YES, WE'LL GATHER BY THE CASTLE FRIDAY 22 JUNE - SUNDAY 24 JUNE: These are the dates for the Gathering at Hunterston Casltle. It will be an outstanding event with Hunters journeying to our historic Clan Seat from all over the world, including a 60-strong contingent from the USA and Canada. It will also be notable for the official unveiling by Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston and of that Ilk, our Clan Leader, of the newly restored and renovated Castle. This repair and refurbishment became possible solely through the interest and donations of Clan Members here and abroad and we hope that many or our Clan Hunter Association UK members will be able to attend to witness this momentous event and enjoy the proceedings in the company of their kinfolk from all around the globe. You'll find further details in Madam Pauline's column on Page 1 and we hope to find you at Hunterston in June.

*   Burns Night Supper   *

I want to take this opportunity to thank Madam Pauline our Clan Leader, and all those members who took the time to attend our latest Clan Hunter Association event, a Burns Night at the Dryfesdale Hotel in Locherbie on 27 January, especially those who had to travel a long way for the evening. Writes Anne S. Hunter, Membership Secretary. As this was my first attempt at organising an event for the Association, I have to tell you I was pretty nervous. So many thoughts ran through my head as the event drew closer. Would the hotel be OK? Would the entertainment thrill and delight? And - worst of all - Would anyone turn up? I needn't have worried. The Dryfesdale Hotel, a beautifully converted and extended former manse set in five acres of scenic grounds, surpassed all

our expectations. The evening began with a sumptuous meal of outstanding quality in the impressive dining room, during which we were entertained by a three-piece band, and then afterwards the fun really commenced. We had the addressing of the Haggis and then a mixture of some Burns poetry and dancing. Everybody greatly enjoyed watching our Clan Officer's wife, Ellen, demonstrating her version of Strip The Willow. There were some good moves in there, Ellen ! The night was rounded off with fireworks and Auld Lang Syne. I think that I can truly say the whole occasion was an unqualified success and will be added to our calendar of annual events. Once again I thank all those who attended and I look forward to seeing more of you next year.

* Visit by Clan Muirhead Leader * Raymond Morehead, President of Clan Muirhead USA, will visit Madam Pauline Hunter, our Clan Leader, at Hunterston on 19 May, writes Robert Hunter, Clan Officer. Our Chief is looking forward to this meeting as there has been considerable communication between her and Raymond since he asked Clan Hunter to lay a wreath on behalf of Clan Muirhead USA at the Flodden Commemoration, a task she was pleased to perform. Also, Clan Forrester has invited Clan Hunter to join them for a commemoration ceremony at Bannockburn on 25 June. This is the day after the Hunter Gathering ends and perhaps some of you would like to attend to mark a triumphant feat of Scottish arms led by Robert the Bruce over the Auld Enemy in 1314.