A Sacred Scottish Tradition of Faith, Heritage & Blessing
The peoples of Scotland have been men & women of faith since ancient times. The Kingdom of Dal Riada converting from the 2nd-3rd century AD/CE up to the time of St. Columba who evangelized the Picts.
Faithful Scots Gaels & Picts chose to gather at least once a year and ask God's Blessing upon the Clans. Scotfest has been honoring this tradition in most years, however, we now will begin to promote it annually at every Scotfest.
The Kirking is part Scottish History lesson, part Christian Sermon, and surely about honoring our ancestors—those who have come and gone before us.
Once a year Scots pinch a piece of their Clan Tartan between their thumb and forefinger and ask God's blessing upon them in the coming year, or until they can come together once again to ask God's favor, preserving and protecting them in the year to come.
Generally lasting one hour, the clans gather together, sing a few Hymns, and then listen to a roughly half hour historical sermon about Scots and Picts converting to Christianity.
Next they line up and are then led in a march round about the Whisky Tent by a single Piper while displaying their Standard, Pennant, or Kilt for all, dipping their Tartan only before The Cross of The God Who Made The World.
10:00 AM until 11:00 AM
Whisky Tent with ample seating and P.A. System
Join us as R.B.M.M. MacIntyre leads us through this sacred tradition, sharing the rich history of Scottish faith and guiding the clans in the blessing of the tartans.
A comprehensive, non-academic account of Gaelic history by Robert Bruce MacColla MacNial Macintyre, covering over 5,000 years from biblical origins to the 12th century. It focuses on the Eremonian line, oral traditions, and the rise of the Gael through the fall of Somerled in 1164 AD.
Origins & Myth: The narrative begins with traditional accounts, tracing the Gael from Noah, through Scota (daughter of a pharaoh), and the "Milesian" migration to Ireland.
Sources: It draws on Lebhor Cued Toisech (The Book of First Beginnings) and Lebhor Gabala Eirinn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland), reflecting an oral, traditional, and deeply religious perspective.
Scope: It covers the history of the Gael in Ireland, the Highlands of Scotland, and the Hebrides.
Content: The book discusses Druidic beliefs, the conversion to Christianity, and the significance of male bloodlines in the ruling Clan.
Perspective: It acts as a preservation of traditional oral history rather than a modern, critical historical analysis.
Published by Glennoe Publishing. A detailed genealogy and history for those with Scottish Highland or Irish ancestry.
The peoples of Scotland have been men & women of faith since ancient times. The Kingdom of Dal Riada converting from the 2nd-3rd century AD/CE up to the time of St. Columba who evangelized the Picts.
Faithful Scots Gaels & Picts chose to gather at least once a year and ask God's Blessing upon the Clans. Scotfest has been honoring this tradition in most years, however, we now will begin to promote it annually at every Scotfest.
The Kirking is part Scottish History lesson, part Christian Sermon, and surely about honoring our ancestors—those who have come and gone before us.
"Ask God's Blessing upon the Clans"
Once a year, Scots pinch a piece of their Clan Tartan between their thumb and forefinger and ask God's blessing upon them in the coming year—or until they can come together once again to ask God's favor, preserving and protecting them in the year to come.
Generally lasting one hour, the clans gather together, sing a few Hymns, and then listen to a roughly half-hour historical sermon about Scots and Picts converting to Christianity.
Next they line up and are then led in a march round about the Whisky Tent by a single Piper while displaying their Standard, Pennant, or Kilt for all—dipping their Tartan only before The Cross.
All are welcome to participate in this sacred tradition
10:00 AM
until 11:00 AM
Whisky Tent
Ample seating & P.A. System
1 Hour
Including hymns & procession
Your Clan Tartan
Kilt, sash, or fabric piece
Standard or Pennant
If you have one
Open Heart
Ready for blessing
Join us for this beautiful tradition and receive the blessing upon your clan for the year to come.