as guests might complain. It turned out that the Wednesday 11 th September: Many of us had to return to the mainland, and the sky cried with rain for our leaving. But, by the time we reached Oban, the sun was shining brightly. We drove down to Glasgow to collect some clothing we had left at Bob s. After a short break, we drove home to Kincraig, sad that it was all over for another four years. Iain M. McFie, Ceann Cath Charley and Aimee McPhee at the Ceilidh Bob piping us home on the ferry to Oban 6

7 Sad News and Health Updates Two days after returning, we learned that my Godmother and our cousin, Ann McFie Walling, had passed away. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend her funeral in New Jersey. Des Duffy, a Clan Armiger and a lovely gentleman, is very ill and in hospital. Sylvia McPhee, Armiger and Clan Commissioner for Canada, had a nasty accident which left her with several broken bones and gashes. Linda McFee Gilcrest, Deputy Clan Commissioner for America, is still recovering from her fifth hip replacement surgery and shoulder problems. She e- mailed to say she is feeling better. Heleen van der Leest took a bad spill off a bicycle while holidaying with relatives in the north after leaving the Gathering. She did some damage to her face and ribs which will take some time to heal. Additionally, Heleen is having major surgery in December and we are sending lots of positive energy and prayers her way for a successful outcome. We wish Des, Sylvia, Heleen and Linda a speedy recovery, and good health in the New Year. Prior to the Gathering, Vicki McFee, Clan News Editor, and Ian McPhee, President of the Australian Society, were hospitalised and unable to come to Dumfries as planned. Editor's Notes: We are happy to report that Vicki McFee is now fully recovered and back at work, though still saddened she missed out on the Gathering and Parliament! Update from Australian Society President Ian McPhee as taken from the November 2013 "Downunder": "I had planned an extensive trip to Scotland in September which included attending the Clan Parliament and visiting Colonsay. In addition to that, my trip included stays on the islands of Mull, Islay and Jura, not to mention about a week in Edinburgh to conduct some family research. My son Philip was accompanying me on part of the journey. With my bags packed with a kilt, large array of papers for the Parliament and the usual travel attire, I was ready to go by the day prior to my departure. Unfortunately, fate intervened. About 12 hours before my plane flight was due to depart, I was forced to cancel the trip. It was a shock. Out of the blue, a rather nasty medical problem arose before I was due to leave, which made it impossible (on doctor s advice) for me to travel." Our wishes for a return to good health for Ian as well. Visitors Max Mahaffie, a past President of the Scottish Society of Charleston (SSC), which is in South Carolina, USA, and his lovely wife, Shanni Diggs, are in Scotland on a whirlwind tour. They had three wonderful days on Colonsay and even managed to find favourable tides allowing them to visit Oronsay. Despite getting soaked, they thought the Priory and walk across the Strand was worth the effort. 7

8 Fiona and I were fortunate that Max and Shanni were able to visit us. We had met this lovely couple at the Charleston Games in 2011 when I was Chieftain of the Games and Max President of the SSC. We sat and talked about their visit to Colonsay and Oronsay and how much they had enjoyed it. While on the island, they enjoyed taking part in some of the activities of the October Festival. Over lunch, we talked about many things, and before we knew it, it was time for them to leave. Shanni is still not used to driving on the wrong side, and they wanted to visit one or two sites and still arrive back in Inverness before dark. It was wonderful having Shanni and Max visit, and the house felt a little bit empty after they had gone. We love having visitors, so if you are in the area, drop in on us at our humble home Flora and Fauna No. 3 Honeybee Sanctuary Status for Colonsay and Oronsay The Hardy Native Black Bee can Survive the Harsh Climate of the Hebridean Islands "The Islands of Colonsay and Oronsay are to become a Native Honeybee Sanctuary" A new law will come into effect January 1st, making it illegal to import any bee other than the Apis mellifera mellifera to the area. The Hebridean islands have about 50 colonies of the species and the new order aims to protect them from cross-breeding and disease. The varroa mite, which has devastated bee colonies across the country, has not affected Colonsay or Oronsay. 8

