MacFarlane’s Lantern Newsletter of the Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~No.127 September 2013 Website:

Alexander MacFarlaneMerchant. Jamaica

(Sic)"His Honour Judge MacFarlane, Alexander MacFarlane, Scotland, and died unmarried on 23 August 1755 at Kingston on the Isle of Jamaica. He attended the University of Glasgow and became a merchant and planter in Jamaica where he was a member of the legislative assembly and a judge. On 4 November 1735 he became Postmaster General of Jamaica on a deputation from Alexander Spottiswoode, Postmaster General of all of H.M.'s Dominions in America (a relation of Alexander's mother's second husband, John Spottiswoode of that Ilk). A mand an astronomer he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. At his death he left his plantation Large Island on Jamaica to his brothers and his scientific instruments to his alma mater. The instruments were installed in the university's first

(Sic) “Alexander had been to Glasgow University and was well educated. Being a good mathematician he became interested in astronomy. In the pursuit of this interest he acquired some valuable instruments, which in his will he left to his university. They were repaired and set up by his celebrated relative, James Watt, in the University Observatory on Dove Hill (?) which was named after MacFarlane. In his work as a trader in Jamaica

MacFarlane’s Lantern

Newsletter of the Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2013 Website: http://www.clanmacfarlane.org.au

Alexander MacFarlane, F.R.S.Merchant. Jamaica

Portrait by John Vanderbank

"His Honour Judge MacFarlane, Alexander MacFarlane, F.R.S., who was born circa 1703 in

Scotland, and died unmarried on 23 August 1755 at Kingston on the Isle of Jamaica. He attended the University of Glasgow and became a merchant and planter in Jamaica where he was a member of the

judge. On 4 November 1735 he became Postmaster General of Jamaica on a deputation from Alexander Spottiswoode, Postmaster General of all of H.M.'s Dominions in America (a relation of Alexander's mother's second husband, John Spottiswoode of that Ilk). A mand an astronomer he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. At his death he left his plantation Large Island on Jamaica to his brothers and his scientific instruments to his alma mater. The instruments were installed in the university's first observatory which was named after him

And (Sic) “Alexander had been to Glasgow University and was well educated. Being a good mathematician he became interested in astronomy. In the pursuit of this interest he acquired some valuable

h in his will he left to his university. They were repaired and set up by his celebrated relative, James Watt, in the University Observatory on Dove Hill (?) which was named after MacFarlane. In his work as a trader in Jamaica, Alexander made a considerable fortune.

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Newsletter of the Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://www.clanmacfarlane.org.au

, F.R.S.

F.R.S., who was born circa 1703 in Scotland, and died unmarried on 23 August 1755 at Kingston on the Isle of Jamaica. He attended the University of Glasgow and became a merchant and planter in Jamaica where he was a member of the

judge. On 4 November 1735 he became Postmaster General of Jamaica on a deputation from Alexander Spottiswoode, Postmaster General of all of H.M.'s Dominions in America (a relation of Alexander's mother's second husband, John Spottiswoode of that Ilk). A mathematician and an astronomer he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. At his death he left his plantation Large Island on Jamaica to his brothers and his scientific instruments to his alma mater. The

observatory which was named after him.”

(Sic) “Alexander had been to Glasgow University and was well educated. Being a good mathematician he became interested in astronomy. In the pursuit of this interest he acquired some valuable

h in his will he left to his university. They were repaired and set up by his celebrated relative, James Watt, in the University Observatory on Dove Hill (?) which was named after

ble fortune. (Next Page).

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(From Page 1) His ability was recognised in that he became a member of the island’s legislative assembly and also served as an assistant judge. When he died, unmarried, in 1775 (?) Alexander left extensive estates including those at Large Island to his brothers Walter of Arrochar and William, who was a physician in Edinburgh.” The foregoing two entries are from New Zealand member Andrew Macfarlane’s website: www.clanmacfarlanegenealogy.info/ which also contains entries by Chevalier Terrance Gach MacFarlane, noted clan historian and member of our kindred society Clan MacFarlane Worldwide (CMW). This particular article highlights an eighteenth-century episode of MacFarlane history, when Scotland was actively involved with slave labour in the West Indies. See also “Scotland and the Slave Trade” which we featured in ‘Lantern’ No. 112 December 2009. Alexander was the youngest son of Andrew MacFarlane, 18th Laird of Arrochar and his 2nd wife Helen Arbuthnot. It may well have been his mother who influenced her son to seek his fortune in the West Indies, for the Arbuthnot family of Kincardineshire also owned and worked extensive plantations in the Caribbean. Following the 1707 Act of Union many young Scots sought their fortunes as slave masters, slave doctors and estate administrators. It is estimated that 20,000,000 Africans were bought or captured in Africa and transported to the Americas. The Scottish-Caribbean link dates back to the early years of the 18th century. It is noted that Alexander MacFarlane died un- married, but there are strong indications that, like so many other white slave-owners, he may have fathered one or more children by female workers. The MacFarlane surname has since become well dispersed throughout the West Indies: although it has to be said that not all are genealogically linked, since it was also a common practice where slaves either adopted or were given the surname of the owner in the particular plantation where they lived and worked. Alexander had a cousin who was yet another noted clan member in Jamaica. This was Andrew MacFarlane (c.1725-1817) the son of John MacFarlane 8th Laird of Gartartan & Auchantroig. Andrew held property in the Black Morass area in Jamaica, but he seems to have returned to Scotland by 1790, living near Edinburgh and, although happily married, there is evidence of two illegitimate children born in Jamaica. Yet another Loch Lomond clansman to spend some time in Jamaica was Duncan MacFarlane (1735-1786), although details of his activity there

