The Sun.
London, England, 1823-09-11 00:00:00

ST. FILLAN'S HIGHLAND SOCIETY.

(FURTHER ACCOUNT.)
'The Annual Meeting of tbigSociety, took place
at St. Fillans on Wednesday the 27th ult. The beauties of
this 'romantic *t ' situated at the foot of Lochearne, are so
celebrated that we will,not here dwell on them, but endeavour
to 'describe the lively scene, which on this occasion gave ani-
mation to the place,. which appears to have been amongst the
last and noblest works of nature, on which she seems to have
bestowed much pains, and to judge from the sublimity and
grandeur which it displays, she has been eminently successful.
Though the morning was not very promising, vehicles of every
description were in reat requisition, and it seemed as if the
whole population of ' e fertile district of Strathearn were at.
tracted, and moving y one impulse, to witness the athletic
exercises and various feats of strength and agility, to be displayed
by their Highland neighbours. At noon a vast concourse of all
ranks in society were assembled; splendid equipages filled with
elegantly dressed females, the rank and beauty of the surounding
neighbourhood, were drawn up on one side of the enclosure, and
the heights on the opposite 'side-wete crowded by the inferior
grades, all dressed in theirholiday clothes, and every one wear-
ing some trimming of tartan, 'of sprigs of heather is compli-
ment of the occasion. About this time the pipes were heard
across the Loch, and the members of the society were seen at
a distance, issuing from the village on the opposite aide: no-
thing can exceed the feelings of delight which must have filled
every heart at this moment—the warlike strains of the pipes
playing martial airs, were rendered quite melodious, as they
were wafted across the surface of the unruffled Lake; and the
column of highlanders all dressed in the ancient garb of their
country, headed by their chieftain, Thomas Graham, Esq. of
Airth and Strowan, supported by his vice chieftains and the
office bearers and committee members, and followed by at least
200 of the society, carrying in their ranks the colours of a highly
distinguished Highland regiment (which were born on this oc-
casion by the Hon. Robert Sandilands, son of Lord Torpid-
chen, and the eldest son of the most Hon. Chieftian,) was in-
deed a sight calculated to inspire enthusiastic and patriotic feel-
ings into the souls of the congregated multitudes. Soon after.
they had marched into the area in front of the anxious specta-
tors, the competition • for the Prizes commenced ; the judges
and competitors taking their stations on the elevated platform
erected for the purpose.
About two o'clock, when the weather was beginning to throw
a damp on the sports of the day—the Chieftainess of the Clan
Drummond arrived, accompanied by Lord Owydyr, and their
distinguished guests, the lovely and accomplished Counties of
Jersey ; Count Flahaut and Baroness Keith ; Lord Jersey ;
Lord Melineaux ; Lord Villers and the Hon. Misses Burrel,
Lady (Gwydyr in full Highland costume, wearing in her bon-
net the three eagle's plumes, the enviable distinction of chief
of a powerful clan, was received by about SO of the Drummonds
with rapturous applause, and she returned the cheering of her
followers, with a dignity' and affability so peculiar to herself,
and gratifying to all who beheld her. She was conducted by
the Honourable Chieftain of the Society, preceded by the
Countess of Jersey, under the escort of James Moray.
Esquire, of Abercairney, and followed by her family and
suite, to a capacious both, erected for the 'reception of
those Ladies who honoured the meeting with their pre-
sence, most of whom had already taken their stations there.
The sun had scarcely deigned to but this brilliant acces-
sion of rank and beauty, shed a new 'nitre And: gave fresh ani.
illation to all present; the sports were resumed with redoubled
energy ; and the exertions of the competitors were rewarded
with smiles of , approbation from the ladies, and. the cheers of
the surrounding multitude. About 4 the sports being conclud-
ed, the remaining company, were invited from the carriages to
partake of a sumptuous plc-nic, provided by the ladies of the
neighbourhood. The excellent accommodation afforded by
the temporary building, and. from which the ladies witnessed
the sports without being exposed to the rant, and all the other
admirable arrangements for the day, .reflect great tae of
on
the very zealous exertions of the most Honourable Chief-
tain, whose liability. and condescending attention to all pre-
sent, could not fail to excite the liveliest sense of gratitude;
and we are sensible that pne sentiment alone pervadid the
breasts of all--that whether he was engaged in promoting the
interests of the Society,. or dispensing his elegant courtesies,
none other can be found more calculated .to give tinivetsal
satisfaction.—After the repast., the distribution of the Prizes to
the successfid candidates commenced.
. . G itEAT 'HIGH LAND BAGPIPE.
Ist. The Most Honourable Chieftaireii Prize of a handsome
Pipe—to the best 'player of Pibrochs on the Great Highland
liegpipe. This prize was,awerded by the Jutlge to Alexander
Bruce, piper to, illioliael Bruce, 'Esq. of telenelege being the
hest player of ).,4 competitors.
2d. •N handsome' sibier-mounted Dirks.-aiverded to Donald
'Gunn, piper to the Royal .Perthshire-Militia.
3a. A Sporran Mollaeli—to John blqiregor, from For-
tingall, late piper to his ()nice the Duke of Ada& . .
4th. The lisieht Hon. Lady (Swetlyr's Prize Purse of Three
SoVereigns to the beat player of Highland Bede on the tag-
pipe-.-was awarded to Donald Gunn, R.P..31.
rtre veto- 'e'er sTosE--(a canntin bullet 221 b.)
Ist prize, a largo Snuff.3lull, handsomely mounted with
silver, with a Peeble oh top, and- an appeopriate inscription ;
—Famed.by lSoheet , Carrickt from the Wive of
,llreip, near
Stirling :throw, 2i feet 2A inches.
2d.. A Sporran Mellach4awartled to Daniel 3Pinnes, from
from Ardoch.
3d. A pair'of Stocking TlOse—to Alexander Robertson, near
Airth Castle, ire. Stirlingsh •
.
naiectxti.

D.Artcpro •or VEXES.--A Sporran Mollach—awaited, to
John Campbell, Edinimple.
A pair of Stockings to each of the three next best eompa:.
titors—Virm. M`Farlane, St. Fillan's ; James Millar, wright,
Drammond,Castle ; 'and John M‘Gregor, Breadal.
bane.
ANCIENT ScoTch SWORD DANCE.—Prize, a Sporran
Alaach,.gained by William M'Farlane, St. Fillies.
IriGIILAND FLINO.—A Sporran Mollieh, given by John
M‘Gregor—gained by William AlTarlane. •
BOY DANCEs.—Lady wydyr's prize, a large Silver Broach,
for the best dancer of Highland Reels, of boys under li years
of agt? ; gained by Alexander Morrison, son of John Morison,
Connie.
2d. A Plaid—by Finlay Carmichael, St. Fillan's.
3d. A Pair of Stocking Hose--by David Tainsh, jun. Crieff.
Boys' SWORD DANCE.—Prize,_ a Plaid of the Graham
Tartan, giVen by the Chieftain; and signed by Alei. Morison,
Contrie..
2d. A. Pair of Stocking Hose, given by ditto, and gained by
Carmichael, St. Villain's.