9 There are 250 species of bee in the UK consisting of 24 species of bumblebees, but only one honeybee species, the native Black Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).the species is much hardier than the Italian Bee (Apis mellifera ligustica), which means the bees can survive the harsh climate of the Inner Hebrides. The Scottish government granted the order after a public consultation received overwhelming support. The Bee Keeping (Colonsay and Oronsay) Order 2013 is a targeted measure to protect an important population of black bees on Colonsay from hybridisation with non-native bees Mini-Gathering in New Zealand It is normal practice to hold a Mini- Gathering at some time during the second year after the Parliament. All the Clan Societies are encouraged to put in a bid to be the host Society. Only one Society put in a bid at this Parliament. However, there was a slight deviation from the typical proposal. The bid was made by the New Zealand Society, but they asked if the Mini- Gathering could be held in September/ October, This proposal was accepted by those present at the Parliament. Clan Commissioner for New Zealand, James McPhee, explained that next year the New Zealand Society would be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. The previous Commander, Sandy McPhie, attended the Society s fifteenth; therefore, it was agreed it would be a good idea to invite the Commander and his wife Fiona to attend the thirtieth celebration. All Clan members will be welcome to take part in what will be a wonderful event. The Australian Society has kindly invited the Commander and Fiona to extend their visit to the Southern Hemisphere by travelling over the Tasman Sea to spend another three weeks there. It would seem practical and financially sensible to accept the invitation. Fiona and I are looking forward to the trip, and we hope we will be joined by many others to enjoy the celebration along with our New Zealand and Australian kinfolk. James McPhee Commissioner for New Zealand We will be giving more updates on the Mini-Gathering as plans are further developed. 9

10 The official animal of Scotland is the Unicorn A fictitious creature may seem an odd choice for a country s national animal, but perhaps not for a country famed for its love for, and long history of, myth and legend. The Unicorn has been a Scottish heraldic symbol since the 12th century, when it was used on an early form of the Scottish Coat of Arms by William I. A Unicorn at the Palace of Holyrood Unicorns were worshipped by the ancient Babylonians, and written descriptions of them appear in texts from the ancient Persians, the Romans, the Greeks and ancient Jewish scholars, all describing a horse-like creature whose single horn had magical properties and could heal disease. In Celtic mythology, the Unicorn of Scotland symbolized innocence and purity, healing powers, joy and even life itself, and was also seen as a symbol of masculinity and power. During the reign of King James III ( ), gold coins were introduced that featured a Unicorn, and at the time of King James VI of Scotland succeeding Elizabeth I of England, and the resulting effective union of the two countries, the Scottish Royal Arms featured two Unicorns as shield supporters. In a gesture of unity, King James replaced the one on the left with the English Lion. The symbolism was potent, for the Lion and the Unicorn had long been painted as enemies, vying for the crown of King of Beasts, with the Unicorn ruling through harmony and the Lion by might. Today, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland still has the English Lion on the left and the Scottish Unicorn on the right; and the Royal Coat of Arms for use in Scotland has them the other way round. However, notice that the Unicorn has chains around its neck. The Inventive Scots No. 3 Medical James Lind ( ) was a graduate of Edinburgh University and served in the British Navy as a surgeon. It was in that capacity that he noticed the longer a voyage lasted, the more prevalent scurvy became. That led him to look at the limited diet of the ship s company. To test his theory, several pairs of men were used as lab rats, and they ate normal fare, but with some strange additions such as sulphuric acid mixed into the food. One of the pairs was asked to eat two oranges and a lemon along with their meal. 10

11 Within a week, one of the pair was almost cured and fit for duty after adding the citrus supplement to their diet. Another pair, who had cider mixed with their meals, also started to show improvement. As a result of his testing, Lind reasoned that if everyone received an orange or lemon each day, ship s crews would no longer be troubled by scurvy. Lime juice was introduced in place of lemon in the diet of the Navy because it was cheaper than lemon, and this is why Americans call British sailors Limeys. Lind is noted for three medical innovations: 1) He was the first to clearly identify citrus fruits as a cure and vaccine against scurvy; 2) He is credited with being the first to hold clinical trials; 3) He is responsible for the British and, eventually, the world s military and Navy hierarchy, providing proper medical care for their charges. George Cleghorn ( ) was a graduate of Edinburgh University who went on to join the British Army as a surgeon. While posted to Minorca, he had to deal with many cases of malaria. He discovered that quinine was effective in alleviating the disease. (The cause of the disease was a parasite carried by the Anopheles Mosquito.) Quinine is both a preventative and a cure, and its use eradicated malaria from Europe. However, today more effective vaccines are in use throughout the world. Sir John Crofton ( ) was born in Dublin and became Professor of Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis (TB) at Edinburgh University. During his long tenure, he discovered that the simultaneous use of three different antibiotics quickly produced a dramatic decline in the number of people suffering from TB. He was knighted for his life saving discovery. James Young Simpson ( ) was another Edinburgh University graduate. For centuries barbers were also surgeons with little or no training. If a limb had to be cut off, it was done without the aid of anaesthesia. The young Simpson was shocked by this and almost quit his university studies. His perseverance paid off, however, when at age twenty-nine he became Professor of Midwifery in Edinburgh. His experience with the agony he had witnessed during surgery and childbirth made him look for some way to relieve the agony of the amputee and the mother. He experimented on himself, first trying Ether which was being used in the USA, but it had many side effects. Then he heard of factories that used chloroform as solvent and workers who complained of feeling drowsy if they accidentally sniffed the gas. He tested it on himself and became unconscious, suffering no side effects. Chloroform was first used to bring another doctor s daughter, Wilhelmina Carstairs, into the world. A few days later, Simpson used it to remove a large piece of diseased bone from the leg of a young boy. Both the mother and the boy slept through their ordeals. Sir Alexander Fleming ( ) was born in Darvel, Ayrshire, and was a graduate of a London Teaching Hospital. He noticed that a petri dish which had been discarded 11

