The 2023 Gathering of the Clan Hannay Society will take place on 26-28th May and will be followed immediately by a special Scotch-Irish / Ulster Scots Historical and Cultural Trip to Kilkeel, Co. Down, N. Ireland from the 29-30th May for those of you interested in understanding your north Irish clan ancestors. As part of the tour an Ulster Scots Clan Hannay Dinner and Irish Clan Hannay Town Hall Meeting will be held in Kilkeel on the 29th May. Each event can be booked separately.
2023 Clan Gathering
A full program of events is planned, to include a reception in Sorbie Tower, the AGM of the Clan Hannay Society, a Dinner Dance and Clan games. Tickets are now available (please log in to view) and a full timetable of events can be seen further down this post.
The 2023 Gathering includes a repeat of the hugely successful reception at Sorbie Tower, which is a rare chance for members and their guests to see the tower by candlelight and with fires lit. The traditional elements of Piping in the Colours at Sorbie Tower, led by Clan Piper, David Hanna, a Dinner Dance on Saturday evening, along with a picnic and Clan games on Sunday also feature over the weekend.
The Creebridge House Hotel in Newton Stewart is the venue for the Saturday night Dinner Dance, which will feature a traditional ceilidh along with a raffle and auction to raise money for the Tower Restoration Fund (donation of prizes very welcome, bring them along or contact the Clan Convenor).
On Sunday the grounds of Sorbie Tower will be the venue for a family picnic with Clan games. Bring your own food, drink and picnic rug, and simply enjoy the afternoon with other Clan members, or take part in the Clan games. There will be informal games such as badminton, horseshoes etc for all, and plenty of opportunity for children to burn off some excess energy! If you would like to donate a game, or funds to buy a game, to be kept at the Tower, then please contact the Clan Convenor.
The timetable for the Gathering is:
Friday 26th May
19:00 hrs. Reception at Sorbie Tower. Tickets £15 per person including wine (or soft drink) and nibbles. A chance to see the Tower by candlelight. Clan members and their guests welcome.
Saturday 27th May
10.30 hrs for 11.00 hrs. AGM. Garlieston Village Hall. Clan members and their guests welcome. Free of charge, no ticket required.
13.00 hrs. Buffet lunch following AGM. Tickets £15 per person. Clan members and their guests welcome.
15.00 hrs. Piping in the Colours at Sorbie Tower. Free of charge, no ticket required, all welcome.
18.30 hrs for 19.00 hrs prompt. Clan Dinner Dance at the Creebridge House Hotel, Newton Stewart. Tickets £30 per adult, £15 per child up to 12 years. Please note that under 12s will receive a child’s portion dinner. Clan members and their guests welcome.
Sunday 28th May
12.00 hrs onwards. Picnic with Clan games at Sorbie Tower. Bring your own picnic and watch or take part in the Clan games, which are open to all, adults and children. Free of charge, no ticket required, all welcome.
Accommodation
The Creebridge House Hotel is offering a special Bed and Breakfast rate for Clan members of £60 per night for a single room, and £80 per night for a double or twin room, if booked directly with the hotel before May 1st.
For information on accommodation, transport, places to eat and visitor attractions, go to the Visit Scotland website.
Some camping will be available on site. Contact Stephen Hanna to arrange this as space will be limited.