The Millennial Editon — 1000 years of Moffats

Vol. 15, No. 2
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CLAN MOFFAT SOCIETY
In this issue...
The Millennial Editon — 1000 years of Moffats
1000 Years of Moffats ............................ 1
The President’s Corner........................... 2
Remembrances of Moffat....................... 3
The Saltire and Union Flag .................... 3
Letters to the Editor................................ 4
The Great Gathering Remembered ......... 5
AGM Minutes ........................................ 9
Sights Around Moffat .......................... 11
The Borders.......................................... 12
Edinburgh ............................................ 13
Events................................................... 15
Biography............................................. 16
George H. Moffat............................. 16
Duties of publications chair............. 17
Last Post / Flowers of the Forest .......... 17
News and Views................................... 17
What to do after the gathering ......... 17
The Immortal Memory ......................... 18
Quartermaster....................................... 19
…The origin of the ancient
and noble family of Moffat is
clouded by time. We do know
that it was here, on this land
that came to be known as
Moffatdale, among the hills of
Moffat, that our ancestors
emerged as a Clan. Historical
research places the date in the
midst of the tenth and eleventh
centuries.
I am therefore
designating the year 2000 to
symbolize and be recognized as
the 1000th anniversary of our
Clan. I urge every member of
our family to make this a
pilgrimage to the hollowed spot
of our beginnings.
—Madam Jean Moffat of that
Ilk
Summer, 2000
!
click here for Clan Moffat’s web site
Moffats come home
2
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
the President's Corner...
Moffatana
The Official Publication of the Clan Moffat
Society
GEORGE H. MOFFAT (811)
editor & publisher
HAIL TO THE MOFFATS!
…and the Moffetts and the Moffitts and the Maffitts and the Morphets and even
Little Miss Muffet and all the other spellings and names attending the AGM. And
"CEUD MILE FAILTE" 10,000 welcomes to
Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, UK:
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
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CHARLES MOFFITT LINEBERRY (399)
president
Elected July '99 - 2 yr
16100 Weatherly Way
Huntersville, NC 28078
704.875.8878
! [email protected]
MADAM JEAN MOFFAT OF THAT ILK
chief of the clan
DONALD W. MOFFATT (210)
vice president
Elected July '99 - 3 yr
! [email protected]
MARJORY MAFFITT JONES (846)
secretary
Elected July ‘99 - 2 yr
RICHARD BADGER (344)
treasurer
Elected July ’99 - 3 yr
! [email protected]
ROBERT A. MOFFATT (86)
member-at-large (USA)
Elected July '99- 3 yr
! [email protected]
JOHN BROWN MOFFAT (775)
member-at-large (CAN)
Elected Jun’00 3 yr
! [email protected]
GEORGE G. MOFFAT (739)
immediate past president
! [email protected]
DR. E. ALBERT MOFFETT, III (33)
representative of the clan chief-commander
! [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL OFFICE -- USA
1489 Round Hill Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
" 757.474.1232
! [email protected]
LAND OF YOUR ANCESTORS
GROUND OF YOUR BEING
SOIL OF YOUR SOUL
HOME OF THE CHIEF
ROOT OF THE FAMILY
By the time we read this we should be
recovering from the jet lag and ready for the
"grand" week ahead as we have responded to
the call of the chief for the great gathering.
What great plans Al Yougel and Al Moffett
have made for our enjoyment and comfort—we
are grateful. Thanks also to George H. Moffat
for putting in overtime and extra effort to produce this "commemorative”
Moffatana edition.
The registration list indicates that Moffats are attending from 28 states in the
U.S., 6 provinces in Canada, and, as yet unknown numbers from Scotland and the
UK. More new members than older further reflect the growth in youth and vitality
of the clan.
I hope you will have a great time at this unique and once-in-a-lifetime event.
Things to see, enjoy, savor and remember:
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The Village of Moffat
High Street
The Devil’s Beef Tub
The warmth and friendliness of the locals
Your cattle-thieving heritage
The parade down High Street to church
Moffat Woolen Mill
Chief Jean and family
A late dinner at the Black Bull
The skirl of the pipes
Edinburgh
The feeling in your bones
See you on High Street,
MEMBERSHIP OFFICE -- CANADA
64 Gourok Avenue
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Canada B2X 2W8
" 902.435.6016
! [email protected]
EDITORIAL/MEMBERSHIP OFFICE
14614 26th Dr SE
Mill Creek, WA 98012
" 425.337.0818
! [email protected]
SPERO MELIORA!
LOCK and LOAD!
PROUD TO BE A MOFFAT!
Chuck
Charles Moffitt Lineberry (399)
Moffatana
3
Summer, 2000
Moffat of Old
Remembrances of Moffat
BY AL MOFFETT (33)
BY LARIENE MOFETT TREAT (749)
In 1993, more than 150 American and Canadian
members of Clan Moffat Society gathered in Moffat,
meeting our cousins from Scotland, other parts of the
United Kingdom, and six other countries. In all, there
were 209 of us. And the town of Moffat knew we had
come back to our ancestral land. There were “Welcome
Clan Moffat” signs in many businesses, shop windows
were filled with the gray and black tartan, and young
people of the town realized that if they shouted, “Hi, Mr.
Moffat or Mrs. Moffat,” they would probably be right.
And when we marched down the High Street that
Sunday morning, the sidewalks were lined with
townspeople and tourists, watching and applauding Clan
Moffat.
But it hasn’t been that way for long.
Back in 1972, when I visited Moffat the first time,
there was no Clan Moffat. Only a few Moffats were
known in the area. I went in the wool shop on the High
Street and asked one of the clerks about the name. She
said, “The only person I know who’s a Moffat is Major
Moffat.” She gave me his phone number. He was not
only pleased to talk, but invited my wife and I to lunch at
his home. That was the start of a long and loving
friendship with Francis and Peggy Moffat.
Major Moffat was deep into his research on family
history at the time. We talked about the family and his
direct ancestors for several hours that day and the
conversations continued a year later on a return trip. But
no one else in town had any inkling there ever existed a
Clan Moffat.
Most of the Moffats had scattered three centuries
earlier, following the massacre of the leaders of the
Moffat family. The only clan crest one could see was that
of the Johnstones. We were defeated and we were gone.
In 1983, Major Francis Moffat led the renaissance of
Clan Moffat. He concluded his research that showed he
was the rightful chief, convinced the Lord Lyon, King of
Arms, designed the crest badge and the tartan, and
inspired us in the United States and Canada to create the
society.
Francis died before he could see that Sunday morning
in 1993, but he would have been very proud. We lined up
on the High Street, our people filling the street for blocks.
And then we began the march, hundreds of us in the
Moffat tartan, led by our young chief, Jean Moffat of that
Ilk, a row of banners and a large pipe band in front. I
hoped nobody would notice, but I used my sleeve to brush
away the tears on my face. It was one of the most moving
experiences of my life, and I thought to myself, “That was
then…this is now.”
I have a scientific background, so I demand proof!
How then to explain the feeling I had the first time I went
to Moffat? The feeling that I was HOME came through
so clearly. I can’t give a rational explanation, but I know
the feeling was real! I had the same feeling the second
time I went to Moffat, and I fully expect it surface every
time I return. Maybe some things defy explanations? I
shall just enjoy and not worry about the “whys.”