are sparse. He was born at Craigrostan (an old property once held by Rob Roy MacGregor) in Buchanan parish and later settled on the island of Inchfad, Loch Lomond with his wife Katherine Macgregor, and where both are buried on the island of Inch Cailleach. Indeed, Caribbean slavery did much for the Scottish economy of the 18th century and cities prospered as a result. Likewise, many of those Scots who acquired great wealth on the backs of Negro slaves later came home to Scotland to receive lordships and knighthoods for their efforts. It was the ongoing development of the British Empire and subsequent Industrial Revolution which finally destroyed the clan system in the Highlands. Those landowners and chiefs who ventured into the colonies as planters and merchants also turned their backs on the old social order. Highland landlords had become aspiring members of a new Anglo-Scottish ruling elite. This was particularly evident in the central Highlands, especially in Argyllshire, where many local lairds had become ardent members of the British imperial exploiting establishment as planters, slave traders, colonial officials, military commanders, financiers and merchant adventurers. No better example can be shown than that of the small Clan Malcolm of Poltalloch, where three generations of the clan’s chiefs effectively became absentee landlords as a result of their dealings in the West Indies and in Australia.* Wealth brings power and prestige, and the Malcolm family was eventually seen as a threat to the longstanding dominance of the powerful Clan Campbell in Argyllshire. There were of course other MacFarlane planters in the West Indies including the following:- Duncan MacFarlane, planter in Jamaica 1776. James McFarlane, planter in Jamaica 1780. David MacFarlane, planter in St. Croix, 1776. George MacFarlane, planter in St. Croix who graduated as MD at University at Edinburgh 1803. Walter MacFarlane, merchant in St. Croix 2776. John McFarlane. In Savanna la Mar, Jamaica, 1801. It would appear that all of the above-named MacFarlanes had acquired considerable wealth from their plantation days in the West Indies – and they were not alone by any means, when we see the number of other Scottish family names still evident around the Caribbean. The British Slavery Abolition Act of 1834 provided a grant of £20 million to compensate the owners of all West Indian slaves for the loss of their ‘human property’! *Reference source: “Commercial Landlordism & Clearances in the Scottish Highlands” by Allan I. Macinnes (Aberdeen University).

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CLAN ARCHAEOLOGY: 2013 (Ellan Vhow Up-date)

28th June: email from Glenda Dickson to Ellan Vhow Preservation Fund. “Dear Bruce and Katherine. Glad to hear that the bat survey is soon to be underway. When we sent out our renewal notice for membership recently, we offered to collect donations to the Ellan Vhow Preservation Fund from those who, for some reason or other, did not wish to do so online. The money just forwarded was predominately made up of these donations, along with more raised from our raffle held at Ringwood Highland Games. There could be more donations yet, as subscriptions are still coming in, and if this is the case we will forward them on at a later date, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to support such an inspiring project. Regards, Glenda Dickson, Secretary/Treasurer.” 9th July: email from Bruce MacFarlin. “Just returned from a week-long visit to Scotland with activities centred around memorial for Robert Lee McFarlin. As part of that, two of his three brothers, Katherine and I made a visit to Ellan Vhow along with my siblings. We were very careful and found that the nesting geese had hatched and moved on – and that there was much evidence of campers having visited the island already this summer. Our thanks to Peter McFarland, who was our able skipper during the trip. We are also planning to follow up with a local newspaper article with Peter. Of particular note was that we could not locate the artefacts which we had identified and left in place last summer. It is critical that artefacts remain in place, undisturbed on the island. We are concerned that visitors may be removing such items. Please help. In our informal visit we did find a bottle shard -- which we photographed and left in place – sending the photographs to Fiona for possible identification. More to follow on that. We also photographed through the lower air vents on the east and south walls, revealing what appears to be the lower side of a staircase (just a few steps visible). We travelled yesterday, but Helen Lundie of Wildlife Surveys had planned to be on the island for the first phase of the bat survey. We hope to hear soon about the natural heritage assessment and what next steps are required.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support (particularly from Australia). We will update the donors list in the coming weeks. (Internet access was too intermittent during the trip to support site updates). Thanks, Bruce.” ______________________________________________________

Still with Archaeology: our Society has recently added two new books to the Clan Library, and which are available for loan to members.

The above picture is a view across Loch Lomond towards Inveruglas Farm, ancient seat of the Clan MacFarlane chiefs is from Book No.1.

“An Archaeological Survey of Inveruglas Farm: A Search for Clan MacFarlane.”

By David R. Starbuck, Ph.D. This book offers a comprehensive study of more recent archaeology carried out around Loch Lomond, published by Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA.

Book 2: another excellent local history volume “Luss

The First fifteen hundred years” By John McGilp Sinclair

This handy little tome, in spite of its modest size and layout, covers much of the history of the Church and parish of Luss, from the arrival of the 5th century Celtic evangelist Saint Kessog to the present time. It was written by local historian John McGilp Sinclair, apparently aided by the local Luss Heritage Group and edited by Rachel J. Hammerton. Although Luss has long been associated with Clan Colquhoun, it should be remembered that it was the original parish on the western side of Loch Lomond, even before Arrochar parish, and some early MacFarlane chiefs were buried within the Church grounds. Clan Library Management Both the above-named books will be made available for loan to members only and by arrangement via our Secretary, who will maintain a record of movements. It is envisaged that Postage costs should be the responsibility of each member to ensure that a book is either returned to the Library by Post – or to the next member on the request list. A list of books is being prepared and will be available soon.

