News & Special Events

Society Calendar

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

We are please to announce we are going to award three College Scholarships
($300, $100, $50) to College bound high school Graduates (Class of 2008).

Application Deadline: August 1st, 2008.

Winners will be selected by the Middle of August 2008. Funds will be delivered by the end of August 2008.

Application Eligibility Requirements/Description:

Open to all College bound High School Seniors (Class of 2008).

Application Description:

Submit a two (2) page type written paper about your Clan or a member of your Clan and how they influenced the history, growth, and/or culture of the United States.

Applicants will be judged on content, style, and knowledge of Scottish History

Judges:

Mike Dunlop, President New World Celts International Bill Watkins, Author, Historian, Storyteller, Poet, Folklorist J. Scott McKechnie, Executive Director – Scottish American Center Minnesota, FSA Scot

Full Details

THE GATHERING - 2009

The Gathering in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, July 25-26, 2009, will be one of the major events of Homecoming Scotland - a year long celebration.

The Gathering is being hosted by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

It is primarily a celebration of the contribution that the clans have made to the culture and history of Scotland, and will be one of the largest clan gatherings ever witnessed. A series of unique events being designed to commemorate the occasion. It is estimated that there will be over 80 clan tents, with over 7500 clan members from around the world. The Highland Games, that are an integral part of The Gathering , should attract a further 30,000 people over the 2 days.

The Gathering 2009 has the honour of hosting the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Athletic Championships. Over the weekend the largest highland games ever to have been held in Edinburgh will play host to the greatest international clan gathering to have taken place on Scottish soil.

Set in the magnificent Royal Park of Holyrood, with its breathtaking volcanic backdrop of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, it will showcase heavy events such as caber tossing and hammer throwing, accompanied by time honored disciplines such as piping and highland dancing. There will be a host of contemporary musicians, high-quality Scottish arts and crafts and a 'taste experience' of the best of Scotland's produce.

In all, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in your Scottish heritage and its rich wealth of traditions.

If you have interest and are planning to attend, please contact President Hattenbrün, FSA Scot at cks-pres@clankeithusa.org and ask that your name be added a the list. Then updates on any society plans can be forwarded directly to you! Don't wait! This is a DO NOW !

More information can be found at:   www.clangathering.org.

Dr. William “Bill” Burnam Keith

Dr. Bill Keith passed away Wednesday morning, November 7th at the Mississippi Hospital for Restorative Care in Jackson , Mississippi due to complications from heart bypass surgery.

Dr. Keith was born February 15, 1934 to Reverend George and Dove Byrd Keith in Jackson, Kentucky . He graduated from Breathitt High School . Following service in the US Army, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Eastern Kentucky University . Bill spent 2 years teaching math and science in Ohio before returning to pursue graduate studies.

He completed a Masters of Science in biology at the University of Mississippi . It was at Ole Miss that he met his future wife, the former Elizabeth Snellings of Bruce , Mississippi . They married December 28, 1963.

He received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Zoology from the University of Georgia in 1967 and completed a post-graduate fellowship in steroid biochemistry at the Worchester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury , Massachusetts . After completing his studies, Bill and his wife settled in Water Valley , Mississippi to raise their family.

Dr. Keith joined the faculty of the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi in Oxford , Mississippi in 1968 and remained there until his retirement in 1999.

Following the death of his parents, he developed an interest in his Scottish ancestry and became involved in the Clan Keith Society, USA, Inc. He served as State Convener for Mississippi , Director, Treasurer and President of that society. As Clan Keith Society president, he was especially proud of starting the organization's youth scholarship program. In addition to his service for the Clan Keith Society he served as Treasurer for Council of Scottish Clans and Associations. He was a freemason of Valley City 402 in Water Valley , Mississippi as well as an Honorary Colonel of the Kentucky State Militia.

Dr. Keith enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, debating world history and politics, and smoking his favorite pipe. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, children Patricia Keith and Jonathan Pittman of Washington, DC, Billy and Elizabeth Keith of Rome, Georgia, John and Amy Keith of Evanston, Illinois, and Margaret Keith of Annapolis, Maryland, and granddaughters Anna Katherine Keith Pittman and Louisa Keith Pittman.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, George Emerson Keith.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 10 th in Jackson , Kentucky with . shandled by Deaton's Funeral Home..

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the William B. Keith Memorial Fund, The University of Mississippi Foundation, University , MS 38677.

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More signings of Clan Keith Visitor's Book...

The Buchan Area Manager's office were happy to welcome and offer hospitality to Alan Keith and his family when they came Peterhead to discover their routes in the North East of Scotland on Tuesday, 24 July from Main USA. They visited various castles and inspected the relics at a range of locations in Buchan.

Pictured above: Alan and Alison Keith signed the Clan Keith book which is located in Arbuthnot House and is open for public viewing.

