30 May 2010
We are delighted to announce the official launch of Mr Milne's excellent book "Scottish Culture & Traditions During the Late 17th and Early 18th Centuries" on Saturday 5th June 2010.
This will take place at 189 Canongate in Edinburgh at 6pm. Mr Milne warmly invites everyone to attend, and wine, food and music will be available on the night.
Please contact Mr Milne if you are unable to attend but would like to purchase a copy of his book.
20 May 2010
Following requests from interested readers, we have now added a Jacobite Timeline to our website. This can be accessed through "The Circle" drop-down menu above.
11 May 2010
We have now created a memorial page for all our departed friends. This can be accessed through the "Our Friends" drop-down menu above.
10 May 2010
A Circle of Gentlemen was greatly saddened to learn tonight of the passing of yet another friend, Kenny MacLeod.
A native of Lewis, but living in Inverness, Kenny was a regular at our 'Lament for Culloden' and much skilled in the Piobroch. We extend our condolences to his loved ones.
He will be missed.
28 April 2010
We are happy to advise that our recent website problems have now been resolved, and as you can see we're back online.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.
20 April 2010
As the dust settles on this year's "Lament for Culloden", A Circle of Gentlemen is now honour bound to admit we got something wrong.
Following a visit to the moor in advance of the Lament on the 13 April, we reported that the NTS had not erected any signs concerning the war graves on the battlefield . However we have since been contacted directly by Deirdre Smyth, General Manager at Culloden, to challenge this statement. And indeed we found one of the signs she mentioned at the exit door of the Trust's new building on Saturday.
We therefore apologise unreservedly to the NTS, but whilst we acknowledge these signs do indeed exists, we still have issues with their placement and appearance. Ms Smyth though has kindly agreed to meet with us to discuss the matter further, and we shall inform on the progress of this meeting in due course.
18 April 2010
Yesterday's "Lament for Culloden" was a huge success and we thank all out guests for making it such a fine event. We hope to have a gallery of pictures added here once the Gentlemen have returned home from Culloden House.
13 April 2010
Unfortunately the National Trust for Scotland has once more not seen fit to respond in person to A Circle of Gentlemen's concerns, and so we have learned this morning from the BBC that they have apparently erected two signs at Culloden: one at the old car park and the other at the rear door of the Centre.
Considering our members visited the moor with the sole intention of locating any signs but never saw any, these appear to be little more than a token gesture of little - if any - practical value. We asked for 2 clear, obvious signs to be erected on both the east and west approaches to the Clan graves, leaving visitors in no doubt what they are about to enter, but the NTS has failed to do so.
We therefore call upon the NTS to remember its duty to act as Guardians of the unfortunate souls who never left the Moor in April 1746. Theirs are war graves, and MUST be properly aknowledged as such, else the NTS will continue to fail misreably in its role as Trustees.
What's worth more: overpriced white cockade bookmarks from the Trust shop, or the bodies of the men off whose backs the NTS continues to profit?
11 April 2010
A Circle of Gentlemen was greatly disturbed and disappointed this afternoon to discover that the signs promised by the National Trust for Scotland on the approach to the war graves at Culloden battlefield advising tourists to respect the area appropriately have not been erected. This comes a full 9 months after our campaign last year which received significant coverage by the national media.
On the 15 July 2009, a Trust spokesman was quoted on the BBC's website saying "this is an issue we are aware of and we are currently having signs made up which explain that the battlefield is a war grave and asking visitors to behave accordingly." The NTS was also quoted in The Times that same day saying they had intended erecting these signs before A Circle of Gentlemen's very public protest. However, a quick inspection at the battlefield this afternoon showed this to be patently untrue, as can be seen in the picture below.
Fortunately no tourists were spotted violating the clan graves on this occasion, but A Circle of Gentlemen now calls upon the NTS to keep its word and have the promised signs erected without further delay. We expect far better from an organisation of the Trust's calibre.
Culloden War Graves Sun 11 April 2010 - NO signs to be seen anywhere
23 March 2010
A Circle of Gentlemen's opposition to the proposed Redcoat monument on Culloden battlefield has now made it onto the BBC's website. A link to it can be found below.