12 had grown mould. Around the mould was a fringe that was clear of bacteria. He reasoned that something in the mould had formed the protective ring. However, he did not have sufficient knowledge of chemistry to work out what was happening. In 1941, two Oxford University biologists noticed Fleming s work and decided to investigate further. They were able to isolate Penicillin from a sample of the same mould. Fleming and the two biologists, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, were awarded a Noble prize for their work. Alexander Wood ( ) invented the hypodermic needle in Edinburgh. Wood s invention with its pump action and fine needle allowed doctors to inject pain relief under the skin. This is where the term, hypodermic, comes from. It means under the skin. Tragically, Wood s wife died from an accidental overdose of Morphine delivered by a hypodermic needle. Other medical inventions by Scots will appear in the next issue. Macfie Clan Commissioners The Editor's apology to Christer Hemberg, Commissioner for Sweden, for being left off the Commissioners' list in the previous issue of the Clan News. Getting to Know our Fellow Clan Members Glen McPhee New President, Macfie Society of New Zealand Glen was born in Ballarat, Australia, a gold mining town west of Melbourne. In the 1850s, Ballarat was the destination of many Scots looking to make their fortune in the gold fields. After leaving school, Glen joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and was posted to bases around Australia and overseas, including Vietnam, Egypt (UNEFII) and Malaysia. Glen met his wife Glenda whilst in the RAAF at his final posting in Canberra, Australia, and they married in mid He worked as a Senior Environmental Health Officer during his final posting at RAAF Headquarters. Their daughters, Darlene, who lives in Drury, Auckland, and Kelly, attended many schools across the country, and Kelly also attended the RAAF School in Penang. Whilst in the RAAF, Glen met Wing Commander Sandy McPhie who enticed him to join the Macfie Clan Society of Australia. This was the start of an enjoyable involvement with the Clan Macfie Society. Glen has been a keen member of the Australian Society for 36 years, including serving as Vice President of the Australian Capital Territory and Editor of the Downunder Newsletter. Glen and Glenda visited Colonsay in 1985 and also attended the Clan Parliament in Aviemore, Scotland, in

13 After leaving the RAAF in 1990, the family settled in Canberra, with Glen working with the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial & Research Organisation for 16 years. In 2007 there was a surprise move to New Zealand, and they now live in Pukekohe, about 50 kilometres from Auckland. Of course the main reason for the move was that daughter Darlene and her family lived in New Zealand, close to Pukekohe. Darlene and Russell have two boys, Cameron and Daniel. Kelly and her husband, Hugh Ross, an Edinburgh lad, now live in Perth, Western Australia. In New Zealand, Glen worked at the AUT University in Auckland as Health and Safety Manager, from where he retired in Glen s interests include his Scottish heritage, and he has developed a comprehensive Family Tree going back to his Scottish forbearers. He is a Piper with the Pukekohe RSA Pipe Band, and grandson, Cameron, is now learning the bagpipes as well. Other interests include keeping up with grandchildren, golf, gardening and staying out of trouble. Glen and Glenda joined the McPhee Clan Society of New Zealand in In 2011 he was elected Vice President, and he was elected President of the Society in He takes on this appointment with much pride and enthusiasm. The New Zealand Society has its 30 th anniversary in 2014, and this will be a major event on their calendar. Glen s Ancestors: Migrant ancestors: Occupation: Home in Scotland: Donald McPhee & Jessie Cameron Crofter Boleskine, Scotland Emigrant ship: Departed Liverpool 23 May 1855 Arrived Australia: Pioneer ancestors: 21 August 1855 (South Australia) Donald McPhee & Hanora Skipworth **************** Important Happenings from the Parliament One of the major items discussed and approved at the Parliament was a new, official "Macfie Hunting Tartan." This tartan was designed by Commander Iain. It was agreed that we would show this tartan in the next Clan News, although the photo is not a completely accurate depiction of the Tartan. The actual Tartan will have all the required colors and thread counts (including the yellow that is not readily visible in this photo). The Commander emphasized that the final tartan fabric would not look exactly like the fabric shown at the Parliament and in the below photo. Additionally shown is a photo 13