The place I most enjoyed during the excursions in the
area was Melrose Abbey. Again, no scientific explanation
is found for the sense of peace I found there. It is truly a
place for contemplation and contentment. The first time I
was there I was bent down feeling the lush grass (I’m
from the desert, you know!) and a dear Scottish lady came
up to me. She smiled gently and suggested, “Why don’t
you take your shoes off, luv, and walk on our lovely
Scottish grass?” I did so, to the amusement of bystanders
and the delight of feeling it under my feet.
That whole first trip in 1993 was terrifically
exhilarating, from seeing Tom Moffat wearing the kilt at
the airport to greet us, to all the week’s activities, to the
pre-dawn bus trip back to the airport for our trip home.
The second trip in 1996 was just as much fun, even if it
didn’t have that first-time excitement. And I am sure the
third will be even more so!
The Saltire and Union Flag
Scotland has two flags - the Saltire or St. Andrew's
cross (white on blue) and the Lion Rampant (yellow and
red). The Lion Rampant is the Royal flag and is supposed
to only be used by royalty. The Saltire is the oldest flag in
Europe.
The St. Andrew's Cross according to legend is that
shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman
authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify
him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was
granted.
Anyway, legend has it that the Saltire flag has its
origins in a battle near Athelstaneford in East Lothian,
circa AD 832 when Angus MacFergus, King of the Picts,
defeated the army of Athelstane, King of Northumbria.
There is a Saltire flying there near the church with an
explanation regarding the origin of the flag. The night
before the battle, the Scots saw a cross formation of
clouds in the sky resembling a St. Andrew's cross - the
patron Saint. They took this sign as an omen and indeed
they were successful in battle the next day. Thus the
colors in the flag are supposed to be white to represent the
clouds and azure, the color of the sky towards the end of
the day. Sky blue is not the right color — it is too light.
Continued on page 16
4
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
The Official Publication of the Clan Moffat
Society
THE APPOINTED OFFICES
GEORGE H. MOFFAT (811)
LAURA MOFFETT GRADY (1082)
co-membership chairs
ROGER D. MOFFAT (1275)
genealogist
! [email protected]
ALBERT A. MOFFAT (602)
quartermaster
KENNETH E. MOFFATT (1100)
information officer
! [email protected]
JOHN L. MOFFAT (900)
vice-chair, membership (canada)
LARIENE MOFFETT TREAT (704)
chair of conveners
DR. CHARLES G. MOFFAT, SR. (44)
Historian
LYLA MOFFAT BILTON (223)
vice-quartermaster (canada)
Letters to the Editor...
The Clan Moffat Grant
To encourage pipers in general and
the Loch Norman Pipe Band in
particular, the Clan Moffat Grant is to
be awarded to deserving members
selected from the band. The grant is to
be used as a tuition grant, and
equipment grant or a grant in need.
Clan Moffat wishes to extend its
congratulations to the Loch Norman
Pipe band for its solid growth and
accomplishment. The recipient of the
1999 grant was Justin Gonzalez. The
2000 recipients were John Hahn, bass
drummer and his son, Thomas, a piper.
Commander Al Moffett made the
presentation at the Loch Norman
Highland Games on April 15.
THE CONVENOR COORDINATORS
LARIENE MOFFETT TREAT (704)
chair of convenors
! [email protected]
MILLIE BURKE (282)
chair of convenors - canada
ROBERT A. MOFFATT (86)
new england regional convenor coordinator
WARREN C. MOFFETT (166)
northeast regional convenor coordinator
STUART L. A. MOFFAT (876)
southeast regional convenor coordinator
MOLLY MOFFETT GRAY (364)
south-central regional convenor coordinator
JAMES M. TREAT (949)
southwest regional convenor coordinator
MARK W. MOFFATT (372)
northwest regional convenor coordinator
QUARTERMASTER OFFICE -- USA
1817 Hopefield Road
Silver Spring, MD 20905
" 301.384.1173
! [email protected]
QUARTERMASTER OFFICE -- CANADA
831 Grosvenor Avenue
Winipeg, Manitoba
CANADA R3M 0M3
" 204.284.5391
Moffatana is published quarterly in Spring,
Summer, Autumn, and Winter of each
calendar year. Deadlines for contributions are
15 March, 30 June, 15 September, and 30
November respectively.
Dolores Moffatt-Careless (671) reports
the publication of a second novel, a
romantic suspense entitled, "An
Unfortunate Likeness." Copies can be
ordered toll free at 1.877.211.3334 or
at
http://www.newworldpublishing.com
The Moffat-Johnstone Feud
The clan Moffat originated perhaps
a thousand years ago in the hills of
border Scotland and grew to be a
powerful and respected family. But,
the Scottish wars and feuds took its
toll. In the 16th century, at a moment of
vulnerability, its enemies pressed.
When the Johnstone clan extended
its possessions to upper Annandale,
about the beginning of the 15th century,
the Moffats looked upon them as
interlopers and resented their growing
influence. Hence arose a keen struggle
for local power, and the feud between
the two clans continued for several
generations and only ended when the
Moffat clan became “broken” and
ultimately dispersed. The chief of the
Moffat clan had died and, before the
new chief could be proclaimed, clan
Moffat found itself under siege. The
Moffats had assembled together in a
large building where they had met for
Moffatana
council or prayer. The Johnstones set
fire to the building and, on the Moffats
attempting to escape from the flames,
attacked and killed many of their
“principals.” This disaster deprived
the clan of its leaders and ultimately
led to its breaking up.
For more than four centuries, the
clan had been headless, broken and
scattered. But, a young Scottish Army
officer was to change all that. When
World War II ended and Francis
Moffat returned to his family farm at
Moffat, Dumfriesshire, he remembered
the stories he had heard since
childhood—that his was the family
directly descended from the last chief
of clan Moffat. This began his search
through dim and fragile volumes that
recorded Scotland’s history. While
rising to prominence as a farmer and
political leader, Francis Moffat spent
equal time documenting the family
history. By 1983, after more than 30
years of research, the documentation
was complete. On July 20, 1983, the
Court of the Lord Lyon of Scotland
recognized Francis Moffat as the Chief
of the Name and Arms of the Family of
Moffat. For the first time in more than
400 years, the ancient clan Moffat of
the Scottish borders had a chief and
Francis Moffat of Dumfriesshire
assumed the title of The Moffat of That
Ilk.
–contributed by Debra Jobe (173)
Recommended Reading
Fraser, George MacDonald. The Steel
Bonnets, The Story of the AngloScottish Border Reiver. Harvill,
1971.
Mackie, J. D. A History of Scotland.
Penguin Books, 1964, 1978.
Prebble, John. Culloden.
———. The Lion of the North.
If you have any other inquiries, book
reviews, or items of general interest
toward the cultural or historical
propagation of Clan Moffat please
send them to Moffatana c/o the
editorial office. We will publish them
from time to time. Ed.
