We are always keen to learn how relatively new overseas
members of the Society progress from applying for membership
to the perhaps daunting experience of attending a
formal Clan Gathering in Scotland. One such member is Carrie
Trygstad from the USA who recounts her experience below.
My Path to Glenshee
*****
I had always heard (in my mostly Scandinavian family)
that we were part Scottish, though it wasn’t until recently
that I found the story behind my Scottish ancestry.
At the Gathering
I discovered that one of my ancestors was a Scotsman who was
captured by Cromwell’s forces. He was eventually sent to the
new colonies as a prisoner of war, and the ship’s log listed
his name as David Macomie. By the grace of God, he
survived and I am in the 12th generation of his
descendants!
***** In 2012, I
sought out the MacThomas clan at the Minnesota Scottish
Games. Cathy McCombs Ludemann and her husband Gerry were
very welcoming, sharing Cathy’s wonderful shortbread
and stories of the Clan MacThomas. They encouraged
me to think about the Jubilee that was going to be held
Scotland in August of 2014. At the time it seemed a
long, long way away!
***** The more I
thought about it, the more I thought it would be fun to attend
the Jubilee. As the time drew nearer, I decided to go
for it, even though I would be travelling alone and would only
have met two people (Cathy and Gerry) before arriving at
Pitlochry, a town whose name I could not even begin to
pronounce! The travel advice I got from Robin Thoms and Jon
Hedges was what tipped me towards making the final decision to
attend,
*****
As it turns out, public transportation in Scotland is
extremely user friendly – the most difficult part was climbing
the stairs to cross the bridge at the Pitlochry train station
with heavy bags. Scotland’s Hotel was
charming and the food was outstanding, not to mention the
whisky…
*****
The best part, of course, were the wonderful people I
met. I was genuinely sad to leave when the weekend was
over. The Jubilee was great fun, and truly a trip of a
lifetime!
*****
Carrie TrygstadWe are delighted that you
enjoyed your first Gathering and hope that you are
able to come again in the fuure. But Carrie, you should have
read the travel advice on this website - it explained how
to avoid those dreadful steps at Pitlochry
station!! Wm.