22 March 2010
Our own Mr MacNeill was once again interviewed by Radio Scotland this evening in connection with the proposed Redcoat memorial on Culloden battlefield. It seems A Circle of Gentlemen is on the BBC's radar whenever stories with a Jacobite connection crop up, and we are genuinely flattered.
If an online link to this interview appears after the broadcast, we will pass it on here as usual.
20 March 2010
With our 'Lament for Culloden' less than a month away, A Circle of Gentlemen was interested to learn of this article on the BBC's website regarding calls for a Redcoat monument to be erected on Culloden battlefield.
We would be interested to hear our readers' views on this matter, given the move's potential insensitivity. Do you see this as honouring casualties of war, or celebrating cold blooded murderers? Please feel free to discuss this issue on our forum.
9 March 2010
It's our very sad duty today to announce the passing of Mr Les Elder in the early hours of this morning following a long, brave battle against illness.
As well as being a regular at our Culloden Laments over the years, Les was also Mr Donnachie's father-in-law and a good friend to us all. It goes without saying that our thoughts are with the Elder and Donnachie families at this very sad time.
Gus Am Bris An La.
18 February 2010
A Circle of Gentlemen is pleased to confirm that tickets for this year's 'Lament for Culloden' will remain unchanged from last year's price of £30.
However due to issues which arose last year, we shall unfortunately be using a no-ticket no-entry policy at Culloden House in April, so it is strongly advised that tickets be purchased in advance. Block bookings from other groups and societies are also welcome.
Please contact us to book your tickets, or visit our online forum.
12 January 2010
We were pleased this morning to hear from Mr Marc Horne, the Times journalist responsible for the recent press article which caused such consternation.
Mr Horne explained that his original article had been drastically altered by his editor and several changes made in order to provide the additional spice. Our reputation was therefore needlessly thrown into question for the sake of the paper's political agenda against the present First Minister of Scotland. A Circle of Gentlemen objects strongly to being used as a pawn in someone else's game.
As Mr Horne was gracious enough to call and apologise for his involvement in the saga, we are gracious enough to accept his apology with thanks and no ill will remaining. We now consider the matter closed.
11 January 2010
To everyone celebrating the old Scots custom tonight, A Circle of Gentlemen wishes one and all a very happy new year when it comes!
10 January 2010
This morning, the Sunday Times published an article regarding an individual alleged to be part of several extremist Scottish organisations who had been using our public forum to discuss his various activities.
Normally we would refrain from commenting as our public forum carries a clear disclaimer that any comments posted by non-Circle members are their responsibility and not necessarily views shared by A Circle of Gentlemen. However, the Times journalist, Mr Marc Horne, chose to give his article a needless 'sensationalist' edge, smearing the First Minister of Scotland AND A Circle of Gentlemen in the process.
Why he chose to give his article that particular slant is debatable, but the present political situation in Scotland is a likely factor when writing for a London-based journal. Yet A Circle of Gentlemen has stated clearly both on this website and in numerous publications that we are NOT a Nationalist organisation, nor a political group of any kind. But Mr Horne wrongly referred to our forum as a "nationalist website" and aligned us to a particular hard-line nationalist group by association.
We therefore set the record straight here and now that as a group we have no nationalist leanings - as our membership covers the political spectrum - nor do we have any association whatsoever with racist or extremist organisations. Mr Horne has used a form of literary creative accounting in order to force 2 + 2 to equal 5 for the sake of a sexy headline, which is unfortunate given the Times' reputation as a quality journal.
We await his apology in due course.
31 December 2009
It's been quiet with The Circle this month as we've all prepared for, then enjoyed Christmas with our families and loved ones. Now the year is drawing to a close and Scotland continues to brave everything the Arctic weather can throw at her.
However, as we prepare to celebrate Hogmanay it is also the time to raise a glass in celebration of a certain Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Silvester Severino Maria Stuart, born in Rome on this day 1720.
Teàrlach!