14 of the Hunting Tartan as shown on the "House of Edgar, UK" website. Although this tartan is also not exactly as the Commander envisions, it does show the brown on the fabric. Hunting Tartan as Shown at Parliament Hunting Tartan as Shown on House of Edgar, UK, Website Genealogy Information There was an interesting discussion on DNA and genealogy at the Parliament Genealogy Committee, chaired by Nancyann Carkeek. Since the DNA project being used by the Clan only utilizes mail DNA, Bill McGaffey, a veterinarian, and someone with a great interest in this subject, offered to write an article on Tracing Ancestry through DNA, Male versus Female. His article follows. "Tracing Your Ancestry through DNA, Male versus Female Lineage" William McGaffey, DVM (Disclaimer: much of the content of this article is borrowed from the following website: /molgen/mito_dna.html). It contains short video and graphic animations about sexlinked inheritance in a simple-to-understand format which I encourage interested readers to visit. The Clan Macfie Genealogy Committee encourages male members to have their DNA sampled in order to help trace their ancestral tree through paternal genetic markers. Basic information is accessed at the Clan Macfie website under the Genealogy link or at this web address: 14

15 alogy_commit.php Test kit information and fees are obtained at: or through other venders. When a male participant obtains his test results, that information needs to be further submitted to the McDuffie Family Surname project: 2/ tm to establish relationships within the Macfie/Duffie ancestry. Note: The McDuffie DNA project only requires Y-STR testing. Twenty-five markers are adequate. No more than 43 markers will be recorded. (Visit this website for detailed information.) For further information and explanation please contact Nancyanne Carkeek: lacenany@comcast.net or McFieFamily@comcast.net. Genetics is a complicated business. Einstein stated God does not play dice with the universe, but much of genetic recombination is a floating craps game. Each time the dice are rolled, or recombined, entirely different results are obtained, enough combinations so that the billions of human beings on this earth are genetically, and in appearance, different from one another (with exception of maternal twins and triplets who are genetic clones). simple pairs while others are complex, involving other gene pairs, whose expressions are regulated by yet other genes. One pair of chromosomes, the sex-linked chromosomes, is responsible for gender determination, male and female. Females have a pair of X chromosomes, XX, one contributed by the mother, and the other contributed by the father. Male offspring have a single X chromosome, and a Y chromosome, XY. The X is contributed exclusively by the mother, and the Y is contributed exclusively by the father. Because each man has only one Y chromosome, there is no recombination. Instead, the Y chromosome is passed down directly and nearly unchanged from father to son. And since Y chromosome DNA accumulates changes very slowly, it is a rich source of (ancestral) information going back many generations. This is the reason that MALE lineage can be traced backwards and solely through the PATERNAL line. FEMALE lineage cannot be traced in this manner as females lack a Y chromosome. Instead of a 6-sided cube with 6 numbers, the human genome consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes, located in the cell nucleus. Each chromosome contains hundreds if not thousands of genes. Some gene pairs are 15

16 However, FEMALE lineage can be traced back through the MATERNAL line by analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria are structures within the cytoplasm of cells that are responsible for energy production. They contain their own DNA, and they replicate independently from the cell s nucleus. Mitochondria are passed through a mother s egg directly to her sons and daughters. In turn, her daughter, but not her son, passes mitochondrial DNA to her children. Since it passes from generation to generation with very little change, mitochondrial DNA is a rich source of information for deep ancestry, going back thousands of years. The bottom line: Using genetics, boys can trace their Dad, and their Dad s dad, and so on. Girls can trace their Mother, and their Mother s mother, and so on. As the surnames of most western families are passed along the male lineage, genetically affiliated clan ancestry is determined through the male line of inheritance. ***** Songs from the Colonsay Ceilidhs We had many requests from the attendees at the Ceilidhs to publish the words to two of the songs sung most frequently, "Rallying Song of Clan Macfie," and "Colonsay My Home." Here they are by popular request. Rallying Song of Clan Macfie By Vicki McFee and Linda McFee Gilcrest (Sung to the tune of McNamara s Band) Oh, we come from Clan Macfie and it s the finest in the land To Highlanders we re loyal, for the green and red we stand We ve got the Isle of Colonsay and we ve got Chief Malcolm too And when the *Gathering s over, they will honor you know who... Chorus Clan Macfie... the green and red Iain McFie...by him we re led Wherever you see...our banner fly You will hear about our Clansmen by and by... Oh, the other clans are good no doubt when all is said and done There s just one thing that they re without, the fame that we have won We ve got the heart and history and we ve got the Clansmen too And when the *Gathering s over they will honour you know who... 16