Moffatana
5
Summer, 2000
Remembrances of The Great Gathering
PORTS OF DEPARTURE—June 9, 2000. We
departed from our various airports and spent the night
flying to Scotland. For most of us, there was a change-ofplanes in Amsterdam — and a loss of luggage!
Coincidentally, this was St. Columba’s Day,
commemorating the sixth century traveler who brought
Christianity to Scotland - actually, the Isle of Iona. He
died on this date in 592.
Hooray, by Saturday we were in Scotland! The trip
down to the hills of Moffat was not too long, with a lot of
interesting scenery on the way. The first planned event for
us was the Chief’s Reception in the Moffat House Hotel
on High Street. It’s only a short walk from all of the
accommodations.
Sunday brought the enjoyment of our first Scottish
breakfast at our lodging, having another cuppa, then . . .
Showtime! Marching down the High Street to St.
Andrew’s Parish Church for the morning worship service.
Adorned in tartan the Moffat Pipe Band appeared and
marched in to take its place. We will step off between
10:00 and 10:15 am, marching down the High Street. The
parade stopped at the War Memorial, at the bottom of the
High Street, where Madam Jean lay memorial wreaths and
Pipe Major Iaian McIntyre piped a Lament. The parade
continued to St. Andrew’s Parish Church where the pipe
band formed at the steps of the church to play while clan
members entered the main doors. The “Kirking of the
Clan” worship service was conducted by the Rev. Bill
Macmillan, interim moderator. Following the church
service the ladies of the church served us a light buffet
lunch.
The next three days saw us broken up into three
different groups for the various day trips: Edinburgh, the
Borders and Moffat and environs. Scottish tour guides led
the Edinburgh and Borders tours. Upon arrival in
Edinburgh, the first stop was the Royal Yacht Britannia,
followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle and a walk down
The Royal Mile. On the Borders tour visits were made to
Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford (the home of Sir Walter
Scott) in the morning. Then following a drive south the
tour stopped at Robert Burns’ house in Dumfries and
Lockerbie’s Garden of Remembrance. The tour of Moffat
was conducted by a representative of the Moffat Museum
covering several miles in and around Moffat.
Each of the groups was able to attend a theater
presentation at the Old Well Theatre put on by The Upper
Annandale Dramatic Society. This production was an
exclusive performance of the female version of Neil
Simon’s “Odd Couple.” It was a special play produced
only for us. Our hosts, the Dramatic Society, will fixed
munchies for the break. The Old Well Theatre is now
modern and beautiful, after having been rebuilt through a
very large grant.
On Thursday we were the guests of the Moffat
Woolen Mill for Tea and Open House. After tea, we
attended a special evening of musical entertainment
performance staged just for us in Moffat Town Hall,
“Sounds Scottish” featuring William Williamson and
Friends
On Friday, we again gathered at St. Andrew’s Parish
Church for the Annual General Meeting of Clan Moffat
Society. Dress is informal. The agenda included the
selection of a meeting site for the year 2002, some
amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and an
address by Madam Jean Moffat of that Ilk on what lies
ahead for Clan Moffat in the new millennium. Putting kilts
back on we enjoyed our farewell party at the Moffat
House Hotel, featuring a Scottish-style barbecue, and a
special salute to the millennium—a fireworks display to
which the entire town was invited to stand along the
streets and watch the rockets. It was one way of saying
“Thank You” for the town’s hospitality to us. What an
exciting final event of our Great Gathering!
Saturday saw early rising for some to get on the
coaches for the Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, for
flights back to North America. For others it was a 9:00 am
departure the Highlands, London and Mull/Iona post
tours.
Take one long, final look down the streets of Moffat,
the stores and restaurants now so familiar, the monuments
and statuary and lock it in your memory. For the rest of
your life, you’ll have these warm memories . . . of when
you were part of the Great Gathering of 2000.
Haste ye back!
A Letter to the People of Moffat
WE knocked at your door as strangers and you let us
in, not knowing who we were or what we wanted. But, all
we wanted was to let you know that we are the children of
your children who ran away many eons ago. And, that our
love and respect for our family’s homeland burns in our
hearts as brightly as the fires on your hearth. This inborn
love has been bred into us and you can be assured that it
will never die. We have longed for better thing — now
maybe we’ve found it!
William Lockhart Kerr Moffat (632)
1639 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA USA 98126
The Kirkin O’ the Clan
BY CLYDE ALLEN MOFFETT
I am a fairly recent member of the Clan Moffat
Society, thanks to my cousin Laura Jean Moffett Grady.
When Laura’s father, Carl L. (Buddy) Moffet, mentioned
6
in 1998 that there would be a great gathering of the clan in
the year 2000 in Moffat, Scotland, and he planned to
attend with a another cousin from Greenville,
Pennsylvania, I thought of the remote possibility that
maybe I would go to Scotland too. I say “remote”
because I had not traveled far from home and the farm
which had been in the family for four generations, dating
back to the Civil War era. My only experience with flying
was when, as a teenager, my Uncle Victor took me up in a
Piper Cub. I remember being nervous because I don’t
even like to climb a tall ladder. But 2000 seemed well
into the future and maybe I would conquer my fear.
We made plans and now it was time to get on the
plane (three different planes actually). The huge terminal
at metropolitan Detroit took this county boy’s breath away
and the plane, a 747-400, seemed like it could transport a
city in one flight. But we arrived safely in Scotland and
took a bus from Edinburgh to Moffat. I was first to
register and Annandale Arms Hotel. A fair number of
clansmen were behind me waiting their turn. The clerk
asked my name and I said “Moffett.” There was laughter
behind me. Being a bit slow, it took a second or two for
me to realize tat virtually everyone’s name was Moffat,
whatever the spelling.
Then came Sunday and time to line up for the clan’s
march to St Andrew Parish Church for worship service
and thanksgiving for our safe arrival. It was a cool,
cloudy day and the dark thought crossed my mind that
maybe it would rain on our parade. But this did not
happen. My cousins from Las Vegas shivered in the north
wind, having come from a land that had recently seen
106ºF. But the happy mood of the clansmen kept us warm
in spirit; everyone was so friendly. We were not really
strangers. Although we came from all parts of Canada, the
United States, Argentina, New Zealand, England, and of
course Scotland, we shared a name, a heritage and a place
of common ancestry. And today we were celebrating our
heritage, the one thousand-year anniversary of the
founding of Clan Moffat. The brisk Scottish weather
would not dampen our spirits. Indeed, I grew warm inside
as the pipers arrived and began playing their high-pitched
unique Scottish music. This, I realized, was my roots; the
skirls of the bagpipes, the kilts and pleated skirts of the
tartan, the smiles and laughter of my cousins, however
distant we may be related. A truly warm feeling embraced
me as I waited to begin the march down High Street. Even
though I had never traveled far before, I felt I was home,
the place where my ancestors came from and I was getting
a taste of the culture of my fathers before me. A moment I
will never forget.
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
The Pipes and Drums of the Black Watch will be
touring North America between September and November
2000 along with the Band and Choir of the Prince of
Wales Division. The planned tour schedule is below.
