Mugdock Country Park welcomed the North American Society of Clan Graham in July 2023. The visit, which included a day at Mugdock Castle and a ceilidh in Stirling, was hosted jointly by the Park’s joint Management Committee and Mugdock Trust. A buffet lunch in Mugdock Castle was followed by Scottish songs by a Country Park Ranger and a sword demonstration by Saorsa Swords. The ceilidh at Stirling Highland Hotel included whisky tasting and singing by the Trust’s own Karine Davison, which was very well attended.
The proud clan members from across the Atlantic previously visited Mugdock Country Park in 2015 and 2017 and had planned to return in 2020, but their visit was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The members of the society – from America and Canada – fundraise to support developments of the castle and the generous guests brought with them a cheque for £5,000 for the Mugdock Trust. The money will be used for the upkeep and development of Mugdock Castle – which includes the Graham room, itself funded by the clan.
‘The visitors enjoy re-creating a Highland charge’
Hard-working colleagues at the park went the extra mile to make the guests feel at home, supported by East Dunbartonshire Council. They delivered a programme of Scottish themed activities which included Scottish music performed by Countryside Ranger, Stuart MacFarlane, and a Highland charge, sword fighting and kilt demonstration by Saorsa Swords. The visitors were also served lunch at the Castle and were able to spend time in the south-west Tower and Castle grounds.
The following day (Monday 4 July) the Clan and members of Mugdock Joint Management Committee and Mugdock Trust enjoyed a meal and ceilidh at Stirling Highland Hotel, where guests were invited to take part in whisky tasting and Scottish singing.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets which oversees the running of Mugdock Country Park said, “As the ancient seat of Clan Graham, it is a great honour to welcome the Clan Graham Society of North America to Mugdock Castle as part of their visit to key sites associated with the clan. Staff and volunteers at Mugdock pulled out all the stops to ensure the society enjoyed a memorable visit – providing traditional music, activities and food and drink.
He continued, “We are extremely grateful to the Clan Graham Society of North America for all the work they do in fundraising for Mugdock Castle. Once again they have donated a significant sum of money which will help to support developments of this historic site that local residents and tourists alike can enjoy all year round.”
Ian Boardley, Chair of Mugdock Trust, said, “Visits from the Clan Graham are always welcome and it is a great opportunity for the clan members to see the good use being made of their funds. We look forward to their next visit in 2025.”
Representatives from the Clan Graham Society of North America with members of the Joint Management Committee and Mugdock Trust. From left to right: Karine Davison, Donald Shankland, Robby Kelly, Cllr McGarvey, Bob Nethery, Cllr Gibbons and Richard Graham.