More than 100 members of one of the great north-east clans will come “home” next week for its first international gathering.
With events throughout next week, Strachans from as far afield as the US, Canada and Australia will descend on the north-east to celebrate their shared heritage.
The clan chiefs died out in the 1800s with no heir.
Nearly two centuries later, two people with the surname in the US set up a dedicated society.
At a family convention of the society in 2014, it was agreed to elect Robbie Strachan, of Mill of Strachan in Deeside, as clan chief.
Because it had been such a long time since the clan had had a chief, the rules stipulate that 10 years have to pass before the new one can take over, to allow anyone with “blood” claims to the title to come forward.
To mark the halfway point of this period, the society has organised the very first international clan gathering.
The festivities begin on Monday, July 29 and culminate in the Aboyne Games on Saturday, August 3, where the society has booked a double tent.
Also on the itinerary are visits to historic family seats Thornton Castle in the Mearns and Mill of Strachan near Banchory, as well as a ceilidh.
Hereditary Chieftain Roddy Strachan, of Benholm Castle near Johnshaven, said: “We’re looking for as many local Strachans as possible to attend at the Aboyne Games.
“It’s the first real gathering of the clan there’s been, and it would be great to get some locals on board, as we’ve already got all these Strachans from across the world coming to the north-east.”