September 14–Charleston, SC
September 15–Greenville, SC
September 16–Winston-Salem, NC
September 17–Greenville, NC
September 18–Columbia, SC
September 19–Atlanta, GA
September 21–Anniston, AL
September 22–Birmingham, AL
September 23–Tyler, TX
September 24–Fort Worth, TX
September 25–Austin, TX
September 26–Houston, TX
September 28–Phoenix, AZ
September 29–San Diego, CA
September 30–Los Angeles, CA
October 1–Cerritos, CA
October 2–San Luis Obispo, CA
October 3–Las Vegas, NV
October 5–Portland, OR
October 6–Seattle, WA
October 7–Vancouver, BC
October 8–Spokane, WA
October 9–Boise, ID
October 10–Ogden, UT
October 11–Denver, CO
October 13–Columbus, OH
October 14–Clinton Township, MI
October 15–Kalamazoo, MI
October 16–Rosemont, IL
October 17–Dayton, OH
October 18–Urbana, IL
October 20–Cincinnati, OH
October 21–Flint, MI
October 22–Detroit, MI
October 24–Indianapolis, IN
October 25–Cleveland, OH
October 26–Kitchner, ON
October 27–Hamilton, ON
October 28–West Point, NY
October 29–Princeton, NJ
October 30–Storrs, CT
November 1–Hershey, PA
November 2–Schenectady, NY
November 3–Brookville, NY
November 4–Newark, NJ
November 5–1:00Boston, MA
Moffatana
7
Summer, 2000
November 13, 14–Clearwater, FL
November 15–West Palm Beach, FL
November 16–Melbourne, FL
November 17–Sarasota, FL
November 6–Bethlehem, PA
November 8–Richmond, VA
November 9–State College, PA
November 10–Philadelphia, PA
November 11–Washington, DC
Pictures of the Great Gathering
PHOTOS BY ROGER D. MOFFAT (1275)
Eight-tenths of the George Moffats upon arrival in
Moffat — The other two-tenths were still enroute
from Seattle
Plenty of Moffat tartan to see!
Assembly for the parade up the High Street
(left to right) Commander Al, Madam Jean and her
husband Robin Gates carry the Moffat colors leading
the parade up High Street
8
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
A pipe band leads the parade down High Street
The Sir Walter Scott Memorial in Edinburgh
Farewell picnic held at the Moffat House Hotel
Roger Moffat beside headstone of his great great great
great great grandfather John Moffat.
Inscription says:
“Teddy” Moffat and Dick Badger
"Here
lies the body of
John Moffat who
died 23 Oc. 1781 age 62
Also his spouse
Margaret Moffat
died July 19th 1811 aged
96 years also their son
John Moffat who died
8th Nov 1829 aged 82 years
Also of Jane Bogue his
wife who died 22d April 1838
aged 80"
Moffatana
Summer, 2000
9
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Clan Moffat Society
MOFFAT, DUMFIRESSHIRE, SCOTLAND — JUNE 16, 2000
The 17th annual general meeting of Clan Moffat Society was called to order by President Charles Moffitt Lineberry (399)
at 10:00 a.m. as Chief Jean Moffat of that Ilk was piped in by Laurie Esther Moffitt (997). Past-president George G. Moffat
(739) gave the opening prayer.
REPORTS BY SOCIETY OFFICERS
Representative of the clan Chief–Commander: E. Albert Moffett, III (33) gave a brief biographical sketch of Madam
Jean Moffat’s father Major Francis Moffat, our first modern chief. Laurie Moffitt played Major Moffat, a pipe tune written by
Chuck Lineberry. Commander Al then presented Madam Jean Moffat of that Ilk. She envisions Clan Moffat as a worldwide
organization. Volunteers will be needed to help. We will use the internet to spread the word, yet we must protect the
heraldry. Madam Jean called for a return to Scotland in five years to attend a gathering of all clans in the Borders in August,
similar to games in the United States. Commander Al then announced that he would present a plaque to John Murray of
Moffat, who is ill today, making him an honorary life member of Clan Moffat Society.
Marcia Moffett intoned the Flowers of the Forest: John Ward Moffitt (747), Bega, New South Wales, Australia; Jane
Boyd, Moffat, Scotland; Ann Moffitt, wife of Joseph T. P. Moffitt (137), Chesterfield, VA; John Knox Moffat (20), LaPaz,
Bolivia; Donna Jeanne Moffat, wife of William Lockhart Kerr Moffat (632), Seattle, WA.
A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the 1999 AGM and to accept the minutes as recorded
in Moffatana.
Moffatana Motion seconded and carried.
Member-at-Large (US) Report: Vice President Donald W. Moffatt (210) gave the report of Robert A. Moffatt (86).
No problems or concerns to report.
Member-at-Large (Canada) Report: Vice President Don gave the report of John Brown Moffat (775). No
complaints. Jack said he wants to cultivate a feeling of belonging among members. He wants AGM attendance to be
affordable and asked for a dues increase study.
Membership (Canada) Report: Vice President Don reat the report of John Leo Moffat (900) which offered suggestions
to gain and keep new members. John expressed the wish of an AGM in Alberta, Canada.
Treasurer Report: Richard S. Badger (344) reports that our finances are solid and the society is on good footing. The
compiled financial statements for the eleven months ending May 3, 2000 show total assets of $27,415.97; total cash and casn
equivalents (US and Canada) $25, 415.97; liabilities and equity $28,291.67. Net income is ($875.50). The quartermaster will
offset loss shown (secretary’s note). Members who want a copy of the report may contact Dick Badger.
Madam Jean called Laurie Moffitt to the front to formally appoint her as the official clan piper. Commander Al reported
a proposal is in the works concerning dues. A study shows that we are the lowest priced clan society in the nation.
Discussion concerned a possible $10 research fee in addition to the dues. Dick Badger explained that we would like to
establish a foundation which would provide education funds. The president’s commission has met. A vision statement
concerns keeping the clan together as well as expanding horizontally and vertically. There is great need to continue bringign
in young people to keep us going. Locating other Moffats is important.
Chair of Publications and Membership (US) Report: George H. Moffat (811) has received the database from Laura
Moffett Grady (1082), membership co-chair. Moffatana circulation is 892. George is in the process of producing electronic
versions of all back issues of Moffatana.
Moffatana
President Chuck presented a Moffat plaque to the family of George G. Moffat, with 10 members present, the largest
family attending. Chuck cited this as a great example of what to do to strengthen the clan.
Genealogist Report: Roger Dougal Moffat (1275) has received two files from Robert and Frances Moffitt (290). Nearly
56,000 names are in the merged files. Roger invites members to talk with him about privacy, etc. and asks members to inform
him of corrections and additions.
10
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
Quartermaster (US) Report: Albert A. Moffat (602) reports the best sales in the society’s history ($5,169.20). Al gave
the report of Vice Quartermaster (Canada) Lyla Moffat Bilton (223). Lyla said the clan video is a best seller.
Eduardo Jorge “Teddy” Moffatt (843) of Argentina was honored as the member who traveled the greatest distance to
attend the AGM in Moffat, Scotland.
Chair of Convenors Report: Lariene Moffett Treat (704) said she wants to convene the whole world. Problems are
solved. At least 45 games will be convened in 2000. She asked members to encourage attandance at games in their area.