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THE JACOBITE YEARS Where were the MacFarlanes?

By Malcolm Lobban THE 18th century was of particular importance to Scotland as a whole, during the first decade of which the Scots lost the power to govern themselves. Indeed, many still argue that the Act of Union in 1707 was inflicted on the majority of Scots by an influential and very wealthy minority that constituted the then ruling establishments on both sides of the Border. Certainly there is ample

evidence to suggest that many acts of chicanery, bribery and various shades of corruption were rife among politicians during the run up to the event. The final Scottish parliament to be convened was, by all accounts, a lively affair, with many arguments being hotly pursued for and against union with England. Of course it has to be remembered that Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland were already united under one monarch, and had been since 1603 when King James VI of Scotland inherited the English crown. However, Britain as a whole was becoming more influenced by the dictates of a Whig oligarchy that dominated parliament more than any direct rule of a monarch. The autocratic power of the Crown was steadily being undermined and weakened by an ever-increasing urgency over matters of vested interests -- pretty much as it is today in our capitalist society. In 1702 King William III (‘King Billy’) died as a result of a riding accident. Few mourned his passing -- many actually rejoiced. There was little sympathy among the majority of Highlanders. After all, it was he who underlined the infamous massacre of Glencoe, with the aid of his Scottish Secretary, Dalrymple. He was succeeded by his cousin (and sister-in-law), who became Queen Anne; destined to be the last of the ancient House of Stewart to sit on a British throne. But she, too, by all accounts was very much a ‘puppet’ queen. Nevertheless, her presence on the throne seems to have placated most of the Highlanders for a while. A threat to the tranquility came with the death of Queen Anne in 1714. Almost immediately, the Whig government at Westminster manipulated the situation to their own best interest, by ensuring

that a succeeding monarch would be one who was easily managed, and who posed no great threat to British financial investments. Thus, the selection of German, George I., Elector of Hanover, fitted the bill perfectly. He was a Whig at heart, spoke little English, but more importantly he was a Protestant, and thereby satisfied the terms of the Union, which effectively barred Roman Catholics from the British throne. James VIII, in exile, is reputed to have sent word to his British supporters, including several clan chiefs, that they should affirm their loyalty to the new King George I. As a result, we see that a written declaration, dated 1714, was prepared and signed by no less than 102 (sic) “Chief heritors and heads of the clans in the Highlands of Scotland,” offering their allegiance to the new king.1 However, we are told that, due to the degree of intrigue in court circles, ‘German Geordie’ did not receive the pledge which, in turn, caused considerable upset among the signatories and may have resulted in many of them becoming ardent Jacobites (supporters of James VIII). Resentment to the Hanoverian king and, indeed, the act of Union was now strong, not only in the Highlands but also across the Lowlands and Border areas of Scotland. There were also some Jacobite supporters in England during this time; especially in the northern counties. The Whig ‘aristocracy’ had now become detached and aloof from ordinary society and, like today; the social gap between rich and poor was ever-widening. Not all the clans supported the Jacobite cause. Those who opposed the idea of a return to rule by the House of Stewart included the pro-Whig Munros, with their long and distinguished history of soldiering in Europe. Sir Robert Munro (6th Baronet) garrisoned Foulis Castle, whilst his son George Munro of Culcairn was captain in the pro-Hanoverian force under John Gordon, Earl of Sutherland. Sutherland was at this time King George’s Lieutenant in the North. He mustered a force of some 300 of his own tenants, which was substantially augmented by around 1200 of Lord Reay’s MacKays, Munros, and some Rosses under Ross of Pitcalnie; Ross of Easter Fearn; and Ross of Tolly, the last-named commanded a company of men from the burgh of Tain -- in total some 700 Rosses. The overall force under Sutherland did not however reflect the true military potential of the pro-government clans of the northern Highlands. It would appear that many, reneged, deserted or joined Jacobite forces under different banners. Likewise, in the central and southern Highlands, other clans were taking sides and gathering. The great MacCailean Mor, John Campbell, 2nd Duke

