Judy McClure Wisehart has been a Clan MacLeod Society member since 1985. As an active member, she was supportive at the games tent and then took on the job of Regional Vice President for the Southwest Region. In addition to her tireless dedication, she brings her strong creative talent to our organization. Her beautifully handmade clothing and embellished items show up in silent auctions, sale tables and as surprise gifts. During the 2006 Parliament at Dunvegan, Scotland, Judy hosted 2 workshops. She hauled boxes of fabric, binders, stuffing, and notions from home for a MacLeod tartan covered scrapbook.

The 2007 AGM was hosted by Judy and her committee in Denver Colorado. Her planning and organization included workshops on heraldry, genealogy, highland dancing among others. The entertainment was delightful and the food wonderful. Judy continues to support Clan MacLeod as a trustee of the Dunvegan Foundation while still being Southwest RVP. She is definitely a deserving recipient of our Clan MacLeod Person of the Year Award!

Zack McLoed (yes it is spelled correct) is serving in Afghanistan. His tenure of duty will be one year, returning in June of 2011. Zack is the youngest son of our Clan MacLeod Ohio Commissioner, Deborah McLoed McQueen.  

Zacks’ wife Christie is expecting their first child around December 29^th. The Army will be sending him home for two weeks to be at the birth. This will be a great Christmas present for the whole family.

If you would like to write to Zack, his APO address is:

PFC McLoed, Zackus
Norwegian PRT Meymanah
NAD/Medeevac
APO AE 09368

I thank Zack and his family for their sacrifices in the service of our country.  I’m sure Zack would appreciate and welcome a letter or “care” package around the Holidays or anytime.

Congratulations to Joann and John. 

Pictured in the center are Heather Scott and Kevin Wisehart at their past-October wedding.  Kevin is the son of our own southwest regional Vice President Judy McClure Wisehart from Colorado.  Heather and Kevin were married in Massachusetts on October 9, 2010 and will be living in the Boston area.

Pictured left to right, (father) Rex Wisehart, (Mother) Judy McClure Wisehart, (Judy’s grand-daughters were the flower girls) MacKenzie and Kayleigh Jones, (Judy’s daughter in blue) Cristina Wisehart Jones and husband Gregory Jones (in MacLeod of Lewis kilt).

Congratulations to Heather and Kevin. 

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society, 165th Annual Dinner Benefit “Feast of the Haggis” was held at the landmark InterContinental hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This formal event marks Saint Andrew's Day, a celebration of Scotland's Patron Saint and the 165th anniversary of the Illinois St. Andrews Society, the oldest charity in Illinois.  The event was celebrated with a delectable feast, distinguished guest speakers, traditional Scottish dancing and live entertainment. This is the oldest continuous charitable formal black tie event in Chicago.

One of the honored traditions was the presentation of the Bonnie Bairn (Beautiful Child) carried to the stage in a tartan covered sled to be revealed to the cheering crowd. This year the honor went to 4-year old Magdalena MacLeod. “Magda” is the daughter of Elona & Angus MacLeod and granddaughter of past-president William C. MacLeod. Magda wore her Lewis kilt and was carried to the stage by her father, Angus, grandfather Bill C., Bob McLeod and Bill Giles MacLeod, all wearing MacLeod of Lewis kilts. It was a memorable evening for Magdalena.

To view more pictures of Magda Click Here.

Clan member Bruce Arnold, from Aurora, Colorado has a very interesting hobby, particularly at this time of year. Bruce has been Santa MacClaus for the last six years.  He is a traditional Santa Claus as well as a Scottish Santa MacClaus who wears a kilt. Santa and Santa MacClaus is joined by Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus is Bruce’s’ wife Margaret. To view Bruce’s web site ( www.santamacclaus.com ).

Santa has appeared in scores of events in the metro Denver area which include: mall Santa, private and company parties, fund raisers, church, school, home visits, parades, tree lightings, print ads, movies, commercials and television appearances. Both Margaret and Bruce have a long list of Santa Claus education and professional membership. The most interesting being a proud founding member and advisory board member of the Clan Claus Society (www.ClanClausSociety.com).

