Programme The programme of events is subject to change without prior
notice. All items of property remain the responsibility of the
owners. The Gathering is being organised by the Clan Sinclair
Society of Caithness, which is a non profit making organisation with
no assets and will not be liable for direct, special, indirect or
consequential damages arising from any loss or damage caused by any
act or omission of the organisers or a third party other than any
statutory liability.
Coaches
We will be using the modern coaches throughout the tour but probably
different ones each day.
Badges and tickets
Your badge will be in the pack you are given when the gathering
starts at the reception on Friday night. It is important for
security purposes, to you and us. Without it you will not be allowed
into the lunch at the Halkirk Games or the Ceilidh. It is helpful if
you wear your badge at the reception and all the events.
Where tickets are needed for some events these will also be in your
pack.
If you loose your badge or tickets please notify Malcolm Caithness
as soon as possible.
Shopping
For Highland Dress Clothing in Wick and Thurso try McAllans and
mention you are part of Clan Sinclair
Weather
This is unpredictable and we can have all four seasons in a day in
Caithness even in mid summer. One needs to be able to dress
accordingly. I would suggest that you pack layers including cotton
shirts, skirts and trousers, woollen jumpers and sweatshirts, a
waterproof coat or jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes that won't
come to any harm if they get wet.
Formal clothes
Halkirk Games - kilt and jacket is the usual dress but it can be
more informal.
Ceilidh – casual kilt or trousers for men
Formal Clan Dinner - Kilt and Black Jacket (e.g. Prince Charlie
style or similar) or tuxedo/dinner jacket for men.
Visits
Some of the places we will visit are exposed and are extremely
dangerous. Very great care and common sense will be needed at times.
You visit at your own risk.
Midges
These can be very active at this time of year when the wind
drops and it is recommended you bring or purchase over here an
insect repellent.
Included
All coach transport from and to Inverness at the beginning and end
of the gathering as well as that in Orkney and Caithness
22 July Ferry crossing unless going separately in your own car
25 July Ferry crossing unless going separately in your own car
26 July Picnic Lunch
29 July Lunch
30 July Lunch
31 July Dinner
Not included
Drinks, except at Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party, Chief's
Reception at the Halkirk Games, and wine during the Formal Clan
Dinner. There will be a cash bar after that dinner.
All meals except those listed above.
Diets
If anyone has a particular dietary requirement please let me know as
soon as possible.
The buffet lunch at the Halkirk Games will cover all special dietary
needs.
Suitable alternatives are being provided for those who have already
notified me of their diet requirements.
Useful addresses and telephone numbers
Hotels in Caithness
The Weigh Inn Hotel, Burnside, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7UG
Tel: (0)1847 893722
The Park Hotel, Thurso, Caithness
Tel: (0)1847 893251
The Station Hotel, 54 Princes Street, Thurso, Caithness
Tel (0)1847 892003
The Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk, Caithness
Tel (0)1847 831641
Hotels in Orkney
The Albert Hotel, Mounthoolie Place, Kirkwall
Tel (0)1856 876000
The Orkney Hotel, Victoria Street, Kirkwall
Tel: (0)1856 873477
The Ayre Hotel, Ayre Road, Kirkwall
Tel: (0)1856 873001
The West End Hotel, Main Street, Kirkwall
Tel: (0)1856 872368
The Kirkwall Hotel, