Haste Ye Back!
Our International Clan Gathering finished on Sunday the 14th with a going away brunch followed by a walk on the clan land at Scorrybreac. It’s been a great weekend where old friends have had ‘a craic’ and many new friendships have been made. It looks like the next Gathering will take place in Canada in 2020 and then back to Skye in 2022.
Until then, haste ye back!
Until then, haste ye back!
Raising the flag at Scorrybreac
With the weather not looking too clever for tomorrow we still plan to go ahead with the flag raising at 10.30am. However we have decided to cancel the work party that was due to take place at Scorrybreac in the afternoon.
Commonwealth Games: Skye Nicolson wins boxing gold in memory of her brothers
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Skye Nicolson never met her brothers, who were killed in a car accident before she was born. But on Saturday night both were with her as she claimed boxing gold for Australia.
Nicolson defeated Northern Ireland's Michaela Walsh by split decision to complete one of Australia's fairy tale stories at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, following in the footsteps of her late brother Jamie. Jamie was also a decorated boxer who competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and also won bronze in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland. But at age 22, he and his younger brother Gavin — just 10 years old — were killed in a traffic accident on their way to training in 1994. |
Skye's parents had her after Jamie and Gavin's deaths in an attempt to move on with life.
But every time she fights, it's with boxer Jamie in mind. There's a deep spiritual undercurrent to Nicolson's bouts, having been told before that she has a similar fighting style to her brother.
And after coming out of an extremely testing featherweight final against Walsh, Nicolson said she won with her brothers alongside her.
"I had a little chat to them right before I went in. They were definitely there with me," she said.
"I won that medal for both of us [me and Jamie], so stoked. It's huge, it's massive, I'm just glad it's a gold one.
"I'm a little bit speechless at the moment, but I'm over the moon. Best feeling I've ever felt in my life."
Skye's grandfather Donald John Bruce Nicolson was born in the Kyle of Lochalsh.
But every time she fights, it's with boxer Jamie in mind. There's a deep spiritual undercurrent to Nicolson's bouts, having been told before that she has a similar fighting style to her brother.
And after coming out of an extremely testing featherweight final against Walsh, Nicolson said she won with her brothers alongside her.
"I had a little chat to them right before I went in. They were definitely there with me," she said.
"I won that medal for both of us [me and Jamie], so stoked. It's huge, it's massive, I'm just glad it's a gold one.
"I'm a little bit speechless at the moment, but I'm over the moon. Best feeling I've ever felt in my life."
Skye's grandfather Donald John Bruce Nicolson was born in the Kyle of Lochalsh.
Mark MacNicol's Three Peak Challenge
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My name is Finn MacNicol (that's me in the picture) and for the first week of my life I had breathing difficulties and also an infection. Thanks to the incredible staff at Glasgow's southern general neonatal unit I am now fully recovered.
I wanted to do something to help other sick or premature babies and my dad suggested a fundraiser. So please consider supporting him on his three peak challenge (on 12th June he's climbing the highest mountains in Scotland England and Wales in 24 hours.. Wearing his clan MacNicol tartan). Your contribution will help fund state-of-the-art medical equipment to treat babies transferred to the unit from all over Scotland and the north of England. The new equipment will help deliver the safest and most effective ways of keeping babies alive and giving them the best possible start in life. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/markmacnicol |
International Clan Gathering
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We have no stepped up the preparations and planning for the International Gathering of the Clan MacNeacail, which will take place later in the year. For a full itinerary please click here.
If you intend to travel to the gathering, we really need to know as soon as possible. As you’ll appreciate, we must book transport, food, music, venues and the various other things to make your long weekend on Skye most memorable. To do all this we need to know what numbers will be attending. A list of those who have already confirmed their attendance can be found here. Please email donnie@jans.co.uk with your details. Thank you |
Season's greetings from John & Jenni 19th December 2017
Wishing all our Clan members in Scotland and the rest of the UK a very warm and wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.
We are so much looking forward to seeing you all in October at the International Clan Gathering.
With very best wishes for 2018.