The Clan Claus Society was established to promote the image of Santa in conjunction with Scottish heritage. The Society has their own tartan designed by Bruce with Clan Santa crest, septs and their own general meeting.

The "Tunes of Glory Pipe and Drums” band from Warrenville, Illinois won the 2010 title of the Midwest Pipe Band Association Grade 5 Championship. This is the fourth competitive championship in the band's history. The band celebrated its 30th anniversary in October, 2010.  Craig "Mac" McCloud, is a founding member and is still active in the band as Drum Major. His wife Deb is a drummer and President of the band.

The "Tunes of Glory" competed against more than twenty other grade 5 bands in the Midwest to win the title. The band has competed in many  Highland games in the Great Lakes area. The roster of the band comprises over 30 active pipers and drummers, color guard, and a number of students.  The band also performs throughout the far western Chicago suburbs in many parades, concerts, and private functions.  We congratulate Deb and Craig on their good work.  To learn more, go to their web site www.tunesofglory.org

For the last six years the MacLeods have played in the “Kilted Classic” Golf Tournament.  The revenue from this Charity Tournament benefits the Illinois St. Andrew Society which is the oldest Charitable Organization in Illinois. (www.chicagoscots.org). The ISAS operates the Scottish Home ( www.thescottishhome.org) that provides a Home for elderly and needy.

Pictured are Robert McLeod (Clan MacLeod Great Lakes Regional Vice-President), Bill G. MacLeod (Clan MacLeod USA Internet Editor and Illinois Commissioner), John N. MacLeod (Clan MacLeod USA Vice-President), Craig McCloud (Drum Major and founder of the “Tunes of Glory” pipe band), and father and son Douglas and John MacLeod (John was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis) The aforementioned gentlemen did not win at golf, but they did have a fun time for a worthy cause.

Our own Bob McLeod, Great Lakes regional Vice President of Clan MacLeod gave a presentation at the Scottish Home in North Riverside Illinois, on Saturday November 6, 2010.  The presentation is part of the Scottish-American History Club series of lectures presented on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 am. (To view the Scottish-American History Club web site http://chicagoscots.net/ ). If you have not been to the Scottish Home, run by the Illinois St. Andrews Society I hope you will in the future (To view the ISAS web site www.chicago-scots.org ).  The home has the Scottish American Hall of Fame and Museum which is worth seeing.

Bob’s presentation and hands-on demonstration was of the history and evolution of infantry weapons used by Scottish and American soldiers from the 1820's to the present.  There was an emphasis on the Scottish inventors that contributed to firearms design and evolution.  There was also a short video documenting the last broadsword charge by Scottish Highlanders. Bob demonstrated his extensive collection of military rifles.

The presentation/demonstration was fascinating and Bob’s knowledge of weapons is extensive. If you would like to view pictures of the event click here.

This year’s recipient is William Giles MacLeod of Brookfield, Illinois. He was given the award at the Clan MacLeod Parliament/Gathering in the Village of Dunvegan, on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Dunvegan has been the traditional seat of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years and is the site of Dunvegan Castle, home of the Clan MacLeod Chiefs.

Winning the “Clans Person of the Year” is the most prestigious award given by the Clan MacLeod USA. This award goes to the Clan MacLeod USA member that has contributed greatly to the goals of the Clan. The award has existed since 1966 with only about 40 recipients among the thousands of USA members.  The recipient is selected yearly through recommendations of the Clan Council and presented at the Clan Gathering.

We congratulate Bill for his many years of service to the Clan MacLeod Society. If you would like to read about Bill’s history with Clan MacLeod click here.  

Clan MacLeod member, Jean Stein, from South Elgin, Illinois is again the 2010 USA Highland Dance Champion. This year she moved up to the 14 & under 16 age category. She successfully defended her title at the United States Inter-Regional Championship (USIR) in Traverse City, Michigan.

Jean has been a consistent winner and has represented the Midwest for the past 6 years at the United States Inter-Regional Championship with 5 of those times as the Midwest Champion. This years win makes her three time National Champion twice in the 12 & under 14 age category and this year in the 14 & under 16 age category. Jean also was as runner-up in the 7 & under 12 category.

