CHARLES CAMERON ARCHITECT

 

In May of last year we visited St Petersburg for the second time. The first time was about 10 years ago. When you first encounter St Petersburg, you are overwhelmed by the scale and magnificence of the buildings both external and internal.

We visited the Winter Palace and were reminded once again of the tremendous influence on the interior that Scotsman Charles Cameron made. He was the main architect to Catherine the Great of Russia who reigned from 1762 until she died in 1796. She acquired all the best painting, had the most lavish interiors and gold leaf was used extensively in creating some of the most striking interiors you would find anywhere. 

The picture shown is of a pavilion created by Charles Cameron. You can read about him at the following link:

http://eng.tzar.ru/museums/history/architects/cameron

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

I suppose the answer to that question is that I have been doing many other things. In June of 2014, I stood down as editor of the Clan Cameron Magazine - a task which I enjoyed for 10 years and produced a biennial Newsletter. I hope to contribute more regularly to this blog but am at the moment involved in writing a social history of rural Scotland over the last hundred years. I would value any photographs of any aspect of life together with stories and anecdotes. I am currently working on the chapter on agriculture so would appreciate particularly any information on the Kerr Rick-lifter. This particular gadget was made of three long poles attached at the top and forming a pyramidal shape. This was pulled over to the rick by horse and a rope with large hooks on the end was lowered down and the hooks fixed under the rick. The other end of the rope passed over a pulley at the top of the pyramid and was attached to a horse. The horse moved forward lifting the rick. Another horse attached to a cart manoeuvered the cart under the rick and the rick was lowered intact onto the cart. A neat device which was used up to the 1950s in Argyllshire.

The Gathering of The Clans

The weekend of 25th/26th July 2009 saw an historic gathering of more than 100 clans and Scottish families at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The clan Cameron were there in good numbers from all the corners of the globe. I was given the opportunity to be introduced to the Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles) which was a great honour for me and for the clan. You can see this on the video clip.

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

A Snowy Scene in Ellon 2010

It seems incredible to me that another Christmas is approaching ever faster. Never mind that some of the stores have been preparing for the 25th December for months now. Sometimes in our materialist dominated world we forget that Christmas is about the birth of baby Jesus and not about how big or how many presents we receive.

I hope that you all will have a very joyous Christmas time surrounded by your family and that the New Year will prove to be kind to you in everything you do.

With best wishes,

Alan I Cameron

Membership of Clan Cameron

At the AGM in October, 2009 it was decided that there would be only one rate per household and that was set at £12.00 per year. That is very reasonable in that you get two newsletters, access to a website and the opportunity to attend Clan Cameron events throughout the year. It is therefore good value at only £1.00 per month or 25 pence per week and this covers a family.

If you wish to join, now there is a downloadable application form on the website: www.clancameron.org.uk

Look forward to meeting you in the course of the year.

NEW PRESIDENT FOR CLAN CAMERON ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND

At the AGM in October, the Clan Cameron Association Scotland unanimously elected Duncan Cameron as their new President. Recently, it has been the practice that the President is in that office for 5 years. I trust that you will all give Duncan your support.

As the retiring President, I am only to conscious of the tremendous honour it is to be President and at the same time that it involves a great deal of hard work and commitment.

Our first big event is the memorial service at Culloden on Saturday, 17 April at 11.00. This will be followed by a lunch and talk at the Cawdor Tavern. Details of this event will go out with the Spring Newsletter.

MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY

This year has been officially designated in Scotland as the Year of the Homecoming. Because of this, the Clan Cameron is arranging a spectacular Clan Gathering or Rally at Achnacarry from Thursday, 30th July 2009 until Sunday, 2nd August, 2009. We are hoping to attract Camerons from all over the world. Among the events, the Clan Cameron Association Scotland are hosting a reception in the Nevis Centre on Friday, 31st July at 7.00. If you would like to come, please let us know. You can contact me directly at clangathering09@yahoo.co.uk

You can find out more information about the Gathering, how to join the Clan Association, and a host of useful links and contacts at http://www.clancameron.org.uk/

The picture shows Achnacarry Castle in front of which the main Gathering will take place.

I look forward to meeting you at Achnacarry in July/August.