Information Officer Report: Kenneth Edwin Moffatt (1100) asked for member’s input for placing information about
Clan Moffat Society in publications. Julia Moffatt Peterman (884) suggested sending Moffatana to depositories around the
nation (Library of Congress, etc.).
President Report: Charles Moffitt Lineberry reviewed the year. He said we have a good legacy and conucil members
who work well together. Those whose three-year term expired, George H., Lariene and Albert A., have agreed to serve
another three years.
OLD BUSINESS:
Estes Park, Colorado, is the site for the 2001 Annual General Meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Marcia Moffett invited consideration for the 2002 AGM at the Tennessee Highland Games, to be held the first
Saturday in October on the campus of the University of Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro. President Chuck asked for other
proposals. He said that Alberta is another idea, but that it needs more planning. Motion made to hold the AGM 2002 in
Murfreesboro. Seconded. Carried.
George G. Moffat, past-president, who chaired the nominating committee of John Leo Moffat and Marjory Maffitt
Jones, nominated John Brown Moffat for Member-at-Large (Canada). There were no other nominees. Motion made to elect
John Brown Moffat by acclamation. Motion seconded and passed.
The meeting adjourned with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjory K. Maffitt Jones
Secretary
"""""""""
LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE
There are a limited number of copies of the color edition of Moffatana still
available. This edition, prepared exclusively for The Great Gathering in Moffat,
is bound to be a collector’s item. Printed on magazine stock paper with color
photographs, this edition celebrates 1000 years of Moffats and contains the full
itinerary of the Great Gathering. Quantities are limited so hurry and get your
order in today.
Please send a 9” x 12” SASE with 77¢ postage for the first copy plus 22¢
postage for each additional copy. Limit of 3 copies per address.
Moffatana
11
Summer, 2000
Sights Around Moffat
#
Black Bull
Established in 1568 this pub served as the 1678
headquarters for Graham of Claverhouse (“Bonnie
Dundee” or “Bloody Clavers”) during the “Killing
Times.” Also frequented by Robert Burns who was
inspired to scratch his well-known Apology for a
Scrimpit Nature on a window-pane after watching two
beauties walk by on the street below. The window is no
longer there (it is reportedly in a museum in Russia) but
a plaque commemorating the epigram marks the spot.
St. Andrew Parish Church
$
Dedicated to St. Andrew and set in its own spacious
grounds. Although close to the heart of the town and
surrounded by houses, shops and hotels, it rises serenely
“abune them a.” When the present Moffat came into
existence the Parish Church, surrounded by a graveyard,
was situated at the south east end of what is now the
High Street. Little is known of this ancient church
except that in 1177 Robert de Bruce transferred it to the
Bishop of Glasgow. In 1790 James, Earl of Hopetoun
gifted the ground opposite the Black Bull, and a new
parish church was built. Ninety-seven years later it was
replaced by a new church a little to the south of its
predecessor. The first service was held on September
23, 1887 and was dedicated to St. Andrew.
—from the St. Andrew Parish flyer
#
The Ram
George G. Moffat, past-president (739) and Charles M.
Moffat (450) pose in front of the ram statue in High
Street.
12
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
Moffat Museum
Incorporating an old bake house which for over 100 years$
ovened the daily breads and cakes, the museum tells the
story of Moffat through the centuries touching on topics
such as clan warfare, Covenanting times and its heyday
as a spa. Included are collections on sporting pastimes,
famous people associated with Moffat, changing
patterns in local land use, farming tools used through
centuries of sheep farming and family trees of the
Moffat and Johnstone clans.
—source: Michelin tourist guide and Moffat Museum flyer
The Borders Tour
#
Grey Mare’s Tail
The Tail Burn forms this spectacular waterfall as it
plunges 200 ft from the hanging valley to join the
Moffat Water in its heavily glaciated valley. A sheep
pen near the roadside car park provides explanatory
notes on the geological history of the site. Tow paths
lead to the waterfall. The one on the left, the easier,
n Chief–Commander: E. Albert Moffett, III (33) gave
a brief biographical sketch of Madam Jean Moffat’s
father Major Francis Moffat, our first modern chief.
Laurie
Moffitt
played
Major
—source: Michelin tourist guide
Moffatana
13
Summer, 2000
Melrose Abbey
The fertile Tweed haughlands were traditionally the site $
of early settlers with forts on the Eildons and the great
Roman camp of Trimontium, beyond Newstead, and the
Cistercian monks who settled David I’s 1136
foundation proved no exception when choosing the site
of their new abbey. The monks from Rievaulx built an
original 12C church, which was damaged by 14C raids,
in particular by Edward II’s retreating army in 1322.
Robert the Bruce ensured the rebuilding of the abbey
and it was here that his heart was buried. The ruins date
from the late 14C to early 16C and are in a pure Gothic.
It was Sir Walter Scott who initiated repairs between
1822 and 1826 securing for posterity some of the
loveliest ruins and establishing them as a must for
travelers.
—source: Michelin tourist guide
#
#
Jedburgh Abbey
One of the famous border abbeys, it was founded by
David I in 1138 as a priory for Augustinian canons from
Beauvais in France and elevated to abbey status in
1152. It witnessed such royal events as the coronation
of the founder’s grandson, Malcolm IV (1153-65) and
the marriage of Alexander III (1249-86) to his second
wife, Yolande de Dreux. The destruction of the 1545
raid ended abbey live although the church continued to
be used a s a place of worship until 1875.
Also in Jedburgh: Mary Queen of Scots House and
Visitor Center
—source: Michelin tourist guide
Edinburgh
The Royal Mile
$
The principal thoroughfare of the Old Town runs from
the castle, in its strategic site, down the ridge to the abbey
and palace (Holyroodhouse). The Royal Mile is in fact a
succession of four streets: Castle Hill, the Lawnmarket, the
High Street and the Canongate. Daniel Defoe wrote in the
early 18C, “This is, perhaps, the largest, longest, and finest
street for buildings and number of inhabitants, no in Britain
only, but in the world.” The few original buildings which
remain give some idea of what medieval Edinburgh must
have looked like.
—source: Michelin tourist guide
14
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
Edinburgh Castle
$
Towering over the city of Edinburgh since at least the
ninth century, the Castle has stood as a fortress, a royal
palace, a treasury, a prison and a barracks with each
successive generation extending, replacing or restoring
the stone legacy of its forebears. The earliest settlement
here has been dated to c.850 BC and the first fortress on
the site is thought to have served the British King
Mynyddog in AD 700. It was probably David I who
built the tiny stone chapel, to the memory of his mother
Queen Margaret, which survives today and is the oldest
place of worship still in use in Scotland. After the
occupation of James VI and I, the Castle ceased to be a
royal palace, becoming a military garrison to be fought
over for the next couple of centuries. Today it houses
the regimental and United Services museum, the
Scottish National War Memorial and the Edinburgh
Military Tattoo takes place annually on the Castle
esplanade.
—source: The Royal Encyclopedia
#
Britannia, HMY
Launched by Her Majesty The Queen at Clydebank on 16
April 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia was commissioned for
service on 7 January 1954. Today this unique royal
residence serves both as an ambassadorial vehicle for
members of the Royal Family overseas or in home waters and
as a location for informal social occasions at sea. Already
Britannia has traveled over 920,000 miles, visiting every
continent and most Commonwealth countries. In 1987 a
major refit was undertaken in order to extend her live beyond
the turn of the century.
