Report by Randy Horne
Last July, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games saw one of the largest number of clans in attendance in memory. At least 109 clans were represented as well as all of the different societies and other organizations. Clan tents were set up in places we had never seen them before!
In addition, Clan Logan had the largest level of participation since we started hosting a tent in 2010. Counting everyone, we had 11 for our group photo and four newcomers.
In the North Carolina Highlands, pop-up showers and storms are possible, and we had a couple of good ones Friday and Saturday. But nothing that dampened our spirit or chased any Logans away.
On Sunday, we were all happy to watch the newest Logan, Islay, finish second in her kilt race. She was quite proud, and so were we all. Especially her mom, Kathryn, and her grandparents, Jim and Robin.
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are one of the largest and well attended games in North America and a must visit at some point if you enjoy Scottish festivals.
It is also one giant fund raiser for high school student scholarship funds in the area.
A special shout out to the GMHG staff, as they were, in many places, devastated by Hurricane Helene. The damage was obvious, and mind-blowing in some cases. But McRae Meadows was in great shape, and that is in part a credit to the games staff.
This year’s games will be July 9-13. As always, if you have any questions about coming to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games or want tips about lodging and navigating the weekend, feel free to email me.
You do not need to live in Scotland to participate.
The Clan Logan Charitable Trust has officially been established in Scotland, and we are seeking members from anywhere in the world who are willing to support and advance Logan heritage projects.
Membership is free.
The Trust exists to protect and promote Logan history through meaningful preservation efforts, including:
Restoring historic Logan monuments
Preserving historic documents
Championing Scottish culture and Logan heritage
One current focus is the documentation and protection of historic Logan grave markers.
Some memorials are becoming obscured by vegetation or are at risk due to natural deterioration. Once inscriptions are lost, they cannot be replaced.
Before any work is undertaken, local rules must be followed and appropriate permissions obtained. In Scotland, activity within kirkyards is governed by burial authorities and often the lair holder. Responsible preservation always begins with proper authorization.
It is also essential to understand how fragile many Scottish stones are, especially sandstone. Incorrect cleaning can cause permanent damage:
Delaminating stone: When the surface begins peeling, even light brushing can remove the entire inscribed face. If the stone is flaking, it must not be brushed.
Crustose lichen: The flat, tightly attached variety is often considered protective. If firmly bonded, it should remain undisturbed.
Vegetation control: Cutting ivy at the base is often helpful, but it must never be pulled directly from the stone surface.
Documentation and mapping remain the safest and most responsible first phase of any preservation effort.
Scotland-based volunteers are especially needed!
We especially welcome assistance from those in Scotland who can:
Confirm burial authority requirements and permissions
Locate specific slabs and memorials
Assist with on-site documentation, including photographs and mapping
Members outside Scotland can contribute in valuable ways through:
Remote research, mapping, and transcription
Updating memorials on Find a Grave or BillionGraves
Fundraising and donation support
If you’re willing to help (Scotland-based or abroad), please fill out this form and the Trust team will contact you:
Additional information about member requirements will be provided by email.
We invite you to be part of this effort. Together, we can ensure that Logan history is preserved, documented, and respected for generations to come.
Marlee L. Logan
Assistant Genealogist and Social Media Coordinator
Clan Logan Society International
Member, The Logan DNA Project, Limb 1
Meet new member Leana Korthuis, who attended the Irish Heritage Club activities in Seattle wearing her Clan Logan tartan sash.
Her children are Irish dancers and were performing at the club. They also compete globally at many Irish dancing feis.
We hope Leana will share some dancing photos with us!
Meet members Sean and Joy Logan who were Oot n’ Aboot visiting Edinburgh Castle in April of 2025. Sean is Clan Logan Society International’s genealogist.
Have you read his Logan articles?
Share your Logan Oot & Aboot moments with the global Family of Logan! Send your photos along with a short blurb about your “ooting” to newsletter@clanlogansociety.org.
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