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of Argyll called upon the gentry of Argyll and elsewhere to rally support for King George I. In part of his rallying spiel (written in London, August 1715) he recalls his own family’s loyalty as: “famed in the worst of times for supporting the Protestant Religion and the resisting of Tyranny.” 2 Some clans had divided loyalties. Even the powerful Campbell chief did not have the full support of his clan. Campbell of Glendaruel and Campbell of Glenlyon, along with numerous Breadalbane men came out for King James, and it was the same across the country. In 1715, our own Clan MacFarlane might also be listed among those torn by divided loyalties. Walter, 20th Chief (1705-1767) appears not to have openly declared which side he favoured, yet it seems more likely he chose not to become too involved and remained passive – or in modern parlance, ‘he maintained a low profile!’ However, given the high degree social unrest at the time, it is hard to accept that all MacFarlanes followed their Chief’s example, more so the younger clansmen, and those who were settled in Buchanan parish along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond and who lived cheek by jowl with ardent Jacobite MacGregors, I cannot help thinking that some MacFarlanes may have joined up with Rob Roy MacGregor’s contingent during 1715, when the bold ‘Gregalach’ clansmen terrorized much of Dunbartonshire as far south as the Vale of Leven, then captured all the boats on Loch Lomond and towed them back to Inversnaid. Thereafter, a motley force of local gentry and military personnel was mustered in Dumbarton, part of which sailed in naval pinnaces or marched to Inversnaid to teach the MacGregors a lesson – but on arrival all they found were a few women and children; Rob Roy and his clansmen were already marching eastwards to join the main Jacobite army. This event became known as the ‘Loch Lomond Expedition’, it being probably the first (bloodless) open display of arms in the ’Fifteen Jacobite Rising! Other MacFarlanes who had earlier moved from the old clan lands and had settled in other counties, such as Argyll, Perth and further north, would almost certainly find themselves obliged to support the respective chiefs or overlords in their adopted territory. Thus, throughout the country many a reluctant tenant would be dragged from his turf bothy by the recruiters on both sides of the argument. However, one thing is certain, that the 1715 Rising created more support for the Stewart cause

than anything that came later. The failure to win the initiative rests mainly with the quality of leadership enjoyed by the Jacobites. John Erskine, Earl of Mar, sometime styled ‘Bobbin John’ due to his lack of constancy, was not the man for the job. By this time the main Jacobite army had moved from Braemar to Perth where Mar summoned the Earl of Seaforth to follow suit. In November, at Sheriffmuir, near Dunblane, the Jacobite army faced up to a similar force led by Argyll. Figures quoted state that the Jacobite losses accredited to Sheriffmuir totalled 250, of which around fifty are claimed by Clan Macrae. The government forces are said to have lost a total of 600 men. As to which side actually won the day, has been long argued over. It could be claimed that Argyll was successful, in that he prevented the Highland Jacobites from joining up with those in the Lowlands and Borders, which seems to have been his main objective. However, it could be said that ineffective leadership among the Jacobites ruined the best chance that Scotland ever had of breaking loose from the 1707 Union. As it turned out, very

little English support rallied to the Stewart banner, of which only the resolute efforts of James Radcliff, Earl of Derwentwater must rate strong commendation. In Lancashire, only some 200 ill-equipped tenants gave assistance to those Scots who reached as far as Preston, under the leadership of Colonel Mackintosh of Borlum. But

this force was surrounded, and many Highlanders, including Borlum, were captured and taken prisoner. Some of them were later Transported to the American colonies and to Bermuda: records show that one John MacFarlin from Perth was among them. The arrival at Christmas time of the gaunt, uninspiring figure of the Chevalier de St. George, Scotland’s uncrowned King James VIII, also styled the ‘Old Pretender’, did nothing to increase the earlier zeal of his supporters. Indeed, John Sinclair, Master of Sinclair, underlined the general feeling: “When we saw the man whom they called our king, we found ourselves not at all animated by his presence; and if he was disappointed in us, we were tenfold more so in him!” In January 1716 King James disbanded his army and departed for France, accompanied by several chiefs. The remainder of the clans had returned to protect their lands from the expected reprisals of an angry and vindictive London government, whose military power was by then greatly enhanced by the arrival of (Concluded Page 6 ).

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(Jacobites from Page 5 ) German and Dutch troops. This was the same regime which frequently slandered the Jacobites for soliciting French and Irish assistance. References Notes: 1. ADDRESS OF ONE HUNDRED AND TWO CHIEF HERITORS AND HEADS OF CLANS IN THE HIGHLNDS OF SCOTLAND (to Kings George I), Scottish Records Office, Ref. GD103 Parchment AO53. 2. INVENTORY OF LAMONT PAPERS 1715 (Argyll Charters. Page 334). Scottish Records Society.

Meet Barbara Nash Committee Member. NSW

I am 57 years old, married to New South Wales Councillor, Roy Nash; we have been married for 34 years and live in a small country town in New South Wales, called

Grenfell, the birthplace of the famous poet, Henry Lawson. Our town holds its annual "Henry Lawson Festival" each June long weekend, it attracts people from all over Australia, and occasionally we welcome overseas visitors. Attractions include many street stalls; busking; art shows; stagecoach rides; vintage car displays; street parade; poetry recitals; and wood-chopping contests -- all of which really helps the economy of the town. I am a domestic ‘Goddess’, Roy is a school bus driver, (a really brave man, turning his back on 20 screaming ankle-biters!). We have two children, daughter Linda, who lives in Victoria, and son Raymond, who still lives with us in Grenfell, we are very proud of both our kids. Roy has been NSW Councillor for several years now, and I have only recently joined the clan Committee, but we are both keen to do what we can to help the Clan move forward into the future. We both do volunteer work in the Salvation Army family store in Grenfell, and I assist with welfare appointments and other voluntary work on behalf of the ‘Army’; we also serve on our town’s Citizen Health Committee, and supporting the current fight to try to get more doctors to our town. There are 4000 people in our shire, but only one doctor. We are campaigning to get at least one more doctor -- but preferable two -- however at present we have been offered a migrant doctor from Botswana, Africa. However, he has yet to sit exams from Australian Surgeons society before he can practice in Australia. I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes to all Clan members – and in particular those living in New South Wales. My contact details are on the back page of ‘Lantern’, and would love to hear from Clansfolk. Cheers, for now. . .Barbara Nash.

