Clan MacDougall at Dunollie
Year of Homecoming 2009
It is all over!! And it was wonderful. If you want to know what you missed, read on...
The Drama
The Walking Theatre Company utilised the natural theatres of the floodlit medieval castle, historic house, gardens and natural rock formations as settings for Clan stories and legends in The Hidden Jewel.
Audiences were guided in two groups between different theatre points, where they watched and sometimes participated in the unfolding of a tale. As darkness falls, the way was by burning torches and the audience will came together for the dramatic finale, against a film projection onto the white wall of Dunollie House.
The Hidden Jewel was specially written for the Dunollie event by Sadie Dixon-Spain, its title referring to so many things: the hidden jewel of the Brooch of Lorn; and the hidden jewel that is Dunollie itself. There are other hidden jewels in the story of the Clan MacDougall – not least the women who defended husbands and castles, and held the Clan presence firmly at Dunollie in the face of turmoil elsewhere.
The Clan
This theatrical event delivered a powerful and emotive experience, and was a superbopportunity to see the story of the Clan MacDougall played out in what we can all agree is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places on earth.
The big date during the Homecoming Week for the Clan Diary was Wednesday 22nd July:
Flag Ceremony at 3pm at Dunollie House: Presentation of new flag to fly above Dunollie Castle by representatives of the North American Society of the Clan MacDougall.
Formal dinner, with a civic reception by Argyll and Bute Council and a ceilidh dance: hosted by Madam MacDougall of MacDougall, 31st Chief of the Clan MacDougall at the Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Breadalbane Street, Oban.
Fun for Children
The Dunollie Homecoming week included storytelling for children, a new sculpture garden and guided walks to Dunollie Castle by historic buildings architect Martin Hadlington.
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Clan tent at Edinburgh Gathering
25th and 26th July
Our events at Dunollie are timed to enable Clansfolk to attend the Gathering : the official national Homecoming 2009 event in Edinburgh. We shared a tent with the Clan MacDowell, and showed an exhibition about the Brooch of Lorn, hospitality and reception for international clan guests hosted by Madam MacDougall and her family.
The Clan MacDougall, led by Madam MacDougall of MacDougall, her husband Richard Morley and her son Robin the Younger of Dunollie, marched in the parade of Chiefs and Clansmen up to Edinburgh Castle. It was a wonderful occasion!
Pictures coming soon!!!