We all congratulate Jean on her success and wish her continued good luck in the future.

John W. and Ann McLeod, Southeast Regional Vice-President hosted their Annual McLeod family reunion. There were fifty-two present at their home in Madison, Florida, on April 17, 2010. Not all were McLeods or direct descendants, some are close family friends.

The MacLeod tent and the Harris and Lewis flags were very popular items during the day.  It was successful in that it drew a lot of the family to the tent to see just what we do at the highland games.

Of those present there were several Clan MacLeod members: Dee Dee Wallace, Don and Ana McLeod. Dee Dee's grandmother was a McLeod and Don's Aunt Martha McLeod hosted Chief Dame Flora MacLeod in Thomasville, Ga. during her tour in the 1950s.

To view several pictures of the reunion and a group picture of the family click here.

This is a short bio from Jane Beverly Grondin.  She is a member of Clan MacLeod and has a membership card signed by John MacLeod of MacLeod. Ellen McLeod Pride is the 96 year old Proud McLeod who passed away on March 27th.  She attended the Zephyr Hills Highland Games and Celtic Festival on March 10, 2010 where I took her picture with the MacLeod of Lewis tartan draped across her.  She was a very vibrant woman who stole my heart.  Above comments by John W. McLeod Southeast RVP. 

The below bio. from Jane Beverly Grondin.

Ellen fathers name was John James McLeod and lived in Colbrook, New Brunswick which is now known as St John, New Brunswick.  His father was also John McLeod, who passed away October 28, 1893.  Grampa moved to Portland, Maine as a teenager and met my grandmother, Albina (Charland) Mc Leod and got married.  He became a citizen of the United States on the July 6, 1914.  My mom had five brothers and was the only living daughter as they had lost one with sickness .  Mom was born in Portland, Maine on December 26,1913.  She was married on February 7, 1919 at the age of 16 to my Dad Kenneth L. Pride.  She had twelve children, one who passed away at 6 months.  She was the beautiful Mom of eight girls and three boys.  She was very proud of her heritage and was so pleased that I carried on to find out what I could about our family.  I brought her to the Celtic festivals while we resided in Florida and the picture that was taken of her by John W.  McLeod was the last one that we had.  She passed away at the age of 96 March 27, 2010.  She was very proud of her heritage and hung her crest and her colors with pride.  We could not be more proud of our mother who sacrificed a great deal to give a lot   of love to her family.  She lived a full life right up to the end except for the last two years where she needed more care.  One of her proudest days was spending the whole day at the Celtic festival, eating all the good food , being at the McLeod tent where she was made a lot of from the McLeod Clan.  She enjoyed watching the pipers and the dancers and then went back to Zephyer Haven with a heart full of love and happiness.  As you can see shortly after the Good Lord took her home to be with the rest of her family but left an everlasting love and happiness with her children.

You now have the capability of joining or renewing your membership on line with a credit card or PayPal.  The goal is to make the process as convenient and secure as possible. Your information will be secured by using encryption software, fraud protection services and additional security supplied by the PayPal web site. With the online membership process you will save a few steps, compared to the mail in renewal method.

The on-line credit card membership can be accessed by going to the Clan MacLeod USA web site (www.clanmacleodusa.org) and link to the “Membership” page. You can pay by: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or PayPal.  The one year membership or donations to the Clan can be made on line.  This is just one way of joining or keeping your membership current. You can, as before, apply by mail/check or through your local Clan MacLeod reprehensive at your local highland games.

Governor Charlie Crist

Governor Charlie Crist has proclaimed April as Scottish Heritage Month for the State of Florida. Below is a copy proclamation:

“ WHEREAS, April 6, 2010, marks the 690^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, in which Scotland declared its independence from England and is one of the precursors of the United States Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, almost half of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and 9 of the Governors of the original 13 colonies were of Scottish descent; and

WHEREAS, more than 11 million Americans can trace their roots back to Scotland; and

WHEREAS, this resolution commends the more than 200 organizations throughout the United States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition and culture, representing the hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent, residing in every State, who already have made the observance of National Tartan Day on April 6 a success; and

WHEREAS, Florida is home to various festivals and games featuring Scottish culture that are held annually across the State.

