MACLEAN, THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION
The aim of this book is to provide information concerning the Scottish background of Maclean, partly because it is an interesting part of the history of the Lower Clarence and has been proved to be useful in supporting the Committee which promotes Maclean as the Scottish Town in Australia.
In writing of the Scottish people a good deal of the history of Maclean and district is revealed and to some extent the book replaces our earlier publication, “Discovery and Settlement of the Lower Clarence” which has recently been reprinted.
The intention of this book is to record the growth of the organisations whose beginnings were recorded in the earlier book. In particular they are the Highland Gatherings, the Pipe Band and the Scottish Rifles.
The latter had a short life but the Pipe Band has remained active and the Highland Gatherings at Easter are known nationwide for the quality of their organisation and performance on the picturesque Showground in Maclean.
Much of the information for this edition has been included in our records due to the work of members, Ruth McAulay and Margaret Switzer in researching publications such as The Daily Examiner (Grafton). Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged as is the work of Nancy Weir, Carolyn Cameron and Lyn Overton in the preparation of text and images, proofing and initial desktop publishing.
Our Society has accumulated extensive genealogical records on the people who lived in this district and we welcome inquiries. Contact us .
We remember the work of our late member Fred Ellem, who did the photographic work for the first edition
Eleanor H. McSwan, OAM
Maclean, 2009