23 November 2009
As some of our regular readers will already be aware, Mr Milne and Mr MacNeill recently became extras in the BBC series A History of Scotland. The past 2 weeks have seen both feature in re-enactments of various events in our country's history, and we've managed to grab a couple of stills for posterity:
Mr Milne as a Jacobite General in Derby (Click the picture to watch Episode 2)
Mr MacNeill as a poor churchgoer in the 1790s (Click the picture to watch Episode 3)
17 November 2009
Some good and bad news to report today.
First the good news: a selection of pictures from Saturday's Sheriffmuir gathering has now been added to the gallery. As ever, we're always happy to get any more.
And now the bad news: Mr Carson decided to tackle Stirling's cobbled streets on Saturday night wearing Ghillie Brogues and suffered a bad slip and fall as a result. He managed to hobble his way back to our lodgings and by the morning his ankle was very swollen and sore. But by yesterday the pain and swelling had intensified, necessitating a trip to A&E where it was discovered he had broken his leg!
It goes without saying that we all wish him a speedy recovery.
16 November 2009
The Gentlemen have all now returned to the 4 corners of Scotland having had an excellent evening in Bridge of Allan on Saturday. Most have returned tired and distinctly emptier in the pocket that when they departed, however all enjoyed the experience and are already looking forward to next year.
Sadly Mr Corby and Mr Rutherford were unable to attend, but the Council and Fellows present wish to compliment Na Fir Dileas for once more raising the quality bar, and thank them enormously for being our gracious hosts. We hope to have some pictures of the event uploaded to the gallery in due course.
12 November 2009
The Sheriffmuir gathering is fast approaching, and the Gentlemen and Fellows will be making their way to Stirling from all parts of Scotland. Our rendezvous will be at the Garfield Guest House in Victoria Square for 12pm, and from there we shall make our way en masse to the moor.
Anyone interested in taking part in the procession to the MacRae's monument should contact us as soon as posible.
5 November 2009
Fans of the BBC's excellent programme "A History of Scotland" will be delighted to learn that series 2 begins this Sunday, 8th November. There is, of course, a direct Circle connection, given that our own Mr Milne and Mr MacNeill were involved in filming several of the Jacobite scenes earlier in the year.
We shall provide BBC iPlayer links as and when they become available in case anyone misses an episode being screened on TV.
3 November 2009
The Circle's presence on the internet took another step forward yesterday with the creation of a new fan page on social networking site Facebook. Click below to access it directly.
15 October 2009
Things have been quite lately, however the Gentlemen are now gearing-up for our good friends Na Fir Dileas' Sheriffmuir commemoration on the 14th November. More details on that to follow.
Furthermore, we've now added some stunning new pictures to the gallery of our trip to Balgonie Castle in August for the initiation of Fellows to the Circle. These have very kindly been provided by the Scotland on Sunday, and are copyrighted accordingly. We hope you appreciate them as much as we do.
Mr Donnachie's quill has finally been reacquainted with his parchment, and his latest diary entry is now available to view. A quick link to it can be found here.
11 September 2009
Mr Milne and Mr MacNeill yesterday completed filming their parts for the upcoming "A History of Scotland" TV series. They had 3 scenes to film: as poor parishioners of the Rev Witherspoon in the 1770s; the arrival of Prince Charles at Glenfinnan; and as two of the prince's generals at the infamous Black Friday meeting in Derby.
A small selection of pictures from the day have now been added to our gallery.
26 August 2009
A Circle of Gentlemen has been invited by the BBC to take part in filming for the second part of Neil Oliver's "A History of Scotland" TV series on 10th September. This is an exciting development and one we look forward to being involved in, particularly as this second part involves the whole Jacobite period.
24 August 2009
Due to continuing difficulties with our forum's hosting company, and no immediate sign of them being resolved, we have created a brand new forum for everyone to use. This can be accessed through the same link on this website, or by clicking here.
Unfortunately this means that all previous subjects have been lost (though they may be transferable when/if the old forum is returned) and also everyone will have to re-join from scratch. This is not an ideal solution, however it's the best we can manage given the present situation. As the new forum is on a .com domain, it's less likely to encounter the same trouble as the old one, so it's most likely we'll just keep it as our permanent forum.