WHEREAS, the Scottish cultural identity reflects individualism, a strong work ethic, family loyalty, patriotism and faith in God; and

WHEREAS, citizens of both Florida and Scotland are first in the defense of rights and freedom; and

WHEREAS, Scots’ self reliance and their unbending spirit helped to shape the unmistakable character of their country and the State of Florida;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and well wishes to all observing April 2010 as SCOTTISH HERITAGE MONTH.”

Charlie Crist Governor

Bob and Linda McLeod

Ian Good

Gulf Central Region website launched!   Regional Vice President, Jack Lewis admits to having only recently been dragged kicking and screaming into the 20^th century—only to find it’s the 21^st century already.  “It only seems appropriate that the Gulf Central MacLeods join the vast number of tech-savvy Scots on the web,” he said of the new site, “It is my sincere hope that this website will speed communication and allow us to get to know one another better.”  Iowa Commissioner Grant Young built the site and will serve as Webmaster, as he does for several other regional MacLeod sites.  Go to www.macleodgulfcentral.org and say hello.

Pictured is RVP Jack Lewis and wife Shelley.

Tammie Vawter and her husband, Brian, have been part of the California Scottish Games circuit for 8 years. Tammie can claim ancestry from both branches of the Clan MacLeod, while Brian has Fraser, Elliott and a smattering of other clans, including a MacLeod sept so many generations ago that it is a funny footnote. They have represented the Clan at Games in Central, Northern and Southern California over the years and look forward to seeing as many folk as can come by the tent in years to come!

Their two children, Ian and Megan, are now in college and high school-both "Proud MacLeods."  The whole family was fortunate enough to have attended Parliament in ‘06’ and to have had the opportunity to meet all three Chiefs. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with history.

Tammie was an inaugural member of the Scottish Society of Central California, joining due to the acquaintance and mentorship of Bill McLeod Jr, former RVP. Having put on her first ladies' kilted skirt at 18, and Brian having put on the California MacLeod during their first season on the circuit, they look forward to branching out and meeting new members of Clan MacLeod throughout the United States and beyond.

MacLeod, Robert Edwin of Long Island, NY passed away on October 25, 2009 in his 78th year.  Beloved husband of Kathleen Armstrong-MacLeod.  Loving father of Robert (Sharon) MacLeod of Syracuse, NY and Laurie (Mark) Tugman of Coral Springs, FLA.  Cherished Grandfather of Kevin, Jason & Philip MacLeod; and  Steven and Lindsay Bowman. 

Bob was born and raised in South Boston, MA.  He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955.  Subsequent to his military duty he worked at the Westhampton Beach Air Base as a civil service employee and worked for many years at Veterans Administration Hospitals in Brooklyn, NY, West Haven, Connecticut and Northport, NY.  He was a member of the Major General Henry Knox Masonic Temple.  Bob was active in Clan MacLeod Society USA throughout his retirement years.  He traveled throughout the Northeast promoting the Clan, Scottish heritage and the arts.

A memorial service will be held in December, 2009 in Alexandria, Virginia.  Due to his love for his Scottish heritage, donations in his memory may be made to the Dunvegan Foundation of the Clan MacLeod Society USA, PO Box 17303, Raleigh, NC 27619, an organization that provides scholarships to young adults and support for the Scottish arts.

Clan MacLeod has always supported bag piping. The Center of Piping in Scotland for 1000 years was located at the Borreraig Piping Center on the Isle of Skye were the McCrimmons (the pipers to the MacLeods) conducted their Piping School. The School trained pipers for many of the Highland Clans.

In this tradition, Clan MacLeod will continue to encourage piping (particular the young pipers), with scholarships and awards. Clan MacLeod Regional Vice-President Judy McClure Wisehart awarded the medal to Jacob Shelton of Golden, CO. a grade 4 piper at the 2009 “Rocky Mountain Highland Festival” in Highlands Ranch, CO.  The Colorado Borreraig Medal winner Jacob Shelton, pictured here, is an example of a up and coming piper.

