Seventeen year old Sir Ian Godfrey Bosville Macdonald of Sleat made the 1964 annual gathering of the Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh a notable occasion.
The young chief was introduced to members of the Society and displayed much of the quiet charm and sincerity which endeared his late father to all clan members.
Sir Ian was accompanied by his uncle, Major Nigel Chamberlayne-Macdonald, the Tutor of Sleat. On behalf of the Society Mrs E. W. Macdonald, senior Vice-President, presented the young chief with a book on clan tartans. Sir Ian, returning thanks, said he was sure that it would not be his last time at the Society’s gathering.
A second presentation was the ceremonial handing-over to the 432 (City of Edinburgh) Regiment, Royal Engineers (TA) of a pipe banner subscribed for by the Society. The pipers and drummers of the regiment wear the Keppoch tartan. The gold banner bears the arms of Keppoch on the one side and the arms of the City of Edinburgh on the other. Mr Norman Macdonald, President, handed over the banner to Colonel D.N. Spratt, commanding officer of the regiment, and it was then fixed to the pipes of the regimental pipe-major who marched from the room playing the regimental march.
The close link between the 432 Regiment and the Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh was further strengthened in May when Mr Norman Macdonald, Immediate Past President, took the salute at the beating of Retreat on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade by the pipes and drums of the regiment.