Scorrybreac & Jenni
We are so much looking forward to seeing you all in October at the International Clan Gathering.
With very best wishes for 2018.
Scorrybreac & Jenni
Lowering the flag at Scorrybreac 31st October 2017
With the clocks changing at the weekend, it was time to lower the flag at Scorrybreac for the winter.
Scorrybreac Circular Path Now Open October 2017
We're delighted to announce that the circular path at Scorrybreac is now open. For the last week an abseil team has been working to clear the last of the rock that was in a precarious position since the rockslide. The path itself will need a little work in the future, but is easily passable with care.
Thanks to all who offered to help, to the abseil team and to the general public for their patience while we dealt with the situation.
Thanks to all who offered to help, to the abseil team and to the general public for their patience while we dealt with the situation.
Scorrybreac Circular Path Closed August 2017
On Saturday the 19th of August a major rock fall took place north of the Black Rock on the Scorrybreac headland. This resulted in a significant amount of rock and debris falling from a great height, which covered the path and landed on the shoreline. A low level inspection took place, which resulted in the path being closed and the appropriate signage being put in place. We then carried out an inspection at the top of the ridge where the rock had come loose. We cannot stress enough how unstable this area of rock is and would strongly urge all walkers who are using the path not to pass the signs or fencing, as the area is extremely dangerous.
In the coming days we’ll seek expert advice on how to make the area safe and hopefully open the path as soon as possible.
In the coming days we’ll seek expert advice on how to make the area safe and hopefully open the path as soon as possible.
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The Marathon Man June 2017
Let me introduce 81yo Angus Nicholson from Uist, he started running when he was 49, and his goal of 500 marathons is firmly in his sights! Angus talks to us after completing another Isle of Skye Half Marathon.
Skye voted top place to live in Britain 24th Nov 2016
As well as being a top tourist destination Skye has now been voted the most desirable place to live in Britain.
Nearly 24,000 people surveyed by website Rightmove said that the island with his rugged landscape and fantastic sea views was the dream location for them.
Many of the most desirable places to live in Britain have house prices which are relatively cheap compared with the national average, the study found. The average asking price for a home on Skye is just under £231,000, according to Rightmove - well under the average price tag of a home generally across England and Wales, at £305,670. Pembroke in Wales was also among the most desirable places to live. And with the average asking price for a home there at £169,969, Pembroke is the least expensive place to live on the list of the most desirable areas. But in Salcombe in Devon, which was also among the most desirable places to live, the average asking price for a home is £635,083 - just below the average asking price for a home in London, at £643,838.
Many of those surveyed also dream of setting up home where they can enjoy the views of the Lake District, with Ambleside and Keswick also appearing on the list. Rightmove's research manager Abiola Oni said: "The nation clearly want to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and settle down in some of the most beautiful places around Britain, from as north as the Isle of Skye to as south as the glitzy town of Salcombe. "It's interesting that none of the areas are in the highest priced regions of Britain - London and the South East - likely because the appeal of some of the big cities is the good job options and transport links rather than moving for the amazing scenery."
Nearly 24,000 people surveyed by website Rightmove said that the island with his rugged landscape and fantastic sea views was the dream location for them.
Many of the most desirable places to live in Britain have house prices which are relatively cheap compared with the national average, the study found. The average asking price for a home on Skye is just under £231,000, according to Rightmove - well under the average price tag of a home generally across England and Wales, at £305,670. Pembroke in Wales was also among the most desirable places to live. And with the average asking price for a home there at £169,969, Pembroke is the least expensive place to live on the list of the most desirable areas. But in Salcombe in Devon, which was also among the most desirable places to live, the average asking price for a home is £635,083 - just below the average asking price for a home in London, at £643,838.
Many of those surveyed also dream of setting up home where they can enjoy the views of the Lake District, with Ambleside and Keswick also appearing on the list. Rightmove's research manager Abiola Oni said: "The nation clearly want to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and settle down in some of the most beautiful places around Britain, from as north as the Isle of Skye to as south as the glitzy town of Salcombe. "It's interesting that none of the areas are in the highest priced regions of Britain - London and the South East - likely because the appeal of some of the big cities is the good job options and transport links rather than moving for the amazing scenery."