Grannie Mac When I was a wee lassie, beer was used for more than just drinking. One cup of beer gave hair a healthy shine when used as a rinse after shampoo. It was also good to clean gilt picture or mirror

frames without tarnishing them. The best use, and I still use this now, is to trap snails and slugs in the vegetable patch, especially at strawberry time. Just half a cup of beer, half-buried in the soil, will attract the little blighters, who fall in and drown in a drunken stupor. What a way to go! Better than on the bottom of your boot! Love, Grannie Mac

A friendly gesture by Kiwi Scots!

The above ceremony took place in Christchurch

during May 1995. And the notice first appeared

in the Clan Ross Association’s Newsletter. It is

also noted that there is no mention of Clan

MacFarlane. Query -- did the Aussie Scots

ever make a similar pledge? Ed.

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Out and About!

Historic Glenbarr, South Australia. Saturday 26th October 2013

HIGHLAND GATHERING

Celebrates 171 Years This very important and exciting day will commence at 10.30am when we recall our Scottish roots. A Family Fun Day. For details contact Kay Dobrilla on 0405 498312 or Email: kaydobrilla@bigpond.com See Clan MacFarlane Information/Display table.

AUSTRALIAN CELTIC ARTS FUND INC. PO Box 171 Helensburgh, A.C.T. 2508

Telephone (02) 4294 1564

Letter to Scottish Community dated 5 August 2013.

“My Lairds and Ladies,

We draw your attention to the fact that since

federation there has never been a coming

together of peoples of the Celtic nations on the

lawns of Government House in Yarralumla. In the

most recent census it has been identified that

almost 11 million peoples in Australia claim Celtic

lineage. It would be appropriate if these

contributions to the building of this nation were

recognised, and for the first time we have an

opportunity to be seen in the grounds of

Yarralumla.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the

establishment of Canberra and we have an

opportunity to be seen on the lawns in our family

colours for the first time. No it is not a Celtic event

but a Family event that has not distinguished

against the Celtic nations being present. We see

this as a positive affirmation of our potential

recognition as an ethnic grouping with the wider

Australian society. The Family day event is

scheduled for 21 September 2013 starting at 9

am; we are aware many of you will have been

planning well ahead and may have some other

interests to attend to or set up, but should you be

able to attend the Family day we would

appreciate your interest and support.

Another fact that you may find interesting is

that this is the first time since federation that

both the Vice Regal couple have Scottish heritage.

We would have hoped that this would have pulled

the Celtic peoples together, but there is still time

to achieve this endeavour.

We were viewing a strong Celtic contribution to

the Family day as a potential precursor to a full

Fair prior to the departure of their Excellencies to

be held in February or March 2014. In order to be

successful and to create the precedent to have

annual recognitions of the contribution of our

forebears to this nation we need your help in your

attendance. If you feel you would be able to come

please advise us by the close of business 23

August 2013, so that we can confirm numbers

with the staff of Government House.

Clem ROOK, BSc. JP, President, Australian Celtic Arts Fund Incorporated. MacFarlanes please note: Our NSW Councillors, Roy & Barbara Nash, will be attending. Other members wishing to go please contact them ( details back page).

Scottish Clans & Associations Council, Inc.

Special General Meeting And Luncheon

Sunday, 13 October 2013 at 11.30am

At the Karralyka Centre, Mines Road East Ringwood, Victoria.

The Windup Committee has been negotiating the most effective way of completing the business of the Council. That has involved it continuing as an acting committee for a short time to facilitate the transfer of funds to the Scots of Victoria Co-ordinating Group as decided at the AGM in April. Since there has been a significant delay in winding up, the decision to do so, taken at the AGM, has lost its validity with Consumer Affairs Victoria. There now has to be a fresh decision on what action is to be taken. Each Clan or society is entitled to two voting representatives at the meeting and luncheon. Our Society will be represented by Christine Culling (Vice-President) and one other lucky member at this meeting and luncheon. Other members and friends are invited to come along at a cost of $40 per person. If you are interested in attending please contact the Secretary by 13th September. Payment for extras will be required by 4th October, direct to: SCAC SGM c/o Robert Stewart, 23 McCallum Road, Doncaster 3108 Tel: (03) 9891 6450. Email: randjstewart@optusnet.com.au.