23 August 2009
A Circle of Gentlemen is once more in the public eye, this time courtesy of the Scotland on Sunday newspaper. Their correspondent, Mr Peter Ross, has produced a well-balanced article on the Circle and our friends at Na Fir Dileas in today's issue. Unlike some cheap hacks, Mr Ross has bypassed the easy road of ignorant mocking jibes, and has instead taken time to research and discuss what the Auld Sang means to us as all in a non-confrontational or sarcastic manner. And we thank him for his frankness and honesty.
Click here to view an online version of Mr Ross' piece.
20 August 2009
Many of you will have noticed that The Circle's online forum is still suffering intermittent outages. Unfortunately there is little we can do about this at present as the forum is hosted by another company whose server is causing the problem. A more technical description of this fault is that a Denial of Service (DoS) attack has been made on one of the domains on the server that hosts the .co.uk forums. A DoS attack means that hackers maliciously saturate the target victim machine with so many external communications requests that the server cannot respond to legitimate traffic, or responds so slowly that it is rendered effectively unavailable. Well known sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google Blog were also similarly attacked, but there is NO RISK to any board user's PC.
We can only apologise and thank you for your continuing patience.
12 August 2009
Given the recent increase in our public profile, many questions have been asked about the Circle's view on a variety of controversial subjects.
We therefore put on record that A Circle of Gentlemen is NOT a religious organisation, nor is it a political one, save for our belief in Jacobitism. Those who went before us were persecuted for their beliefs and this is NOT something we wish to perpetuate in today's climate.
Individual members possess their own private beliefs, which in many cases are not shared by others in the Circle. This is no different to any other organisation in Scotland. Collectively we welcome all with an interest in promoting and protecting Scotland's lost heritage, irrespective of their faith or colour.
We hope this helps shed some light on any grey areas.
10 August 2009
As previously mentioned, a small selection of photographs from Saturday's event at Balgonie Castle is now available to view. Simply select from the 'Pictures' menu above.
**FORUM UPDATE**
There is presently an intermittent fault with our forum. Unfortunately this is an issue at the hosting end, and as such is nothing we have any control over until the hosts resolve it. Please keep checking back though to see if matters are back to normal.
9 August 2009
A Circle of Gentlemen would like to publicly thank The Laird of Balgonie and his family for their warm hospitality on Saturday and for allowing the Gentlemen to initiate 6 new Fellows of the Circle in the stunning setting of Balgonie Castle's vaulted chapel. We are therefore pleased and delighted to formally welcome the following new Fellows to the Circle:
Raymond Morris, Laird of Balgonie & Eddergoll
Stuart Morris of Balgonie, the Younger
Calum Anderson, Laird of Cove
Colin Innes, Chief of Na Fir Dileas
Mr Peter Chambers
Mr Paul Power
Mr Ian Logan
The event was extensively covered by the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, though not the initiation ceremony, and we will advise once this has been published. We also hope to have an addition to the photo gallery very soon.
7 August 2009
Due to unforeseen external business, three Council members will be unable to attend tomorrow's initiation of the following new Fellows of the Circle: The Laird of Balgonie, Balgonie the Younger, Anderson of Cove and Peter Chambers. However events will continue as planned, and we look forward to welcoming these gentlemen into our Circle.
2 August 2009
The Gentlemen will be at Balgonie Castle this coming Saturday (8 August) to initiate several new Fellows of the Circle. Details of the ceremony are naturally not made public, however we hope to have pictures of the aftermath early next week. Those interested in becoming Fellows are reminded that this is by invitation only, and so the support of one of the Gentlemen should be sought to request sponsorship for presentation before The Council.
21 July 2009
A small selection of some of the emails we have receied is now available for viewing on our 'Correspondence' page, accessed via the 'Latest' menu above.
20 July 2009
A Circle of Gentlemen would like to thank everyone from around the world who have taken the time and trouble to contact us with messages of support following out recent national press coverage. It's encouraging to know that not only are there so many individuals backing our position regarding Culloden being scheduled as a war grave, but also the level of Jacobitism being displayed.
Who says the Auld Sang will never be heard again?
