Good Morning:
My name is Dennis Ryan. Of Irish descent yes, however, my Scottish connections are through my grandparents with the following surnames- McDonald of Arisaig, McKinnon of Barra and McLean of Moidart, Scotland. I reside in Pictou, Nova Scotia, the birthplace of New Scotland. Writing in my capacity as a private citizen, the purpose of my communication, is to learn more about clan gatherings. As you may know, there is a replica of the Ship Hector sitting in Pictou Harbour( photos attached). The Ship and the Hector Quay are both in danger of disappearing because of deterioration, due mostly to lack of use. Apparently more than $.5M is required to save these Scottish immigration landmarks, money which neither the small town of Pictou nor the Ship Hector Foundation has access to. The Foundation is currently looking for ideas that could raise this kind of financial support, and I suggested that the Town and/or the Foundation or both promote a Gathering of the Clans in Support of the Hector. Should they decide to pursue this initiative, I expect to be called upon to help in the organization of such an event and, I am hoping to gain insight into the process of how one goes about calling for a gathering of the clans, and as you are organizing a gathering for 2010, I am asking your assistance on how I would Do this for the Hector, or alternatively how I might get Pictou and the Quay scheduled as points of interest for clan gatherings already in progress, such as yours. As you will see from the attached photos, the Replica is a beautiful example of Scottish Heritage that belongs to every Scottish family in Nova Scotia. Pictou County which consists of 5 major towns(New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville) and numerous villages, offers excellent accommodations, dining facilities and some of the finest sandy beaches in the Province, not to mention the local Lobster season which opens in this Area MAY 1st. Pictou offers the Annual Lobster Carnival, held in mid-summer. As well, the County is only a stones throw from Antigonish and its Annual Highland games. Specific questions I have are as follows:
Who must authorize a call for a gathering of the Clans?
What Lead-in Time is required to organize a gathering?
Where does one Promote a gathering?
What up front financial outlay would a gathering require?
Would it be reasonable to assess each attendee a small donation to go toward saving the Hector?
Would you consider such an assessment be included in your upcoming gathering?
What number of Attendees would be a reasonable expectation?
Is billeting an acceptable form of providing accommodation?
What other aspects of a gathering ought to be considered?
Thank you for taking the time to read my correspondence. Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
I look forward with excitement to your reply.
Kindest regards, and may the Good Lord bless your upcoming International Gathering of the Clans in 2010.
Dennis Ryan