—source: The Royal Encyclopedia
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
The ground floor exhibition traces the whisky-making
process from peat making to bottling and packaging. A
10-minute film “The Water of Life” explains the
different types of whisky and the workings and layout
of a typical Speyside distillery. Upstairs, a ride through
a series of lifelike tableaux gives a pictorial account of
whisky making.
—source: Michelin tourist guide
Royal Museum of Scotland
One of the legacies of the 1851 Great Exhibition was the
proliferation of many museums and art galleries throughout
Britain. Funds were allocated to Edinburgh in 1854 for the
foundation of the Industrial Museum. Capt. Fowde RE of
Albert Hall fame designed the building. It is a masterpiece of
Victorian cast iron and plate glass construction. Both the arts
and sciences are covered. The museum was renamed on two
occasions. In 1998 a major extension to the building—its
innovative design draws inspiration from Edinburgh Castle
on the Rock—houses the new Museum of Scotland, intended
to tell the country’s story from 3,500 millions years ago to
the present day.
—source: Michelin tourist guide
Moffatana
15
Summer, 2000
Events
Games to Be Convened by Clan Moffat
Society in 2000
BY LARIENE MOFFETT TREAT (704)
We had a record number of games convened in 1999 –
about 40! There are even more scheduled for 2000. The
list of known games was published in the winter 2000
edition of Moffatana but a few more games of note have
arrived. Check the list below and see what’s happening in
,your area. For more information call the convenor listed
– the membership number will enable you to look up the
phone number in the directory. Clan Moffat is becoming
known throughout the Scottish community; we have even
been the honored clan several times this year. Let’s keep
spreading the news about our heritage!
June 3
Bellingham/Whatcom County Highland
Games
Ferndale, WA
Mark Moffett (372) or Skye Fields
(711)
July 6-9
45th Annual Grandfather Mountain
Highland Games and Gathering of
Scottish Clans
Mount Vernon, WA
Andrew Mackie (591)
[email protected]
2001 Annual General Meeting
Estes Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
The scenery is breathtaking in its beauty. The city of
Estes Park has quaint shops to visit and it is the
gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Accommodations are available at 11 different options,
including the Lake Shore Lodge that the society has
reserved, ranging in price from $55 to $315. Most of
the lodging becomes booked very early in the year.
Estes Park is about an hour away from Boulder and
Fort Collins, and about 90 minutes from Denver. The
Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs is another
hour away from Denver.
The AGM dinner will be at a flat rate for all guests.
The rate will be announced later this year when a menu
and options are selected. Effort will be made to get
group rates for the tickets to the Longs Peak Festival
2001 for Clan Moffat Society members. Clan Moffat
will be the honored clan
For further inquiries call Patrick De
970.223.5016. Email at [email protected].
Marco,
Annual Border Gathering
July 8-9
Skagit Valley Highland Games &
Scottish Faire
Mount Vernon, WA
Mark Moffett (372)
August 5
Spokane Scottish Festival
Spokane, WA
Mark Moffatt (372)
October 14
Anne Arundel Scottish Festival
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds
Crownsville, MD
Carl Moffett (1044)
410-757-7638
[email protected]
NOTE CORRECTION TO PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
OCTOBER 7
Rhode Island Scottish Festival Games
BY BOB(86) AND ESTHER(850) MOFFATT
WESTERLY, RI —May 20, 2000. This, the second
year for these games, reflected the overall growing
nationwide interest in this theme. Forty (40) plus clans
and societies were there. We had time to renew
Madam Jean Moffat of that Ilk wishes to inform us of
the annual Border Gathering 10-13 August 2000 on
Gretna Green in Dumfrieeshire. This is similar to our
gatherings in the US but is now being held in the UK. It
continues to grow each year with more and more Moffats
and other border families in attendance. Those who will
be in the Borders at that time, or in future years, may
want to try to include this in your itinerary. It is her
hope that we have a large contingent able to participate
when we return in five years for the next AGM in
Moffat.
friendships with old and new clan/society representatives.
and also to re-live disasters from previous games. A fine
touch this year, extended to the representatives, was
"coffee and" delivered to your tent by delightful young
volunteers. The first was complimentary; seconds were
nominally priced. It was great for a raw cold day near
Long Island Sound.
Only one potential member appeared, taking an
application and other material we had available. The rain
of Thursday and Friday undoubtedly kept the attendance
down. By 3:00PM the weather god forgot us. A gentle but
steady Scots 'mist' appeared. The gear was packed away
damp, make that sopping wet. Monday will be a day for
16
Summer, 2000
drying out, hopefully. At least Saturday evening's potables
and outstanding lobster dinner erased the thoughts of the
continuing 'rain'.
Spero Meliora.
BIOGRAPHY
Meet our Publications Chair
GEORGE HOLMAN MOFFAT
The records of my birth have me being born in
Madison, Wisconsin, the oldest of four children to
George and Pat Moffat (739) with baptism records
showing the blessed sacrament occurring on the
coincident Feast of the Reformation and St. Crispin’s day
(Henry V’s battle of Agincourt.) Dad’s work caused us to
move around a lot, taking us back and forth between
Madison and such pleasant Pennsylvania tourist sites as
Pittsburgh and the Jersey side of Philadelphia, Chicago
and Nashville. Moving around is never easy; as a teenager it’s near impossible. But, a strong, close family
(siblings Darragh and Russ Bailey (818), Stuart and
Julie Moffat (876) and Paul and Crystal Moffat (826)
are all participating in the great gathering!), good music
programs in the schools, and the Lutheran liturgy all
helped make the moves less traumatic and provided for
some semblance of continuity.
Music was the recurring theme throughout. I started
playing the trumpet in the school band. Little did I know
that thirty years later it would still be a defining force after
taking me literally around the world: from Bermuda to the
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with the
Wisconsin Youth Symphony to a bullring in Venezuela.
After having graduated the third high school I attended
I studied acoustical engineering at Purdue University (get
the music connection?). There, as principal cornettist
with the All-American Marching (Bill Moffitt, conductor)
and Symphonic bands, we traveled to Venezuela,
participated in numerous bowl games across the US, the
Indianapolis 500, Caribbean cruises and performed with
the band of HM Scots Guards at the Canadian National
Exhibition Tattoo in Toronto.
The Reagan “Great Recession” of 1982 found me out
of University and looking for work. After choosing
between Navy or Coast Guard OCS and the private sector,
I finally found work with a “small” Japanese electronics
company in Knoxville, Tennessee. The music theme
continued with appearances in the Knoxville symphony.
A few years later I was back in Indiana working for
Harman-Motive (of Harman-Kardon and JBL fame)
designing speakers for automotive sound systems. While
there I began playing flugel horn and soprano cornet with
the Bloomington Brass Band (27 of Indiana’s finest brass
musicians!) and got hooked up with the British Brass
Band movement and wife Lesley — a trombonist (ugh!)