Lowering the flag at Scorrybreac 31st October 2016
With the clocks changing at the weekend, it's time to lower the flag at Scorrybreac for the winter.
Jan Nicolson gets his 1938 lorry back on the road 18th October 2016
Albion Motors was the prime Scottish Commercial truck manufacturers located in Glasgow Scotland founded in 1899 by Tom Murray and Norman Fulton the works being in South Street Scotstoun within sight of a bustling shipyard industry. The company strap line which demonstrated the faith in the product was Sure as the Sunrise. Both buses and trucks were exported to every corner of the globe, many still giving daily service in Australia, Asia and Malta . The Lorry models had Scottish Names Chieftain, Clansman Claymore Clydesdale and Reiver. A little known fact was that Albion Motors manufactured 24,000 Enfield No 2 revolvers for the British Army during World War 2.
The Nicolson family connection with Albion’s go back many years with Ewen Nicolson (Jan’s father, a lorry driver with the Coop)
Jan’s recent restoration project was a 1938 Albion Flat bed Lorry, amazingly after 78 years Jan is only the 3rd owner. It was purchased in 1938 by a builder in West Calder near Edinburgh then put out to grass some 20 years later and rescued by a Coachbuilder Bill Struthers in 1989. Jan acquired it 17th of August 2015 and has just had it repainted in the livery of Ewen Macrae, Crossal, Skye. It's now loaded for display at shows with 14 Talisker whisky barrels (empty of course).
The Nicolson family connection with Albion’s go back many years with Ewen Nicolson (Jan’s father, a lorry driver with the Coop)
Jan’s recent restoration project was a 1938 Albion Flat bed Lorry, amazingly after 78 years Jan is only the 3rd owner. It was purchased in 1938 by a builder in West Calder near Edinburgh then put out to grass some 20 years later and rescued by a Coachbuilder Bill Struthers in 1989. Jan acquired it 17th of August 2015 and has just had it repainted in the livery of Ewen Macrae, Crossal, Skye. It's now loaded for display at shows with 14 Talisker whisky barrels (empty of course).
The 'John Hurt Nicholson' bench replaced 2nd October 2016
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This summer the Urras Clann Mhicneacail replaced the John H. Nicholson bench at Scorrybreac. Placed close to the cairn in the early 1990s and after many years of Skye weather the bench had deteriorated and become unsafe. Its now been replaced with a bench made from recycled plastic, which will last for many years with no maintenance required. Fortunately the original brass plaque was able to be rescued and transferred to the new bench.
John H. Nicholson was a pioneering contributor to the genealogy of the Nicholsons of Atlanta, as well as an enthusiastic supporter of the early development of the Clan MacNicol Society in North America and worldwide.
Born in 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., he was the youngest of the three Nicholson brothers who along with Burke and Harman played a fundamental role in the renaissance of the Clan during the 1980s.
Long before the availability of on-line research tools like ancestry.com and DNA-databases such as Family Tree DNA, John Nicholson and his two brothers hired the celebrated Scottish genealogist Donald Whyte to conduct an exhaustive genealogical survey of all the parish church records of Scotland to trace their ancestor Duncan Nicholson (previously MacNicol) to the Hebrides in the 1770s. This research eventually led to a successful application to the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Edinburgh for the grant of Scottish Arms to John and his three sons.
During the mid-1980s, John Nicholson corresponded extensively with Murray Nicolson in Massachusetts and provided much support to Murray’s efforts to establish the Clan MacNicol Society first in the U.S.A., then in Canada. John and his relatives hosted our late Chief, Iain MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac and his late wife Pam on their first official visit to North America in 1985, which included a well-remembered stop in Atlanta.
John Nicholson had a successful 32-year career with the iconic Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, beginning with overseas marketing and administrative positions in Germany, Austria, Hawaii and Japan. He went on to serve as Personnel Director, Director of Manpower Planning, and Assistant Secretary of the Company.