This year’s recipient is Ireta Janiec of Bend, Oregon. She was given the Award at the Clan MacLeod Gathering in St. Louis where we also celebrated her 90^th birthday with a cake that we all shared in. Both celebrations were a big and delightful surprise to Ireta. For more than 25 years Ireta and her husband Roy have supported the Clan in many ways.

Winning the “Clans Person of the Year” is the most prestigious award given by the Clan MacLeod USA. This award goes to the Clan MacLeod USA member that has contributed greatly to the goals of the Clan. The award has existed since 1966 with only about 40 recipients among the thousands of USA members.  The recipient is selected yearly through recommendations of the Clan Council and presented at the Clan Gathering.

We congratulate Ireta and Roy for their many years of service to the Clan MacLeod Society. If you would like to read about Ireta and Roy's history with Clan MacLeod click here.  

Clan MacLeod Society, has a gathering each summer, combining a business meeting and a social gathering. All members are invited to this event. The gathering is hosted by a different region each year. Every four years this meeting is held at Dunvegan, Village on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. This meeting is referred to as Parliament. The next Parliament will be held in the summer of 2010. 

To read about this years meeting in St Louis, click here.

At this years Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Tim Batten McLeod found the long lost fairy of MacLeod legend (Aubrey Hays). As all knowable Clan MacLeod members know the legends of Clan MacLeod are full of stories of fairies from the fairy flag to the fairy bridge. As with most of the stories, the fairy was hard to keep. She was only at the Clan MacLeod tent for a short time.  Maybe we will see her next year. 

Pictured Tim Batten McLeod and Aubrey Hays.

For the fourth year, MacLeod members joined the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, the Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers, the Scottish Dog Club and the Antique Car Club of the St Andrew Society. In the Elmhurst, Illinois, St Patrick’s Day Parade. The Parade is the third largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in Illinois. The crowds were huge and we were treated to a great day. With St. Patrick and St Andrew on our side how could we go wrong.

The following MacLeod members participating: John N. MacLeod (USA VP), and wife Judy MacLeod (Recording Secretary) from Naperville, IL. Sandy McLeod and husband Bob J. McLeod (Great Lakes Regional VP) from Darien IL.  Bob McLeod drove his award winning, antique 1951 MG, while his wife Sandy handed out Highland Games fliers. Jean Stein (National Highland Dancers Champion) marched with the Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers and performed during breaks in the parade. Bill G. MacLeod (Illinois Commissioner, USA Internet Editor and Illinois St. Andrew Society Governor) organized the march, wife Pat MacLeod was our picture taker and face decorator from Brookfield, IL. We even had “Nessie” the loch Ness monster marching with us.

To view complete photo galleries of the MacLeods at this event click here. We hope to have more MacLeods join us next year.

Clan MacLeod, Missouri Valley region Deputy Vice President, Ian Good and wife Sara had their second baby. Lilian Sophia Good, arrived February 6, 2009, at 4:29pm.  Lilian weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz and measured 19 1/2 inches long.

All are doing well at the Good house, in Rock Hill, Missouri and thankful the wait is over. Parents and big bother Max are very excited. We all wish the best for the whole family and hope to meet Lilian at this years Annual General Meeting (AGM) in St Louis.
 

2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's favorite poet. Each year around January 25, Scots everywhere celebrate Robert Burns birthday. The Burns Dinner has been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years. With many Burns Dinners to choose from in the Chicago area many Clan MacLeod members attended the event held at the beautiful/historic Union League Club (www.ulcc.org) in down town Chicago, Illinois.

The dinner was held by the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, the oldest charity in Illinois, established in 1845. The event was well attended, with over 250 participants. There was a good showing of Clan MacLeod members including John and Judy MacLeod, Bill and Pat MacLeod, Bill and Irene MacLeod, Angus and Elona MacLeod, John and Rita MacLeod, Bess and John Shulmeister, as well as Sandy and Bob McLeod. We also had three clan members that performed as highland dancers, Jean Stein, sisters, Kristen and Melanie Williams accompanied by their mother, Stacie.