8

The Fife Adventurers A lesson in land and power acquisition

in the Highlands and Islands. The MacKenzies of Kintail, Ross-shire, were for a time at odds with the MacLeods of Lewis, whose chief, Roderick (10th Baron of Lewis, sometimes spelled Lewes) had married one of Kintail’s daughters by whom he had a son named Torquil, who was thereafter raised among his mother’s people in Strathconon, which earned him the added appellation “Cononach” Confusion reigned within the House of Lewis. Chief Roderick had married three times, and seems to have fathered several bastard sons in his spare time ~ all, no doubt, claiming some kind of recognition by birthright. In 1568 Torquil Cononach invaded Lewis and captured his father, whom he held prisoner for two years. But in 1595, when old Roderick died, his youngest son Torquil Dubh, had been made heir and, therefore 11th Chief of Lewis. This Torquil’s daughter married Sir Roderick Mackenzie of Coigach, which resulted in the chiefship of Lewis ultimately being passed on to the MacKenzie earls of Cromartie. During the last two years of the 16th century, King James VI attempted to subdue considerable unrest on the Island of Lewis. His plan was to settle the island with ‘peace-loving’ Lowlanders. This was a policy he later put into place in Ireland, by the ‘plantation’ of Protestant Scots and English, and which was largely responsible for the formation of the six counties that came to be known as Northern Ireland and part of the United Kingdom. After the death of Roderick MacLeod, 10th Baron of Lewis (from the Gaelic Leodhas, i.e. of Leod, probably the progenitor of MacLeods), the island was torn by fierce intra-clan feuds, as legitimate and bastard sons of the late chief fought over the question of who should succeed him. As I have shown earlier, the chiefship fell to Torquil Dubh MacLeod, the old chief’s youngest son. Part of the king’s strategy, directed towards extending the rule of law in the Highlands, was the introduction of an Act, dated December 1597, which ruled that all landowners must appear before the Lords of the Exchequer in Edinburgh and bring with them the title deeds to their lands. A deadline for this was set at the last day in May 1598, and failure to comply meant the lands in question would fall to the Crown. It would appear that Torquil Dubh, although declared chief, was not in possession of the title deeds to Lewis. They were at that time probably held by his half-brother Torquil Cononach, referred to earlier, who was also a rival for the

chiefship of Lewis. In reality, it seems more likely that the documents in question were actually being held by Colin MacKenzie of Kintail and thus were not presented at Edinburgh ~ it being more advantageous to the interests of MacKenzie that they should remain hidden at that time. In June 1598, the king contracted with a group of Lowland businessmen, led by his own brother Ludovic, Duke of Lennox and Darnley, to create a settlement on Lewis. Because most of the speculators came from the county of Fife, the group became known as the Fife Adventurers.1

Although the proposed colony was to be financed solely by the ‘gentlemen’, the king expected his share of the profits, along with a yearly rent in cash or kind. The Fifers immediately ran into trouble at the hands of the MacLeods and their followers, resulting in considerable bloodshed on both sides. There is however good reason to suppose that the Lowlanders, having been given wide despotic powers and possessed of an inherent dislike of Gaels, probably treated the natives of Lewis with utter contempt and considerable cruelty. During the ensuing twelve-year period, the Lowlanders, supported by royal decree and little else, made three unsuccessful attempts to “plant policy and civilization” on Lewis. In the meantime MacKenzie of Kintail feigned support to both king and Fifemen, while secretly plotting against both, as he watched and waited, like a vulture over a dying beast. Thus, in 1610, weary and completely disheartened, the remaining shareholders of the Fife Company were happy to sell their rights to MacKenzie, who was now styled Lord MacKenzie of Kintail, and also by now a member of the Privy Council. Clan Kenneth’s power had now reached into Lewis. In 1623, Lord MacKenzie was created Earl of Seaforth, at which time he took his title from the sea loch of that name (comes from ‘sea-fort’) which cuts deep into the south-eastern portion of Lewis. Although by then fully and legally in control of the island, he may yet have been a bit apprehensive over the possibility of another insurrection by the warlike MacLeods. This may be the reason why he quickly established a number of his own dependents in what he perceived to be strategic defensive positions on the island. He built a tower at the head of Loch Seaforth, which overlooks a commanding position. Likewise, MacLennans, Macraes and MacIvers were settled at different sites, some in Carloway, overlooking Uig, and others in the Lochs district, between Loch Seaforth and Stornoway. Malcolm Lobban Main reference. source: The Fife Adventurers, by Helen Cook (Scots Magazine. Vol.136, No.6, March 1991).

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¬¬ ¬ Root Lines ¬¬ ¬ “A Tale of Two Brothers”

In this edition, we devote the ‘Root Lines’ page entirely to one particular branch of Clan MacFarlane, the roots of which reach deep into the clan’s ancient heartland. In ‘Lantern’ No. 105 (March 2008) we ran the story of Alexander McFarlane, a boat builder from Scotland who arrived in Port Adelaide in 1866, where he married local lass, Mary Ann Tyzack. They had 15 children of which only nine survived to adulthood; being seven sons and two daughters. Alexander later started the boat building business, A. McFarlane & Sons, in the Birkenhead area of the Port.

The brothers, Ernie (at the wheel) and Neil

Recently our members Anita Renfrey and her cousin, Carol Fuller got together to write a brief biographical sketch of their respective McFarlane fathers, who also spent much of their lives employed as shipwrights in the family business, they were the brothers, Ernest Standish McF. and Neil Kenneth McF., the sons of Ernest David McFarlane and Sarah Ann (nee Vesty) and, thus, grandsons of the above-named Alexander McFarlane. Ernest (Ernie), eldest was born in July1914 and Neil, youngest child in the McFarlane family, was born in June 1916, both brothers were born at Cheltenham, SA, and baptised in St Paul’s Church, Port Adelaide. They were educated at Largs Bay Public School until the age of thirteen. Secondary education was ‘hands on’ experience at the McFarlane’s shipyard. Both brothers married at the Church of St Bede, Semaphore. Neil married Alice Ellen Helga Whitlock on 9 July 1938; Ernie married Laurel Isabel Keley on 8 April 1939; each acted as Best Man for the other.

