Macleod South Australia Macleod society macleod society south australia clan macleod south australia

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 1994

In 1994 we read a report of 1000 attending the Robbie Burns March, from Hindmarsh Square Adelaide to his Statue and to the Town Hall for a concert.

20 MacLeods attended the Scots Cronies. Over the next few years the passing of the Clan Society’s Foundation members recalls names familiar to us: Meg and Donald S McLeod, Jack McLeod, and Douglas B. McLeod, and Sydney’s Bruce McLeod, all of whom were so instrumental in the formation and continuation of this Clan Society.

Finances were up to $249 and rising.

Bob Miller, Secretary, astutely wrote:-

'Until recently, the existence of this branch has been almost solely dependent on those who founded it in 1957. Continuance into the 21st Century of a Scottish society outside Scotland is an interesting issue. Until now the maintenance of such societies in Australia has been due to immigration and that most of us, are not that far removed, historically, from the generation of Scots who were the first settlers. This close association with a people renowned for their courage, determination and distinctive culture created an awareness and a pride in being of Scottish heritage. Romantic as my notion may appear, I contend that it is this pride which induced many of us to become members of a Scottish Society.

Whether such pride and the affiliations it nurtures remains in our society, will depend on the willingness of future generations to maintaining the cultural association, and interest generated within family groups or by the efforts of Scottish societies.

I believe that our Clan Society will need to work harder in the future to maintain its existence. As a branch we need to be considering not only those social activities aimed at encouraging and maintaining the kinship, but also strategies that will foster new membership.'

In 1996 another mail-out returned 8 new families. Some were families whose parents or grandparents were original members and responded to this renewed contact. Some early sentiment must have been implanted as a catalyst for their response. With Don ageing, the energy of the Society came from Bob Miller, Fraser McAskill and Merawyn Hocking.

In 1999 it was the Bendigo Goldfields Gathering, the first world gathering opportunity outside Scotland. The appearance of 500 MacLeods from all over the world and especially Australia, lifted the Societies. Enthusiastic new members like Isobel Clasohm and Lorraine Gibson, Rachel McInnes, among many others, helped the momentum of activity to continue. The membership was at 50 families, not achieved since 1960-61.

President Fraser McAskill organized an historical MacLeod and McAskill Cemetery tour of the Mid-North area of Jamestown and Clare, and a dazzling Clan Banner was crafted for the increasing public events.