Two of John’s sons, R. Burke Nicholson and William "Bill" C. Nicholson are long-time members of the Clan MacNicol Society of North America. Burke has served for many years as Games Commissioner for Georgia, while Bill held the executive positions of Secretary, then President of the Society.
John Muir Award@Scorrybreac 14th September 2106
A group of pupils from Portree High School is forging links with the Clan MacNicol this year to help with conservation tasks at Scorrybreac.
This is a fantastic opportunity to undertake various challenges that underpin the renowned vocational course, the John Muir Award. The John Muir
Award’s ethos is to foster a sense of belonging, care and responsibility towards local environments and to take practical action to protect wild places. (John
Muir, 1838-1914, developed a passion for wild places growing up in the coastal town of Dunbar, near Edinburgh and emigrated to the United States as a young child. He was a conservationist and helped to create the world’s first national park system).
Throughout the year the pupils will be working alongside Donnie Nicolson and the local Countryside Ranger to learn how to maintain and clear pathways, dig drainage, clearing vegetation, control invasive species, etc. The pupils will also learn about the history and heritage of the area.
At the end of the course the pupils will hold an awards ceremony and presentation to which family members, members of the public and the local newspaper will be invited. They also plan to exhibit their achievements in an exhibition at Portree High School Public Library.
Nikki Cannon (Teacher/Course Leader).
This is a fantastic opportunity to undertake various challenges that underpin the renowned vocational course, the John Muir Award. The John Muir
Award’s ethos is to foster a sense of belonging, care and responsibility towards local environments and to take practical action to protect wild places. (John
Muir, 1838-1914, developed a passion for wild places growing up in the coastal town of Dunbar, near Edinburgh and emigrated to the United States as a young child. He was a conservationist and helped to create the world’s first national park system).
Throughout the year the pupils will be working alongside Donnie Nicolson and the local Countryside Ranger to learn how to maintain and clear pathways, dig drainage, clearing vegetation, control invasive species, etc. The pupils will also learn about the history and heritage of the area.
At the end of the course the pupils will hold an awards ceremony and presentation to which family members, members of the public and the local newspaper will be invited. They also plan to exhibit their achievements in an exhibition at Portree High School Public Library.
Nikki Cannon (Teacher/Course Leader).
Portree Sailing Club upgrade their Scorrybreac
boat house 5th September 2016
In July Skye Sailing Club finished the upgrade of their facilities and equipment at Scorrybreac. There is now a refurbished boat shed and clubhouse with teaching and conference room. On the foreshore a new fleet of dinghies will enhance the Club's training opportunities in sailing, rowing and power boating. In addition to the Club's usual summer evening sailing sessions and summer sailing school they will be adding weekend dinghy sailing and rowing which will extend into the winter when weather allows.
Urras Clann MhicNeacail & the Skeabost Community Councilworking in partnership August 2016
The ancient site of Eilean Chaluim Chille (St. Columba's Isle) is located in Skeabost, at the head of Loch Snizort, approximately 5 miles from Portree. The site is not only a sacred burial ground, but was also a major ecclesiastical centre on the Isle of Skye, and the seat of the Bishop of the Isles from the 10th up to the 16th century. According to tradition twenty-eight chiefs of the MacNicols or Nicolsons lie buried in holy ground on St. Columba's Isle. This seems to indicate the important role that the MacNicol clan played in the life of the Church, and the trust the Church placed in the chiefs of Clan MacNicol. Last summer a fence was damaged by cattle in the next croft, which gave the animals a point of entry into the cemetery. This caused slight damage to the ground, so it was decided that action had to be taken to protect the immensely important piece of ground. Donnie Nicolson, on behalf of the Urras Clann MhicNeacail approached the Skeabost Community Council about suggested the two organisation pull together to do some repairs. Skeabost CC were only to happy to help and willingly supplied all he labour, while the trust contributed to the cost of the materials.
The flag pole returns
10th May 2016
The flag pole at Scorrybreac getting put back into position this morning after a coat of paint. Its glorious weather in Portree at the moment, better than the snow we had last week!