16 July 2009
The Gentlemen today acknowledge and give thanks to the National Trust for Scotland in their decision to erect signs on the approach to graves at Culloden asking visitors to respect the area accordingly. This is a victory for all who share our philosphy, but more importantly it's a victory for the massed souls buried on that sorrowful moor. At last their sacrifice will receive the respect it deserves from those who may not know better. Some more press articles on the matter can be accessed below:
The Times
BBC Radio Scotland (forward to 02:54:50)
BBC Alba
Press & Journal
The Scotsman
News Sniffer
Daily Express
The Herald
Daily Record
15 July 2009
An article concerning the issue of Culloden's graves being abused by tourists has duly appeared on the BBC's website and can be found by clicking here. Our own Mr MacNeill has also been interviewed live on Radio Scotland's "Good Morning Scotland" show, as well as doing a TV interview for BBC Alba..
It would seem our brief campaign has been a success as the NTS has agreed to erect new signs advising visitors to the Battlefield that the area around the cairn is a war grave. We'll wait to have it confirmed in writing however before claiming a moral victory for the voiceless souls buried on the moor.
14 July 2009
The Gentlemen were greatly disturbed this week to learn that tourists to Culloden Moor, ignorant of the area's sensitivity, have been using the war graves as a picnic area. This is an act of crushing disrespect to the fallen which simply should not be permitted to happen. However it is clear that the National Trust for Scotland, the battlefield's owners, have failed in their obligation to advise visitors that the area is a war grave and should be treated as such, with the appropriate respect.
The Circle is therefore presently campaigning to have the Trust erect suitable signs for the benefit of visitors, making it abundantly clear that they are about to enter a scheduled war grave and instructing them to stick to the path. To put this into perspective, we do not believe that picnics would be tollerated on the Allied graves at Ypres for example.
Readers suitably upset by this issue can give the Trust their thoughts by clicking here.
21 June 2009
The Laird of Cove and Balgonie the Younger have very kindly provided some more pictures from the recent gathering at Balgonie Castle, and these have been added to the new gallery.
19 June 2009
A new album has been added to our 2009 photo gallery.
It covers all non-official Circle events and outings attended by Council members, with last week's trip to Balgonie Castle by Messrs Corby, Milne and MacAskill being the opening entries. We hope to add to it as the year progresses.
15 June 2009
Saturday saw our good friend Calum Anderson of Cove hold a function at Balgonie Castle to celebrate his daughter's birthday. The Gentlemen were invited, but due to work and family commitments only Messrs Milne, Corby and MacAskill were able to attend.
However, each has spoken very highly of the event, and the trio enjoyed themselves immensely. The Circle would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to both Cove and Balgonie for their kindness and hospitality.
4 June 2009
Mr Donnachie is presently in Rome on a pilgrimage to the tomb of James VIII, Henry IX and, of course, Charles III. We hope to have a special picture gallery added to this website on his return, but in the meantime here's a small picture received from Rome this afternoon of Mr Donnachie having just left a bouquet of heather and thistles at the Royal tomb.
25 May 2009
Further new friends have been added to our list of recommended links and we urge all our readers to take a look at these other excellent websites.
We also remind everyone that we'll be happy to add a link to all appropriate organisations and businesses in return for a reciprocal link. Contact the webmaster for more information.
28 April 2009
The Circle of Gentlemen is very sad to announce the passing of our good friend Joe MacKenzie this morning.
Joe, as many of you will know, was the founder of Clann an Drumma and has performed at several of our Culloden Laments. Sadly he was not at this year's event due to his fading health and was greatly missed by all present.
The Gentlemen wish to exress our deep condolences to Joe's wife Maggie, his family and the rest of Clann an Drumma. We will miss him.
22 April 2009
Following our BBC debut after the Lament, interest in The Circle has been incredible! Emails have been received from across the globe praising the return of the drapes to Culloden House. However we've also had several requests to join The Hub. It should be noted that membership of The Hub is not an open arrangement and we cannot accept any requests to join.
Fellows of the Circle are admitted however, but strictly by invitation only and subject to initiation. Please feel free to contact one of the Gentlemen for more information should you wish to be considered.
20 April 2009
Two more press articles worth noting:
19 April 2009
Well, what a weekend!
