Sinclair Clan Gathers in Nova Scotia
by Pamela Corley, Editor    
Yours Aye 1997

   Clan Sinclair had a fabulous "do" at the International Gathering of the Clans in August of 1987.  August 8 found numerous Sincalirs converging on colorful Pictou Lodge on the shores of the Northumberland Straits.  This Pictou, Stellerton area is the same part of Nova Scotia traversed by our ancestor Jarl Henry St. Clair in 1398.  Sinclairs arrived from Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada.  David, Gloria and Diana Bouschor represented the American Sinclairs as well as did Lin, Cheryl and Linden St. Clair, now from Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania.
    Friday evening found the Sinclairs being called to the festive Board by the pipes.  A wonderful Nova Scotian dinner was served of salmon and of course, a haggis, the latter being properly addressed by Sandy Sinclair.  We were entertained by a group of local Highland dancers.  After dinner greetings were brought from the American cousins by David Sinclair Bouschor, Pres. of the Clan Sinclair of the U.S., and greetings from the Canadian Sinclair Assoc. by its Pres., R. Malcolm Sinclair.   Memorials were given for Dr. Edward Sinclair, the founder of the Canadian Assoc., and COl. John Sinclair, who was the Canadian Assoc. piper, who died in April of 1987.  To these two fine men much is owed.  They were the impetus in the late 70's for the beginning of our association.  The speaker of the evening was Lister Sinclair, who talked about Scots and Sinclairs, after which Rev. D. M. Sinclair presented Lister with his copy of "The St. Clairs of the Isles", a book printed in New Zealand around the turn of the century.
   On Saturday the Sinclairs converged on St. Ann's Gaelic College grounds for the closing ceremonies.  Man Sinclairs joined the Parade of Clans with banners and flags.
    Sunday morning on the slopes of Loch Katrine in a beautiful white United Church of Goshen, the Sinclairs held their devotions.  In the Tartan and Thistle bedecked church, after the piping in of the dignitaries, the Rev. David Sinclair of Kingston, Ontario, spoke on "Whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord." Colossians 3:23.
   It was an inspiring morning.  The Sinclair Badge, which is now ensconced in a glass window, has been joined by other Clans.  It is interesting that the Henderson Badge is next to Sinclair.  The centuries have shown a close relationship between these families.  After some time visiting, the Sinclair descended on the Community Center, where the ladies of the church provided a delectable luncheon.  Sunday's activities were planned by Harold and Mina Sinclair and Barbara Sinclair.  It was a fitting way to end a wonderful gathering.  Gordon Archibald, Pres. of the International Gathering, told the group that a return of the gathering in 1990-91 was in the planning.  We hope to once again visit our Canadian cousins at that time.