The flag pole at Scorrybreac getting put back into position this morning after a coat of paint. Its glorious weather in Portree at the moment, better than the snow we had last week!
The power of social media
A stunning picture take by Graham Brashaw from the top of Ben Tianavaig at the weekend, overlooking Scorrybreac and the Sound of Raasay.
This was the post that was made on our Facebook page in February. What followed highlighted the power and reach that social media now has. When we shared the picture it had been liked 15 times by various admires. What followed was the picture getting shared and viewed all round the world, to the delight of Graham. When we last checked, it had been view over 25,000 times.
This was the post that was made on our Facebook page in February. What followed highlighted the power and reach that social media now has. When we shared the picture it had been liked 15 times by various admires. What followed was the picture getting shared and viewed all round the world, to the delight of Graham. When we last checked, it had been view over 25,000 times.
Time for a coat of paint April 2016
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We recently took down the flag pole from Scorrybreac for some much needed care and repair. After being removed, it was stored indoors to give the wood time to dry out. As you can imaging it rains now and again here on Skye, so the wood is a little damp! It will then get a couple of coats of paint, some new rope and cleat, and then returned back to Scorry, where the St Andrews Cross will fly on it once again.
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2016 International Clan MacNicol Gathering in St. Augustine, Florida October 6-9 2016
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Clan MacNicol Society of North America cordially invites Clan members from all over the world as well as their relatives and friends to the 2016 International Gathering from Thursday evening, Oct 6 2016 to Sunday Evening, October 9 2016 in St. Augustine, Florida. This will be a biennial Gathering with the participation of our Clan Chief, John MacNeacail of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac and his wife Jenni who will be joining us from Australia along with their son Luke and daughter-in-law Kate and their children, and their son Adam and daughter-in-law Natalie. The gathering will be hosted by Cliff and Claudia Wolf and the North American Society Directors.
More information can be found here. |
Lest we forget
10th November 2015
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On Sunday at 11am the country will stop for two minutes to remember those that have fallen in conflict.
Murdo Nicolson, BEM, was born in Bayfield in Portree and lived in the town until he left to join the Marine Commandos during WWII. After the war, he spent several years at sea, then joined the Highland Light Infantry, where he rose to the rank of Colour Sergeant-Major. Over his 25 years in the regiment he served in many countries. Murdo was fiercely proud of the Clan’s purchase of the land of Ben Chracaig, and worked on it tirelessly until his untimely death in 1997. He built the cairn at Scorrybreac, and also built the well in memory of his uncle and all those who fell in service of their country. Today we place a remembrance cross at Murdo’s well. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Robert Laurence Binyon - "For the Fallen" |
A clan ceilidh to mark the end of the summer
25th October 2015
A great time was had by all at our recent ceilidh here in Portree.
The Cast Ewe Ceilidh band supplied the tunes to keep the dance floor busy, while the boys from the Portree RNLI made sure our glasses were never empty for long.
Dancing, laughter, music and a dram, the perfect ingredients for a good night!
The Cast Ewe Ceilidh band supplied the tunes to keep the dance floor busy, while the boys from the Portree RNLI made sure our glasses were never empty for long.
Dancing, laughter, music and a dram, the perfect ingredients for a good night!
Flying the flag at Scorrybreac 26thJune 2015
Welcome to our new website which will grow over the coming months. We hope to keep you up to date with things going on here in Portree on the Isle of Skye, the ancestral home of the Clan MacNicol.
To mark the mid-summer we decided to raise the flag over at Scorrybreac for the rest of the summer. And then at the end of October to mark the end of the summer and the change of the clocks, we’ll take the flag down for the winter. To coincide with this we are planning to hold a ceilidh here in Portree at the Skye Gathering hall. Any excuse to getting the dancing shoes on and enjoy a social dram!
To mark the mid-summer we decided to raise the flag over at Scorrybreac for the rest of the summer. And then at the end of October to mark the end of the summer and the change of the clocks, we’ll take the flag down for the winter. To coincide with this we are planning to hold a ceilidh here in Portree at the Skye Gathering hall. Any excuse to getting the dancing shoes on and enjoy a social dram!