The Lament went better than we could've been hoped, with an excellent turnout plus quality music courtesy of Schiehallion and Clann an Drumma. The presentation of the Prince's tartan to Culloden House was also something very special with the management at the House being just as thrilled as the audience.
Link to the BBC article regarding the drapes.
The Gentlemen and Na Fir Dileas later made the most of Inverness' nightlife, with more than the odd glance being given by startled bystanders as a pile of Jacobites went marching through the town!
A new gallery will shortly be created with pictures from the event.
17 April 2009
Several Gentlemen are today nursing some sore legs, feet and blisters as they recover from the night march, however all think the experience was well worth the effort. And with the Lament only a day away we're all ready for a well deserved good time. But for the interest of all our readers, here are a couple of press reports from Wednesday night's march:
16 April 2009
Today marks the most sombre day of the Circle's year: the anniversary of Culloden.
Our thoughts wander up onto that desolate moor where the bodies of the brave Jacobite men and boys still lie, cut-down too early by Cumberland's cannons, muskets and bayonets. We think of their sacrifice for the Auld Cause, which as ever is not forgotten.
This morning also marked the completion of Dr Pollard's recreation of the infamous night march to Nairn. He was conducting a living history experiment to see how the troops would have fared that night, and the Circle was well represented in this historic event by Mr Donnachie, Mr Gilmour, Mr Milne, Mr MacAskill and of course Dr Pollard himself. The 'troops' set out at 7pm and returned footsore and fatigued around 4am. We're proud to say all the Gentlemen returned safely, though only half of all those who set out made it back. Perhaps this is what happened exactly 263 years ago in the same place; who knows. We hope to have Dr Pollard's account of 2009's night march available on this website soon.
A weary Dr Pollard arrives back at the Jacobite front line as dawn breaks.
9 April 2009
The "Lament for Culloden" is fast approaching and final preparations are now well underway. Many of you will have attended previous Laments, however for those new to the experience, here's a draft itinery of the day's events:
11:45 - Coach departs Culloden Centre car park for Culloden House.
12:15 - Coach disembarks at the gates of Culloden House as all guests gather.
12:25 - Piper leads the procession to the House.
12:30 - An introduction and formal address of the guests.
Entrance to the House where complimentary wine will be served.
12:45 - Dining and speeches.
13:15 - Music from "Schiehallion".
14:00 - Surprise Guest musicians!
15:15 - The Lament: tributes to the brave and a piped farewell.
15:30 - Coach departs for the Keppoch Inn.
We stress this is only a guide and times may vary, depending on just how much everyone is enjoying the occasion! However we're sure you'll agree it's set to be a day to remember, and The Gentlemen look forward immensely to sharing your company.
28 March 2009
The Circle of Gentlemen would like to extend its wholehearted congratulations to our own Dr Tony Pollard who is tying the knot today with his fiancee Maria. A honeymoon on Skye is planned for later in the day, and we wish them both well and hope everything goes perfectly.
Also, the Forum is presently down but this is a problem at the hosting end and is therefore nothing we can fix ourselves. It's hoped to be restored soon.
27 March 2009
Mr Milne has finally completed the members-only cap badges, and the are truly magnificent! The Gentlemen will be proudly wearing them at Culloden next month. Mr Milne is also willing to accept commissions from other societies but the Circle thanks him enormously for his hard work and effort.
Mr Milne's site can be accessed through the "Our Friends" link above, or by clicking here.
20 March 2009
Dr Pollard is mentioned in the press today in relation to his proposed reconstruction of the Jacobites' failed night march to Cumberland's camp at Nairn on the 15th April 1746. This is something the Circle finds very exciting, especially when one of our own features so prominently in its planning. We hope to have more news on it nearer the time.
The BBC's article can be found by clicking here.
1 March 2009
Fancy a change for your desktop background picture? A new "Downloads" section has been added to the "Pictures" menu above for a Circle of Gentlemen wallpaper. 4 sizes are available which should accomodate most screen resolutions. It's hoped to add further downloadable items in due course as well as a selection of other wallpapers.
A quick link can be found by clicking here.