To view all the pictures form the Burns Night Click Here

Clan MacLeod USA has two meetings per year which are a combination of a business meeting and a social gathering. All members are invited to both of the events. The first weekend in December is the traditional time for the Alexandria, VA. Clan MacLeod USA, meeting.

This year Mary MacLeod from Alexandria Va. ( co-host of the meeting) arranged for a tour of the Pentagon on Thursday.   Friday was the business meetings with the Dunvegan Foundation meeting in the morning and Council Meeting in the afternoon.  Hospitality room was opened after the meetings. Saturday was the “Scottish Christmas Walk” in historic and charming old town Alexandria, Virginia. This parade honors Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with more than 100 Scottish Clans (including the Clan MacLeod) dressed in tartans and many bagpipe bands from around the East Coast. It’s the largest Scottish parade in the country. Clan members Charlotte and Jim Sharf opened their beautiful and historic home for refreshments before and after the parade.  On Saturday night was the Clan dinner with about thirty attending.

To view pictures from Alexandria meeting “click” on one of the topics below listed:  Party At the Sharfs house - Pre-parade pictures  - Clan MacLeod Members in parade  - Clan Dinner …

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society is the oldest charity in Illinois, established in 1845. The Society operates the Scottish Home, a five acre facility, in North Riverside Illinois. The Home is a retirement community giving support and love to more than 80 elderly residents.

On Christmas Eve, six Clan MacLeod members join by other members of the Illinois St. Andrew Society brought cheer to many of the residents. The group traveled around the Home singing Christmas carols and giving gifts to the residents with no family in the local area.  

Pictured to the left are: John & Judy MacLeod, Bill & Pat MacLeod and Bess & John Schulmeister. To view all the pictures from Christmas Eve click here. 

Clan MacLeod, Missouri Valley region, Deputy Vice President, Ian Good has helped organize a children-related charity called "Scots For Tots". Ian started the charity in 2006 along with Ally Nisbet with the purpose of promoting the health, well-being and education of the children in the St. Louis community.

For the 4th year a Christmas charity event has been sponsored by the Non-Profit organization. The Christmas celebration is an effort to collect toys for St. Louis area children and food for the St. Louis Food Bank. The 2008 Event was held in the first week of December.  The Event was called Christmas in the Kitchen with Keltic Reign.  Keltic Reign is a local music group.  Mitzi MacDonald is the leader of Keltic Reign and every year she has a Christmas event called Christmas in the Kitchen.  This year, Scots For Tots partnered with Mitzi and Keltic Reign.  The event was a musical evening of Celtic Christmas music, dancing, signing, etc (even had a Bag Pipe playing Santa).  People attending the concert brought a new unwrapped toy that would be donated to a local charity for the Holiday season.  Needless to say the event was a huge success and Scots For Tots delivered six large boxes of new unwrapped toys to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in St. Louis. 

To learn more about Scots For Tots visit their web site www.scotsfortots.org. You can also contact Ian at ian@scotsfortots.org. To view pictures of the event click here.

There will be a Memorial Service to honor her life on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103.  Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and the Eucharist service begins at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations to St. John's Mercy Skilled Nursing Center, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, or your own Church. Private inurnment at later time in St. Barnabas Church Columbarium.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Good family.

Grant Young Webmaster

David "Blue" MacLeod and wife Shari

It is this authors deepest regret that I have to inform you that our Clan MacLeod USA, Migration Director, Dixie McCaskill Lewis passed away. Dixie, of Aiken, South Carolina, lost her long arduous battle with cancer.  She died Thursday, October 2, 2008 in Heartland Hospice House in Columbia South Carolina.

For many years, she faithfully and tirelessly helped others research their genealogy. She assisted at the MacLeod tents at highland games all over the Southeast.  She helped Clan MacLeod preserve the heritage of their Scottish ancestry. She served as President of the Saint Andrews Society of Aiken. Dixie’s husband is, Gordon Lewis, Clan MacLeod USA Regional Vice President Adviser and former Clan MacLeod Southeast Regional Vice President.