(Thanks to Elaine Dixon, Senior Clerical Assistant, for sending the photos and note to Darrell Keith)

Delia, Countess of Kintore, widow of 12th Earl

Delia, Countess of Kintore, widow of Ian, the 12th Earl of Kintore, died
peacefully at Inchmarlo House, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday 10 January,
2007. She was 93. Mother of Diana, Michael and David. The funeral was held at Christ
Church, Kincardine O' Neil Thursday, January 18.

She was born Delia Loyd, scion of that LG family, and descended from the
Barons Brabourne, daughter of William Lewis Brownlow Loyd, of Upper House, Shamley Green, Guildford, and married the 12th Earl of Kintore (1908-89) in 1935.

Her issue includes the 13th Earl of Kintore (1939-2004). Her grandson is
the 14th Earl (b. 1976).

Read more The Scotsman

The Buchan Observer - January 9, 2007

Clan Keith visitors book gets official seal of approval

LAST week the 14th Earl, Chieftain of the Clan Keith, and Countess of Kintore became the first signatories of the Clan Keith Visitors Book at Tuesday's launch event at Arbuthnot House in Peterhead.

A warm invitation was extended to all descendents of the Clan Keith to
visit the town and to sign the book.

Chair of the Buchan area committee, Councillor Stuart Pratt, opened the
ceremony stating that the original proposal for the book came in 2003 but
the idea was postponed due to a lack of funding.

He commented: "It is a long time to wait for a book but as I'm sure you
will agree, it has been well worth it."

The book was the idea of local councillor Sam Coull with funding for the
project being made available in June this year through the Peterhead Common
Good Fund.

The official signing took place in the Council Chamber at Arbuthnot House
overseen by councillors, council officials and invited guests. Councillor Coull said: "Today's occasion follows a visit from Clan Keith in July 2002 when they gathered in Peterhead from all over the world, accompanied by their Seattle pipe band.

"After assembling we went on to give civic recognition to a centuries old connection between Clan Keith and Peterhead, through our town having been part of the Keith estates and close to the principle home of the Earl Marischals at Inverugie for roughly 700 years.

"Back then we signed Articles of Association and today we seek to further cement our relationship with Clan Keith by building on that declaration of friendship."

"There is this fundamental human need to know who we are and where we came from.

"It's part of humanity's never ending quest for the meaning of life and where we, as individuals, join the tide of time.

"Our aim is to welcome all the Keiths to Peterhead be they named Keith,
Marshal, Falconer, Chattan or any associated Clan names.

"A welcome that extends not only to those from overseas but also to those
on the British mainland who want to spend some time with us and discover
their heritage.

"When they come to Peterhead we would like them to visit Arbuthnot House,
where they can sign their visitors book before collecting a map showing
where to find their castles and other places of interest."

TRIBUTES PAID TO 'BRAVE AND CARING' DOWAGER COUNTESS AFTER CANCER BATTLE

08:50 - 07 August 2006

The Dowager Countess of Kintore, described as a very brave and caring woman, has died aged 62 following a battle with cancer.

Mary Keith, of Keithhall, by Inverurie, helped raise money for cancer charities despite her failing health.

The countess, widely known by her maiden name, Plum, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2004 and had made a steady recovery.

The cancer returned and she was later admitted to Roxburghe House where she died on Tuesday last week.

She had two children, Jamie, 14th Earl of Kintore, and Lady Iona Keith.

Lady Keith said: "She fought right to the end and at least grabbed another 14 months of life.

"She was someone who treated everyone as equals and was always there to help out in tricky situations.

"She will be sorely missed in the Inverurie community."

Just four months ago, the countess spoke at a fundraising lunch in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

She told of her weekly visits to Roxburghe House and her book of poetry, Shafts of Light.

Chairwoman of the charity's Inverurie branch, Margaret Walker, said: "We did not think she would be able to make it, but she rested all morning because she was so determined to keep her promise and support a cause which was very dear to her heart.

"She was clearly very ill, but she breezed in and smiled all the way through the dining room to the top table, and gave a wonderful talk.

"She was a very brave and caring woman."

The countess had been working on a second book of poetry, which her daughter has vowed to finish off and print later this year.

Kintore Wedding

KINTORE - PAXTON On April 8, 2006, at Duddingston Kirk, Edinburgh. The Earl
of Kintore, son of The late Earl of Kintore and The Dowager Countess of
Kintore, Aberdeenshire, to Miss Carrie Fiona Paxton, daughter of Mr Ian and
Dr Fiona Paxton, Edinburgh. The bride was attended by Miss Harriet
Alldridge, Lady Iona Keith, Miss Rebecca Scott, Harry Hudson and Merlin
Evans-Freke. The best man Mr Oliver Graham.

See Photos by Darrell Keith
See Family Announcements @ Press & Journal - http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/

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