Ernie, being a shipwright, worked at the McFarlane’s yard mainly in the area of carpentry, caulking and launching of crafts. He expanded his skills by taking coastal runs on the Mary in 1933

as a seaman. He also studied and attained his Second-Class Engineers Certificate in 1934, sailing on the Uribes as an engineer that very same year. Neil, also worked at A. J. McFarlane’s boatyard (founded by another branch of the same family), Happy Valley, Port Lincoln, SA, from February to October 1931 when, due to the Depression, Jack McFarlane was forced to reduce his staff. On 25 January 1933 Neil finished working on the Uribes: and in between jobs he worked at the boatyard whilst also building a boat in the back yard of the family home in Ralston Street, Largs Bay. Not unlike his brother, Neil also took on jobs to help supplement his income, he went almond picking from 26 January to 3 March 1933 with his cousin Ron, for which they were paid the grand sum of 1/6d per bucket. When times were really tough both Ernie and Neil quite often went fishing to enable them to supplement their incomes; as fishermen they were extremely proficient and the catch of the day was shared between the family members. With the outbreak of WWII not unlike other countries, the Australian people and businesses experienced major changes; some people were drafted and went off to war to fight for their country, other people with valuable qualifications were seconded by the government for the war effort. These people fulfilled a very important role; they were placed in industries imperative to aid the Australian government’s contribution to the war effort.

Minesweeper: HMAS Kalgoorlie

In 1940 without choice Ernie, Neil and their immediate families were relocated from their place of employment A. McFarlane & Sons Pt. Adelaide to The Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd (BHPCL) Shipbuilding Yard, Whyalla. During that time they were involved with building the Mine Sweepers HMAS Whyalla, Kalgoorlie, Gawler and Pirie at the Whyalla Shipyards. Also to be noted is that around 1941 John MacCulloch, Head Foreman Shipwright had (Cont. Next Page)

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been brought out from Scotland to train men to build the Chieftain Class Ore Carriers at the Whyalla shipyards.

Ore Carrier Iron Monarch at Whyalla

By 1943 Neil’s time with BHPCL had come to an end, he left of his own accord to rejoin his father as a boat builder back home in Port Adelaide. John MacCulloch wrote an unsolicited testimonial of Neil’s efficient work during his time at Whyalla. Upon his return to McFarlane’s yard, Neil was engaged in building three Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDML’s) for the Royal Australian Navy.

Harbour Defence Motor Launch

Ernie remained at the Whyalla shipyards where the Iron Duke II and Iron Monarch II were built. The launching of the merchant vessel River Murchison (9,000 tons) built by the BHPCL, Whyalla yards, was a sister ship of the River Glenelg and River Derwent which had already been commissioned from the Whyalla yards. The launching of the River Murchison was in the hands of Australian shipwrights, Messrs. N

Munson, who had some previous experience with shipbuilding in Australia, and Ernie McFarlane of A. McFarlane & Sons, Port Adelaide. For the first time this launch was entirely in the hands of Australian shipwrights. It was announced at this launch that the Government had placed an order on the Whyalla yards for more ships. Head Foreman John MacCulloch returned to his country leaving the launching of vessels in the hands of the Australian shipwrights who were trained to continue his work. There are, of course, many more stories of how these McFarlane brothers served the shipbuilding industry and their country. At the end of the war, eventually Ernie was reunited with his brother Neil in the family business.

Neil became very involved with the Largs Bay Sailing Club whereby he built cadet clinker–built dinghies for racing and continued to work for A. McFarlane and Sons until his death 13th November 1979 at the age of 63 years. Ernie continued in the family business until his retirement in the late 1970s/1980s; he was approached by Garry J Kerr, Maritime Historian – author of Australian and New Zealand Sail Traders and Articles and Keith Le Leu of Port Adelaide Maritime Historical Services, providing historical information, documents and clippings for display and research library. He pursued his passion for model boat building and developing his skills by building boats in bottles! Ernie died in 2007 at the age of 93 years. It is evident that the descendants of old Alexander McFarlane have done much for the development of shipbuilding in South Australia. Alexander had learned his skills in a Greenock shipyard at a time when the River Clyde was regarded as the heartland of Scottish marine engineering and design. His own ‘Rootlines’ run through several generations of MacFarlanes who were settled on the Rosneath Peninsula, which was until more recent times a part of Dunbartonshire (now part of Argyll and Bute County). We traced his lineage back to one Dugald Macfarlane (b.1706) and Janet Niven who were married in 1735. For further information see our New Zealand Member’s clan website: www.clanmacfarlanegenealogy.info/ Until more recent times, the Rosneath peninsula was also the centre of a thriving yacht-building industry. We extend grateful thanks to Members Anita Renfrey and Carol Fuller for permission to use their data and photographs for this article. There is of course a great deal more that could be told of this lively branch of Clan Farlane in Australia. Perhaps a family member will at some time get around to writing a complete family history. Ed.

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Clishmaclavers! (and assorted chat)

WELCOME NEW MEMBER We are happy to welcome Carol Fuller (nee McFarlane) South Australia, who is a cousin of our Membership Secretary, Anita Renfrey, and who featured in our article on Page 9 of this issue. Nice to meet you, Carol!

PROPOSED CLAN ‘SHOP’? Queensland Councillor, Louise Piper, has put forward the suggestion that we should create an outlet where members can buy Clan wearing apparel and other accessories. Louise has also volunteered to manage the project from her own home. Details will be published soon. Ideas include T-shirts with Clan logo – but Louise would also like to hear ideas from members.