27 February 2009
Our own Mr Milne has an excellent reputation for his handmade replica Highland wear accessories, including exquisitely carved dirks and sgian dubhs. However, he now has his very own website, and the Circle would urge our readers to visit it, especially if you have a mind on making a quality purchase.
Mr Milne's site can be accessed through the "Our Friends" link above, or by clicking here..
20 February 2009
Two more pictures have now been added to the Sheriffmuir 2008 gallery. With thanks to Mr Milne.
18 February 2009
The Circle's Factor, Mr Paul Moffat, has today requested that for ceremonial purposes he be addressed by his rank, rather than his familiar title. So in honour of his long-standing loyalty and devoted service, he shall henceforth be known as 'Montrose'.
Montrose has further let it be known that he will attend this year's Lament, and we all look forward to seeing him again.
17 February 2009
A new photograph has been added to the Sheriffmuir gallery which is a near-complete group snap of all the Gentlemen. It can be found via the gallery link above, or by clicking here.
With thanks to Mr Jensen.
8 February 2009
Preparations are well underway now for this April's Lament at Culloden House. There will be the traditional fare of speeches, live music and an historical talk, but this year sees the addition of a very special event to the itinerary. We're keeping it under wraps until the day itself, but we assure you all that it'll be well worth the suspense!
More details of the Lament will follow as the 18th of April gets nearer.
25 January 2009
Today we celebrate the life & works of Scotland's National Bard, Mr Robert Burns. Not only was he a gentlemen of letters and brilliant ability, but he was a man who enjoyed many of the world's more base pleasures, and celebrated them accordingly. Were he with us today, he would almost certainly be our 11th Gentleman!
Mr Burns, we join with the rest of the world in bidding you thanks and wishing you a happy birthday.
12 January 2009
Now it's officially 2009 with today the traditional old Scots New Year's Day.
Happy New Year!!!
8 January 2009
Now the other new year has passed, The Circle looks forward to celebrating the original Scots New Year on the 11th January. However for those marking the end of December festival, a very happy new year to you all!
25 December 2008
A Circle of Gentlemen would like to wish each and every one of our visitors a very merry Christmas, and hope the rest of the festive season is just as good to you.
16 December 2008
The Circle has received a warm invitation from Mr Malcolm McNeill to jojn him for a complimentary dram at his establishment in Dunoon, The Sundowner Bar. Malcolm is a member of Na Fir Dileas but shares a family connection with our own Mr MacNeill, so is keen to extend the tradition of Highland hospitality with his gracious offer.
Details of how to find the Sundowner Bar can be found by clicking here, and the Gentlemen wish to thank Malcom for his kindness.
1 December 2008
Our good friends at Schiehallion (regular performers at our annual Culloden Laments) have just released their debut CD, titled "Nae Union". It's a heady mix of 16 songs, ranging from traditional folk tunes to stirring patriotic anthems, and is available now direct from their website. And at only £14.99 it's surely the perfect Christmas gift for any proud Scot! Click on the CD's front cover picture below for more information:
30 November 2008
A Circle of Gentlemen would like to wish each and every visitor to this site a very happy St Andrew's Day. Unfortunately we will be scattered around Scotland today but we'll all be celebrating our National Day individually regardless.
24 November 2008
A Circle of Gentlemen is delighted to announce a new member of The Hub. For time served on the field, and dedication to the cause, Mr Peter MacAskill has been elevated from his position as a Fellow with immediate effect. The Circle warmly welcome him as our 10th Gentleman.
Many congratulations "Heid"!
22 November 2008
The Circle now has its very own online forum, available through "The Gentlemen" menu above (or by clicking here). This forum is open to anyone and all are welcome to register and chew the fat on whatever topics take your fancy. We look forward to hearing from you.
19 November 2008
We had the great pleasure last night to speak to a dear old friend with whom we'd lost contact some years ago. Mr Peter Chambers was a regular at gatherings in the days before The Circle was resurrected, and was famous for hosting his annual 'Burnt Suppers' each February. So in recognition of his services we have duly made Peter a Fellow of the Circle.
He is likely to now attend 2009's Lament so much catching-up will be done. Great to see the fire back in your belly Peter - congratulations!
