One of the last known feuds between two Scottish clans was brought to life in dramatic style at a Highland Perthshire gathering on Sunday.
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Around 150 members of Clan MacThomas assembled for a show of strength at Clach na Coileach – known as the Cockstane – near Glenshee.
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They travelled from as far afield as Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Norway and America, as well as parts of the UK.
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Fresh from an appearance at the Edinburgh Tattoo last week, the clan got together for a weekend of events including a tour of clan territory, genealogy research and a special feast in Pitlochry hosted by 19th chief Andrew MacThomas of Finegand.
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The gatherings are held every three years.
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There was also a spectacular re-enactment of one of the clan’s darkest chapters, a 1673 clash with the Farquharsons.
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The families fought over disputed grazing rights in upper Glenisla. Farquharson of Broughdearg was killed in the skirmish, as was two sons of chief Iain Mor MacThomas.
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The lawsuits that followed the battle crippled the head of the MacThomas clan and when he died three years later, his remaining sons were forced to sell up the family land. Afterwards, the clan began to drift apart.
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Re-enactments were performed by members of the Earl of Loudon’s Regiment of Foote under the direction of their commanding officer Rab Taylor.

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An on line version of this article appeared on the Courier website and can be viewed by clicking here. There was also a link to the article on the Courier's Twitter feed.

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Mary Grundberg, the clan’s European secretary, said: “The gathering is always a memorable get together with clansfolk coming from all over the world. This year is extra special with the opportunity of taking part in the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.”

According to the society’s research Tomaidh Mor “Great Tommy”, from whom the clan takes its name, lived in the 15th Century in Glenshee.

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The seventh chief extended the clan’s land into glens Begg, Prosen and 
Strathardle and he purchased the Barony of Forter in Glenisla.

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A further item about the re-enactments appeared on Tuesday 29th August. References to the Clan are highlighted.

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The busy Highland Games calendar continue this weekend with events across Perthshire.

Crowds flocked to games at Birnam on Saturday.

The show, featuring a packed programme of piping, dancing, cycling and running, has been a local favourite since its launch in 1864.

For many, the big draw was the World Haggis Eating Competition which was won by Lee Goodfellow – a previous winner who has regained his title, taking it for the fifth time.

Also on Saturday, the Strathardle Highland Gathering and Agricultural Show took place at Bannerfield, Kirkmichael.

Games Chieftain Sir Michael Nairn said the event was again very well supported with several thousand spectators enjoying the many attractions.

Local heavyweight games were held before the traditional march into Bannerfield led by Sir Michael, and Coupar Angus Pipe Band, as well as members of the Clan MacThomas Pipe Band and the Ems Highlander Pipes and Drums from Germany.

The Bannerfield Standard was carried by Alec Rattray, vice-president, and the Clan MacThomas Standard by Chris Pye, acting bannerman.

The afternoon programme of competitions and entertainment included Highland dancing, heavyweight events, and races for children and young adults. Other attractions included a parade around the arena by vintage tractors and cars and the pipes and drums.

On Sunday, there was more fun at the fourth biennial Glencarse Games.

Among the big draws was a dog show, assault course for children and an egg throwing contest.

Results will appear in tomorrow’s edition.

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The same article appeared on the Courier website and can be viewed by clicking here.

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