HAPPY 101st BIRTHDAY AUNTY EDNA! Love and Congratulations to Edna Vesty Simes (nee McFarlane), who becomes 101 years old on the 14th of September this year. She is a member of the ship-building McFarlanes in Port Adelaide, and she is possibly the oldest living

MacFarlane in Australia (?). “Good on yer, Old Darling!” GLENMAGGIE GATHERING 2013 Our Society has again been invited to put on a display in this year’s Scottish Folk Festival at Glenmaggie, Gippsland, Victoria. Members will recall that this area has strong MacFarlane connections. Our Secretary, Glenda Dickson, is planning to visit, and would dearly welcome some support of members wishing to join her. Sunday 13 October 2013. Anyone interested please contact her. Joint MacFarlane/MacDonald Luncheon, SA.

at the Hotel Enfield 184 Hampstead Road, Clearview, SA (Ample car parking available) Sunday 27th October 2013 (12 for 12.30pm)

Silver Service Three-Course Meal (Cost $42 pp (Make up a table of 8)

* * * * * * Please send cheque or money order payable to: ‘CLAN DONALD’ to Mrs, Eileen Murphy 86 Whites Road, Salisbury North, SA 5108 Phone: 8258 5756 or Secretary 8265 0978.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 17 NOVEMBER 2013

A note from our General Secretary Our AGM - largely to be held via Skype – is being scheduled for Sunday 17th November to begin at 2.30pm AEST. This is a good opportunity for members to get together in their own particular state to participate if they wish. Something social could be arranged before or after the meeting if there is enough interest. Please contact your State Councillor or the Secretary. Official AGM notice will be sent out separately. Please make sure that you are financial on or before the Annual General Meeting on 17 November. After that time, those who are unfinancial risk being removed from the ‘Lantern’ mailing list. The password for access to the Members’ area of our Clan website will also be changed. Please contact the Membership Secretary and/or Treasurer if you have any concerns. We suggest that members take every opportunity to celebrate our 30th Anniversary by meeting with committee and other fellow members. Committee members will be attending at: SA (Joint Clan Donald/Clan MacFarlane Luncheon & Glenbarr Folk Festival); Vic (SCAC Luncheon & Glenmaggie Scottish Festival); NSW (Family Day, Government House, Canberra, ACT); Qld (Louise Piper welcomes members to her mountain home - with prior notice). As will be seen in this issue of ‘Lantern’, there are Scottish events throughout the year and we strongly invite our members to get out and meet other clan folk.

BIG THANK YOU! Lastly, we take this opportunity to give sincere thanks to all those who gave generously to our appeal for donations in support of the Ellan Vhow Preservation project. The money raised has been passed on to the Preservation Fund and individual donors (name only) have been acknowledged on their website. Please remember, WE DO always look forward to hearing from our members and friends. Keep in touch! Regards. . .Glenda. IN THE BEGINNING

In the Garden of Eden sat Adam, Disporting himself with his Madam.

She was filled with elation, For, in all of Creation,

There was only one man – And she had him!

Anon.

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Committee of Management 2013/14 PRESIDENT/EDITOR/HISTORY RESEARCHER: Malcolm Lobban, 9 Davies Place, Pooraka, SA 5095. Tel: (08) 83590578, E-mail: president@clanmacfarlane.org.au VICE-PRESIDENT : Chris Culling, 81 Farnham Road, Bayswater, VIC 3153 E-mail: vice-president@clanmacfarlane.org.au SECRETARY/TREASURER: Glenda Dickson, 23 Blamey Drive, Melton South., VIC 3338 E-mail: secretary@clanmacfarlane.org.au MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Anita Renfrey, 579 Military Road, Largs North, SA 5016 E-mail: miltonr@adam.com.au STATE COUNCILLORS: NSW: Roy Nash, 1 Sale Street, Grenfell, NSW 2810 E-mail nsw-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (02) 6343 1085. QLD: Louise Piper, 126 Curtis Road, North Tamborine, Qld. 4272 E-mail qld-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (07)5545 2107 SA: Janet Marsh, 648 Burbridge Road, West Beach, SA 5024, E-mail: sa-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (08) 8356 7785. COMMITTEE MEMBERS : Leona Job, 21 Spruzen Avenue. Kew East, VIC 3101. Barbara Nash, 1 Sale Street, Grenfell, NSW 2810. Robert P. Millar, rpmillar@gmail.com

Clan Merchandise for Sale

MacFarlane crest teaspoon/s (unboxed) $10.50 each Or ~ at $8.00 each ~ the following: MacFarlane crest lapel badge (butterfly clip) MacFarlane crest lapel badge (brooch fitting) MacFarlane crest tie pin Macfarlane crest key ring (Please note the above prices include postage and are subject to availability of current stock). Please make your cheque/money /order made payable to Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc. and post to the Membership Secy., 579 Military Road, Largs North,

SA 5016. Badges are approximately 2cm in diameter.

INTIMATIONS: The Scots of Victoria Coordinating – AGM/Seminar: Sunday 27 October 2013.Venue: Canterbury Street Stables Community Centre, Flemington, Victoria 3031.Cost $25 pp. AGM 9.30 – 10.00. Seminar 10.30 – 2.30. For full information contact Bill Schrank (03) 8361 0282 or mobile 0400867123. Email: blschrank1@bigpond.com

We, the Committee extend best wishes to all our loyal Members!

LOCH SLOY FOREVER!