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Clan MacLeod Society of Australia (South Australia) Inc.

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The Story of 50 years of a Clan Society, 1957 - 2007

Clan MacLeod Society in South Australia

South Australia 1957

Dame Flora MacLeod toured extensively in 1954 and was enthusiastically greeted by MacLeods and Scots of various Clans. Other states and countries began to rally to the call and form local Clan MacLeod Societies but South Australia didn’t find the confidence to proceed until Dame Flora travelled again to encourage and support the fledgling groups.

For her second visit here in October 1957, local MacLeods and sept families were mailed with invitations to attend functions to see their Clan Chief and were asked if they would be interested in forming a Clan Society.

The series of social engagements was a triumph and the month after Dame Flora departed, a meeting was held at the home of Jack and Muriel McLeod, 49 Brandreth Street, Tusmore, on 22 November 1957 to resolve to form a Clan MacLeod Society of South Australia.

McLeod Society Formed In S.A.

'The Clan McLeod Society of SA was formed in Adelaide last night.

Vice-president of the society (Mr. F. McLeod) said 60 of SA McLeods met at the home of J.R. McLeod, of Brandreth avenue Tusmore – who was elected secretary – to form the society at the express wish of Dame Flora McLeod, who re-visited Adelaide about a month ago.

He said Mr. D.B. McLeod, of Blythe street, Parkside, had been elected president.'

(The Adelaide Advertiser 23 Nov. 1957) (sic)

1958 'It was the first time in the history of our State that a Scottish Clan Society was formed and we are still the only Scottish Clan with a branch in South Australia.” NSW Society held the annual “MacLeod Week.'

The first year’s social activities for the group were a picnic at the Willows Oval, Belair National Park, 'Hot water will be available so bring your hampers and tea-pots. Transport will be provided from the train', and also a ceilidh (featuring:- piping, highland dancing, a talk and coloured films of Skye) at Druids Hall, Barton Tce. It was the standard programme for the next few years. Membership increased from 25 to 47 families and subscriptions were £1.

A sign of the difficulties yet to be experienced by this society and others, is in a letter from Norman MacLeod Ontario Canada - 'I am busy contacting our 10 Canadian Societies stretched over almost 4,000 miles, trying to get delegates to go to next summer’s (Clan) Parliament'. The tyranny of distance is ever an obstacle in this country and the Highland Scots went to every corner of it. Then, and now, communication and a sense of connection is important for regional and elderly members.

November 1954, first visit to Australia, Clan Chief, Dame Flora MacLeod presented at the Royal Caledonian Society,. George MacLeod is behind Dame Flora.