18 November 2008
Following his fine display at Sheriffmuir this year, The Circle has decided to elevate Mr Michael Corby from his status as a Fellow of the Circle to a full member of The Hub. Mr Corby has not only provided the Gentlemen with an endless stream of wit, anecdotes and wisdom, he was also instrumental in helping procure a very valuable and historical item for The Circle. We will have more on this in due course.
But for the moment we welcome Mr Corby as a Gentleman.
16 November 2008
The Gentlemen and several fellows made their way home to all corners of Scotland today following a hugely enjoyable Sheriffmuir gathering this weekend. Our good friends in Na Fir Dileas certainly pushed the boat out this year with a spectacular event in Bridge of Allan's Royal Hotel.
Firstly there was the torchlit march to the monument up on the moor, which was followed by an excellent meal, speeches and entertainment back down in the hotel. All those present from The Circle were very impressed with the improved event and would like to formally commend Na Fir Dileas on an excellent day's entertainment. We'll be back next year!
Lastly, a few pictures from the event have been added to our gallery but we hope to have more available very soon.
13 November 2008
This Saturday sees a sizeable contingent of Gentlemen and Associates head to The Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan, for Na Fir Dileas' Sheriffmuir commemoration. However this year our own Mr Donnachie has been invited to sit at their top table.
Na Fir Dileas is a well established organization, held in high regard by many in modern Jacobite circles, including ourselves. So The Circle takes Mr Donnachie's invitation as an honoured compliment, particularly in light of the company he will be keeping at the top table. This merely serves to enhance the bond between our own very different, but paradoxically similar groups. We look forward immensely to seeing everyone again on Saturday.
Some minor alterations have been done on the site which not only make it more visibly pleasing but also help it load on various browsers better (ie. Explorer, Firefox, Safari etc). As ever, we invite feedback and correspondence.
Further images have been added to our gallery, this time from Dublin earier in the year when several of the Gentlemen paid the Emerald Isle a visit. Thanks go to Mr Jensen for providing the pictures.
The Circle would like to announce that for loyal services to the Auld Cause, we have today appointed Mr Colin Innes as a Fellow of the Circle. Colin is the Chief of Na Fir Dileas and like ourselves has served the Cause faithfully for many years. In making him a Fellow of the Circle, we duly acknowledge and respect this tireless work.
Congratulations Colin!
The Circle has always believed that having a sense of humour is a very Scottish trait, however it now appears we may have been mistaken. For the Circle has been lambasted on a particular pro-Scottish web forum for publishing the script of Mr Donnachie's spoof letter in the style of Sean Connery, written for the 2008 Lament. Fortunately those present on the day who witnessed its delivery appreciated the joke, but for those suffering from a humour bypass (Mr Connery himself not being in their number) the Circle apologises for any offence caused.
We trust now this will prevent any strongly-worded letters of outrage to the Sunday Post - or heaven forbid, the Peoples' Friend - from damaging the Circle's reputation any further.
The website continues to expand, and a new Circle of gentlemen tartan has been created to serve as a background. It is hoped that in due course this tartan will be transferred from pictorial form to a woven one in the form of a plaid. We have also been informed that Na Fir Dileas' Sherrifmuir event is now sold out, which is excellent news and will no doubt lead to a very enjoyable gathering.
Our good friends at Na Fir Dileas now have tickets on sale for their excellent Sheriffmuir commemoration service & Jacobite ball. This year's event is being held on Saturday 15 November at The Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan, and tickets are available at only £25 each. This includes a full sit-down meal, speeches and entertainment (provided this year by Whiterose and The Tribe).
The Circle of Gentlemen recommend this event highly and we suggest you contact Na Fir Dileas to reserve a ticket as soon as possible, as they're likely to go fast.
In recognition of his many years service to both the Circle of Gentlemen and its predecessor, we are delighted to welcome Mr Colin Rutherford as a new member of the inner circle. This takes our number up to 8, however that is in keeping with the Circle's lineage from the Seven Men of Moidart plus the good Prince himself.
The site is now live and online, though still a work in progress. It will continue to be modified and improved.
The Circle of Gentlemen's website is almost ready to go live and online.