We mourn her death and will always remember and respect Dixie for her dedicated work and willingness to serve others.  Gordon and her family are in our prayers. Clan MacLeod will miss a valued and dedicated member. To read Dixie’s complete Obituary Click Here.

Clan MacLeod, Wisconsin commissioner, Sherwin (“Solly”) Kader of Milwaukee, WI. passed away, August 2007.  In the Jewish faith it is customary to have a closure ceremony near the one-year anniversary of the death. This is called the Unveiling of the Headstone. The ceremony was held at Mound Zion Cemetery, in Brookfield WI. The ceremony was conducted by a Rabbi and two kilted bagpipers played "Hativka" the Israeli national anthem to the delight of the crowd. Wife, Priscilla (“Pete”) Kucik gave a Tribute to her Husband. To read Priscilla’s tribute “Click Here”. Small stones were placed on the headstone by the attendees of the ceremony.

After the ceremony a meal/reception was held at the home, in Shorewood WI. Please keep Priscilla and Sherwin family in your prayers. To view pictures of the ceremony “click here.”

On Saturday, June 16, 2007, a Memorial Service was held for Chief John MacLeod. The service was held in Dunvegan Parish Church on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The service was led by Rev. Rory MacLeod of Glendale. Chief Hugh gave a personal tribute to his father and his brother Stephan sang a Lutheran Chorale. Malcolm MacLeod, ACMS President gave the reading and Charles Ian Wolrige Gordon (Chief John’s nephew) also gave a personal address.  

Following the service, a procession followed behind the piper, Euan MacCrimmon, to the ruins of St. Mary’s Church, Kilmuir, Dunvegan, where six Clan Chiefs are buried. Chief John’s Memorial Stone was unveiled and blessed. Ulrika (Chief John’s wife) laid a bouquet of flowers in front of the stone.

The extremely moving event was attended by friends and clansfolk from many corners of the world. Representing, Clan MacLeod USA, were President William C. MacLeod, N. Douglas MacLeod and family (Douglas is a founding member of USA Clan) and Dorna Caskie ACMS Secretary.  To view photos Click Here.

After the death of his father, Chief John MacLeod of MacLeod, in February 2007. Hugh MacLeod, Chief John’s heir went through several steps to become the official 30th Chief of Clan MacLeod. The Management Council of the Association of Clan MacLeod Societies acclaimed and welcomed Hugh MacLeod as 30th Chief of Clan MacLeod. A copy of this Resolution was sent to Lord Lyon for official approval.  The Lord Lyon gave his official approval and ratified Chief Hugh to become the 30^th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

Chief Hugh has asked us to introduce him to the Clan at large and his biography gives us an insight into his career and interests. To read a biography of Chief Hugh click here. The authorized photography of Chief Hugh was taken by Frederique Feder.

" Dressed to Kilt" fashion show, is the Annual Charity, which "kicks" off the start of Tartan Week in New York City. Top designers showcased their Scottish themed work at the glamorous bash hosted by Sir Sean Connery and Donald Trump. Molding the designs were many famous celebrities from the world of TV, movies, sport, professional models etc.

Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, modeled a Harris Tweed design of MacLeod of Lewis. The tartan was selected by Ivanka because it was her grandmother's tartan - she was Mary MacLeod from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. The designer Sandra Murrey is originally from Lewis and her maiden name is also MacLeod.

Every April Tartan Day honors Americans of Scottish descent who have played an influential role in the United States. The New York City celebrations last for several weeks and includes, The Scottish village in Grand Central Station, 10K run in Central Park, cocktail receptions, football match, ceilidh, Kirkin of the Tartan and many other events. The Tartan Day Parade in New York City is the highlight of the multi-week celebration. On April 14 the largest Tartan Day Parade in the country had thirty five Clan members marched up the Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan.  To read the complete report about the great event Click Here.

