Sinclair 2000: A Personal View by Malcolm Caithness

Tuesday 25th July

Some of us - David and Gloria Bouschor; Bud Bouschor, Donald and Mary Sinclair, Amy and Andrew Sinclair, Alice, Martin and Marc Miller, Mary Allan, Tony and Anna Sinclair, Lena and Mats Lofstrom, Denise Fiennes, Iona, Berrie and me - had met the day before to go up the London Eye. Mary Selver wisely waited below as she thought the vertigo would be too much for her. However today was the true start of the Gathering.

In the morning those Commissioners that could attend the press launch of Andrew Sinclair's film The Secret Scroll at BAFTA in Piccadilly did so. Not as many press were there as I had hoped but it had been well trailed and written about the previous weekend so it was not "new". Andrew was delighted with how it went and he is generously going to share the profits with the Clan Sinclair Trust.

Denise Fiennes and Lorraine Verra not only organised BAFTA but the reception desks in the Central Park and Paragon Hotels where everyone was given their packs with instructions, tickets, labels and brochures and the labels for the UK contingent at the Lords.

In the evening the House of Lords Reception marked the official launch of the Gathering. The receiving line consisted of John and Marion Thurso, Berrie and me. The moment of truth - have they stayed at home? Did they make it? They are here!! Two years of planning reaches fruition.

It was lovely to see some old friends; put faces to people whose names I recognised and to meet everyone. Over 215 were there although there was a "travelling core" of 163 and it was good to have so many of my family and relations there. The weather was kind and the Terrace was well used.

Lord Reay, chief of Clan Mackay, was there as was Baroness Masham in her wheel chair so she had a good talk with Annette Smith from Australia. Lord Crathorne took the official photographs.

Just as I was preparing to make the speech of welcome the Division Bell rang which was an interesting experience and gave everyone a small insight into our political system. After voting I returned to make a few welcoming remarks and to think of those who would have loved to be with us but couldn't for various reasons. Time to chat to people but before I knew it, it was time to finish, as it was 8.30. It all went so quickly but I had really enjoyed it and if the others had we were off to a good start. Back home to pack and get organised for tomorrow.

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