In my spare time I managed to earn a Master of Business
Administration degree from Indiana University. Lesley
began teaching music with the Indianapolis Public
Schools but two years later she wanted to return to Seattle.
Moffatana
So the westward march continued. Somehow I guessed
that manipulating sound for cars qualified me to
manipulate (or get rid of) sound on airplanes.
I began working for Boeing in Noise Engineering but
what was the first order of business? You got it —
Boeing Employees’ Concert Band. I’ve been with Boeing
for ten years, presently as a lead engineer in product
development for noise, just finishing up on the 767-400
program. The music has continued, playing with the
Thalia Symphony, the Greenlake Brass Quintet and now
working with Lesley’s students by organizing a brass
quintet meeting in our home. Other work with youth
includes promoting and teaching in the Boeing-sponsored
Introduction to Engineering program. This semester-long
course is designed to expose high school juniors to
various engineering disciplines in hopes of their pursuing
engineering as a profession.
My first exposure to the Clan Moffat Society came
while attending the Gatlinburg Highland Games when I
lived in Knoxville. I remember Charlie Moffat trying to
get me to join, but it took until the trip to Moffat in 1993
before I finally signed up. Dad and I went alone on that
trip. I have vivid (and fond) memories of closing down
the Black Bull night after night, up rarin’ to go early the
next morning. The Castle in Edinburgh was especially
memorable including the War Memorial.
Then, in 1997, Dad asked if I would become
publications chair. I’m not sure if he expected me to
accept for he sounded like he had a full pitch prepared
propounding the benefits, down-playing the required
effort, resources, etc., etc. Well, sixteen issues later I’m
still working at it with plans and hopes for bigger and
better things.
$
$
$
$
$
A Moffat Remembered issue for Summer 2000
which will feature selective reprinting of this
millennial edition plus full reports on the trip.
The trek to California in 1857
The Moffat Tunnel: a brief history
Moffatana on-line—retrieval of past Moffatana
issues from the Clan Moffat.org website. Expect
to see new issues added over time.
An archive CD of all past issues of Moffatana.
Moffatana
Past issues will be scanned and converted to .pdf
formatted files.
Lesley and I have three girls, Kelly (10), Meagan (6)
and Nicole (2) who are not on the trip with us. We’ve
been gone only a few days and already miss them. After
our week in Moffat we plan on going to London where we
hope to catch the Grimethorpe Collier RJB Brass Band in
concert, Prime Minister’s question time, evensong at
Westminster and even catch a bit o’ the bard at the Globe.
After that it’s off to Paris to see the Mona Lisa.
And the music? Did I mention I brought my bugle
along? How do Reveille and Last Post sound every day of
the trip to accompany us? Let me know if anybody finds
Moffatana
a spare post horn lying about in any of the antique shops,
will you?
Duties of Publications Chair
According to the by-laws, the publications chairman shall:
$
$
$
17
Summer, 2000
Act as editor for Moffatana and all other
publications of the society, including content, form,
acceptance and distribution
Supervise the publication and distribution of
Moffatana no less than twice per year
Publish other materials and periodicals as directed by
the Executive Council.
News and Views
John and Ingelore Moffat celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary on 19 April this year. His sister
Dorothy (1280) came over from Scotland and his brother
David (1040), accompanied by his wife Joan made the
long trip from Perth, Australia. All John's children are
also members, and with their families joined in the spree.
Another future member, Malcolm Moffat of Palm Harbor,
FL, and Ingelore's cousin from Los Angeles completed the
family group. Besides the family, many neighbors and
friends dropped in to wish them well.
Last Post - Flowers of the Forest
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them, we will remember them"
Ann Moffitt (137) of Richmond, Virginia, one of the
most successful and enthusiastic organizers of the Clan
Moffat Society died March 30, after a long series of
illnesses.
Ann and Joe Moffitt joined the society after attending
only one of the Williamsburg Scottish Games, in 1984.
Although it was here first knowledge that Clan Moffat
even existed, it became the central focus of her life. She
was appointed southeastern United States convenor and,
using her telephone day and night, brought many members
to attending Scottish games and into society membership.
She was always cheerful, even though her declining health
greatly limited her walking. The last year she moved
about in a wheelchair.
Ann often ignored time of day when telephoning in
Virginia and across the country. She was very proud of
her accomplishments in recruiting and would call around
whenever new members signed up. One night, forgetting
British time is six hours ahead of Virginia time, but proud
of her record as a recruiter, she dialed the home of Francis
Moffat in Moffat. When he answered she blurted out,
“This is the woman you love!”
One poignant scene of Ann was captured in the video
on the 1993 gathering in Scotland. She was sitting on the
stone wall in front of Moffat House Hotel, smoking the
ever-present cigarette, and greeting members as they came
off the Gibson coaches.
Ann kept up a running competition in membership
recruitment with Allen Moffitt (Al from Cal), the western
states convenor. She had a standing bet of a dinner that
she could sign up more new members than he. Sometimes
he won, sometimes she won, but they never cashed in on
the dinner. Allen died two years ago. Now Ann is gone.
Oh, how I miss the two of them.
—Al Moffett (33)
And now for something else…
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE GREAT GATHERING...
BY JOHN L. MOFFAT (900)
Quite a few of the members going to the Great
Gathering this year are making side trips, either to look up
almost forgotten relations or to look into the possibility of
doing some more family research. Then there are those
like my son Ian and I who are fascinated by the evidence
of prehistoric man's intellect and constructive efforts.
All over Scotland there are the remains of these
earliest inhabitants of the place we now call Scotland. A
number of years ago I had been to what is probably the
best known of all the standing stones, the Circle of
Stonehenge, also on that visit we saw the Seven Sisters in
Cornwall and that other great circle and avenue of stones
in Avebury.
Having, since then, read about the Scottish circles, I
decided to have a closer look. The first was the visit to
Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. There is a
small circle of huge upright stones at the core and from
this spreads a double line leading North with single lines
extending to the other three cardinal points. In the center
of the circle is a chambered cairn, probably an early burial
site, directly south of this is a central pillar which at the
times of spring and autumn equinoxes its shadow
penetrates the tombs entry.
18
Summer, 2000
This year Ian and I will go north to Orkney to see the
imposing monoliths at Stenness. These date from about
3000 BC. A local farmer back in the early part of the
nineteenth century destroyed another stone close by. The
Stone of Odin was a ring stone through which newly wed
couples passed with the hope it would allow then to prove
fertile in their marriage.
Maes Howe is the finest example of a chambered tomb
in north west Europe. Its construction is from the natural
flat stones of the area. There is a central large room with a
number of smaller ones set off from it. One belief is that
at the burial of an important member of the tribe, many
visitors were brought in from neighboring tribes and a
mourning and celebration were held. Even as today at
funerals there is also a celebration of the life of the
deceased
The Ring of Brodgar is the most northerly of
Scotland's Rings and Henges at one time there were 60
stones in the circle many were taken away and built into
later homes and walls so there are only 27 remaining. The
henge is 120 yards in diameter although early visitors
thought them to be sacrificial temples later research has
proven that as with most of the other monolithic circles
they had been designed either as solar or lunar
observatories. They would help the settlers to know when
to sow and when to gather their harvests.