The College of Wooster in Ohio is an independent Liberal Arts College founded in 1866. Wooster is known for its colorful Scot Bands (marching and symphonic) wearing the tartan of the dress MacLeod of Lewis. A Scottish uniform was selected because of the Scottish Presbyterian heritage of the College and dress MacLeod was selected because the school colors are yellow and black. The 2007 spring tour came to Chicago this year.  Bill C. MacLeod (Clan MacLeod USA President), John Norman MacLeod (Great Lakes Regional Vice President) and Bill G. MacLeod (Internet Editor) had the privilege of listening to the Symphonic Band. The Concert included Bagpipe and Drum Corps, Highland Dancers and Scot Symphonic Band. We had to opportunity to meet a Clan member, Cameron MacLeod of Portage, Michigan, who is the Section Principal of the Pipe Drummers. To view photos of the College of Wooster band click here. Then to go to the College of Wooster bands web site, click on the following web address  www.wooster.edu/music/band/  to view the story of uniforms and the MacLeod tartan look at the “Uniform” section of their web site.

It is with my deepest regret that I have to inform you, our beloved Chief John MacLeod passed away at age 71. Chief John MacLeod of MacLeod the 29^th Chief of the Clan MacLeod died on February 12^th of leukemia in London. We mourn his death and will always remember and respect Chief John for his accessibility and willingness to accommodate small personal requests including autographs and photographs. He was a good friend and great Chief. For more than thirty years, Chief John led the Clan and looked after Dunvegan Castle, his family's stronghold for 800 years. A photo gallery of pictures of the Chief is available by Clicking Here.

John is survived by his wife Ulrika, son/heir Hugh Magnus, son Stephan and daughter Elena. The funeral took place February 24^th at Duirinish Free Church of Scotland, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye. To view an article about Chief John's funeral Click Here.

Clan members Sherwin (“Solly”) Kader and wife, Priscilla (“Pete”) Kucik of Milwaukee, WI. are enthusiastic fans of Robert Burns’s literature. As part of the Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee they were key persons in the writing and publishing of the book “Mither Wit and Native Fire:The Genius of Robert Burns”.  The book is a collection of essays about Burns and his impact on the people of this mainly Germanic, Midwestern city (Milwaukee). To learn the full story of the book and the Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee Click Here. 

Bob and Sandy McLeod from Darien, Illinois were the Honored Guests at the Assynt Highland Games, Scotland. Part of their great experience was a ride on a charter boat to the Games with the Chieftain and all the other dignitaries and a march through the town (Lochinver) escorted by a pipe band to the event location. The best part of the event, said Bob was the friendliest of the people and the many MacLeods they met. This was the highlight of their two week trip to Scotland which included attending the Clan Macleod Parliament on the Isle of Skye. Durrant and Maysie MacLeod were their local friends that arranged for Bob and Sandy to be honored at the Games. Click Here to view pictures of the Assynt Games   Click Here to read the article written about Bob and Sandy in the local Newspaper.  

Tartan TV provides a global showcase for the best of what Scotland has to offer. It is on the air every week as a half-hour magazine program on over 350 Public Television stations around the USA. Fiona Kennedy (see picture right with William Giles MacLeod) singing star, one of the founders of Tartan TV, and host of Tartan TV, has and will attend The Scottish American Leadership Conference at the Illinois St. Andrews Society. To check availability in your area, go to Tartan TV web site (www.tartan.tv) and click on the “now showing on PBS stations” link. 

Leroy May, Researcher and  Genealogist presents honorarium check that had been given for his excellent presentation at the Bowling Green AGM to the leadership of the Bernards Township, NJ, Library. Mr. May will honor us at the NAG with a repeat performance of "Uncle George?" and additional information that will be interesting to our Canadian MacLeods. Mr. May is a founding member of the Family History Interest Group at the Bernards Township Library in Basking Ridge, NJ.  Pictured  (to left) is Ruth Lufkin, Supervising Reference Librarian  (On the right) is Ann Meany, Library Director. Don't miss Mr. May's "must hear" presentation at the upcoming 2004 NAG in Chicago.  See you all there!!!