17 Chorus So now the *Gathering s over, we ll head home o er land and sea We ll think about our Clansmen as we pledge to honour thee We ve learned about our heritage and we ve shared a pint or two We commit our hearts to Scotland as we bid our isle adieu... Chorus Now a sad farewell to Colonsay as the ferry pulls away A wave to good friend Angus...and so long Kiloran Bay We hear good Bobby s piping as Vanessa reads a poem And our hearts remain in Colonsay as sadly we head home... Chorus Clan Macfie...the green and red Iain McFie...by him we re led Wherever you see...our banner fly You will hear about our Clansmen by and by... CLAN MACFIE!! (Shout) *Substitute Games are for Gathering when sung at Highland Games. COLONSAY ISLE Words by Edith Clark (d.1948), wife of Rev. John Y. Clark, Minister in Colonsay In the circlet of isles lying out to the west, There s none of those gems can compare With dear Colonsay Isle, on whom Nature has showered Her blessings so rich and so rare. Chorus Much loved isle! Tis to thee that my thoughts ever roam, And though I may wander by land or by sea, Tis Colonsay Isle I call home. The mountains of Jura may loom in the mist, And Mull s lofty bens lost to view, But Colonsay, Oronsay isles lie sun-kissed, And sparkling with radiant hue. Chorus 17

18 The waters are dancing, the waves lap the shore, The lark sings its song up on high. The merle and the mavis are building their nests, And sapphire the blue of the sky. Chorus In Colonsay Isle there are hearts real and true There are those who are waiting for me. So God speed the day, when again I return To Colonsay, gem of the sea. (Editor's Note, this song was sung beautifully at the Ceilidh by Alastair Scouller who also supplied the words to the song for the Clan News.) Awards (Just for Fun!) to Some of the Attendees at the 2013 Gathering Best Entertainment (Hands Down): Bobby and Iain McFie for their "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" rendition. Best MC: Bobby McFie. Most Surprising Talent: Bill McGaffey, USA (he can REALLY sing!). We'll want more next time, Bill. Honorable Mention: Rich McPhee, Australia, for his surprising poem rendition. Toughest Macfie: Rich McPhee, Australia, for his "freezing-cold water" swim at Kiloran Bay. Most Rousing Group: The Aussies, led by Merilyn McPhee, for their enthusiastic rendering of "Waltzing Matilda," the unofficial national anthem of Australia. Bravest (and Sweetest) Entertainers (by a landslide!): Charley (Charlotte) and Aime McPhee of Australia for their reading of "Santa Koala." Most Dedicated Hikers: Glen and Wayne Cathey, USA, (I think they covered most of Colonsay). Brightest Smile (Tie): Cindy McGaffey, USA, and Marianne Hemberg, Sweden (they lit up the room whenever they were in it). Farthest Distance Traveled: James and Mary McPhee from New Zealand. Most Thoughtful Gifts: Jerry McAfee, USA, for his wood-burned refrigerator magnets, which he presented to everyone who journeyed to Colonsay. 18

19 New Zealand 2014! We hope you are all making plans to attend the Mini-Gathering in New Zealand in September/October Plan to be a part of the fun while taking the opportunity to visit a beautiful country. There will be more to follow about the Mini-Gathering in the next issue of the Clan News. Holiday Greetings from the Ceann Cath Fiona and I wish you all a warm and pleasant holiday season with good health and happiness in the New Year! Iain From the Editors: This newsletter is for sharing, and helping us feel a bond with one another as well as our Scottish heritage. We re happy to do the work, compiling the stories and the news. We invite you to contribute anything from a pithy tale, a wedding or birth in the family, to a good Scot s joke. Got something to celebrate, let us hear about it. Know of someone who needs our thoughts and prayers, we re here for that, too. My address is victoriamcfee@yahoo.com. Just be sure to make it clear that you re sending a contribution for the Clan newsletter or I may think it s a note to me personally. Linda McFee Gilcrest & Vicki McFee Your Associate Editor & Editor 19