For anyone wanting to make such a trip there are many
books on the subject of Ancient Scotland. Also there are
Web Sites dealing with he subject. In any search facility
on your computer just look for Historic Standing Stones
or Scottish Stones. There are many places to look at but
the true thrill is going for a visit. Try it sometime.
The Saltire
Continued from page 3
The Saltire was later incorporated in the union flag
and Union Jack although the color of blue there is
different. In those flags it is navy blue which is used. The
Union Jack is the version of the union flag used on the
jackstaff at the front of a ship. This difference of color
between the Saltire and the union flags has resulted in
some confusion over the correct color of the Scottish flag
- so insist the one you get is azure and white and not
anything else!
William the Lyon adopted the Lion Rampant (in 1165)
to replace the previous symbol of Scots Sovereignty,
which was a Boar. This has led to some humorous
speculation as to what the present title of the Lord Lyon
King of Arms might be had the change not been adopted.
Further, it was a heraldic symbol (or a Lyon rampant
gules) far before the charge of the Earl of Galloway. I
forget what bloodline used the charge just now, but I
know that it predated the adoption of the Saltire in the 9th
century. I've got the reference somewhere and I'll have a
look about for it. The most modern change to the standard
occurred in 1165 with the addition of the gules bordure
Moffatana
tressure fleury-counterfleury, which is entirely distinctive
and to my knowledge not emblazoned on any other arms
anywhere.
Use of Saltire and Union Flag:
It is the case of course that it is NOT permissible for
the ordinary citizen of the UK, either Scottish, English,
Welsh or Irish to fly the Union Flag. It is only permissible
for Government offices, Royal Navy ships on their foretop
and certain other military uses (and recently certain royal
dwellings in the absence of the monarch). It is the flag of
the Union only.
The common citizens should be flying their own
national flags - the crosses of St. George, St. Andrew, and
St. Patrick and of Cornwall and the dragon of Wales,
unless they are on board ship when these flags may be
flown on the foretop but the red ensign is mandatory.
Scots should not even be flying the lion rampant, which is
the ensign reserved for the monarch of Scotland.
The question is as to what flag should fly in front of
the Parliament of Scotland, the Assembly of Wales and
the Northern Ireland Assembly and over the buildings
housing the official administrations of these. This should
be a matter for each body to choose for itself (for instance
the Scots should have the right to change their Saltire or
its background to pink if they so wish).
Further information:
http://fotw.digibel.be/flags/gb-scotl.html
The Immortal Memory
Poetry dedicated to the immortal memory of Robert
Burns.
The Moffats Sang on Culloden Moore
The Moffats sang on Culloden Moore
and died.
But they must have won some of the time,
for I am here,
wearing the plaid,
stirred by the thought of Clan Moffat,
singing on Culloden Moore.
Dolores Moffatt-Careless (671)
 April, 2000
Here’s a bottle and an honest friend!
What wad ye wish for mair, man?
Wha kens, before his life may end,
What his share may be of care, man.
Then catch the moments as they fly,
And use them as ye ought, man:—
Believe me, happiness is shy,
And comes not ay when sought, man.
Moffatana
19
Summer, 2000
QUARTERMASTER
AVIATOR SHIRTS
Aviator shirts are available for US$ 28.90 plus shipping.
This price is somewhat lower that what was quoted earlier
in Moffatana because the quartermaster was able to take
advantage of a special sale in which the shirt price was
reduced and the logo embroidery was offered at half price.
All clan members who have submitted requests for aviator
shirts should mail their orders to the U.S. quartermaster
and include an adequate amount for postage. Sizes M
(38-40), L (42-44) and XL (46-48) are available.
NAME BADGES
QUARTERMASTER PRICE LIST
Crested Pendant Necklace
Crest Badge
Crest Kilt Pin
Rectangular Key Fob
Porcelain Crest Lapel Pin
MOFFAT Foil Labels
Adult T-shirt
Red or Ash
$16.50
18.50
18.00
16.50
1 @ 4.00
2 @ 7.00
50@ 3.00
Medium 11.00
L, XL 12.00
XXL 13.00
Adult Sweatshirt
Red
Medium 16.00
L, XL, XXL 18.00
Book, The Moffats by Francis Moffat
46.00
of that Ilk
Clan Moffat Video
22.00
Aviator Shirts
28.90
Note: Above prices do not include shipping
Make checks payable to Clan Moffat Society. Send order
% to:
Clan Moffat name badges similar to what is shown
above may be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
The crested badge and “Clan Moffat” will be printed in
black on a brushed aluminum field and 2 lines of your
name and title or address will be engraved in black with a
jeweler’s locking pin on the back.
Cost is $3.50 per badge with an additional $2.00
shipping and handling for up to 5 badges to the same
address. UPS 2nd day air is $8.00. Add $0.75 per badge
for each additional line. Massachusetts residents add 5%
sales tax; Canadian residents pay in US dollars. To order,
complete the form below and send with check, money
order or credit card information to:
RECOGNITION CENTER, INC.,
350 WOODLAND STREET
HOLLISTON, MA 01746
PHONE 508.429.5881
FAX 508.429.5887
OR FAX TOLL-FREE TO 800.899.5887
(In Massachusetts 800.499.5887)
CLAN MOFFAT VIDEO
AT LAST, IT’S HERE! - The official Clan Moffat video.
Follow the family history.
Visit family sites in
Annandale. Meet your chief. Chart the fortunes of this
formidable family as they settled in the shadow of the
darkly named Devil’s Beef Tub. Follow their deadly feud
with the Johnstones. Witness repeated raids into England
Quartermaster (US)
Albert A. Moffat
1817 Hopefield Road
Silver Spring, MD 20905
! [email protected]
Quartermaster (Canada)
Lyla M. Bilton
831 Grosvenor Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3M 0M3 CANADA
– for unlike other border clans, the Moffats were fiercely
Scottish. History has given the reivers a dangerous
romance, but did the
Moffats, the thieves of
Annandale, deserve to be
condemned as a lawless
clan? See how in later years
the family fought another
battle, this time over
Covenanting. Note a turn to peace, as Moffats stopped
reiving cattle and started raising them, becoming farmers
and missionaries and settling across the world.
In this specially commissioned and beautifully filmed
fifty minutes video, tartan and towers, ballads and battles
abound, as you discover what made you the Moffat you
are today. The Clan Moffat video is in stock, available
now! The price is $22.00. Please add $3.00 for shipping
via first class mail. If insurance is desired, include an
additional 85 cents.
20
Summer, 2000
Moffatana
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
BOTHELL, WA
PERMIT NO. 394
Moffatana
George H. Moffat, Editor
14614 26th DR SE
Mill Creek, WA 98012
FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED
Fay Moffett (15) with Betty and Fred Bachofen (140) at
the Mid-Willamette Scottish Heritage Festival held in
Salem, Oregon. Fay, from Junction City, Oregon, is
one of the earliest members of the Clan Moffat Society.
Madam Margaret remembers her as one of the first
people she corresponded with in the United States.
George G. Moffat (739), past president and “friend” at
the Clan Moffat tent for the Loch Norman Highland
Games, Huntersville, NC.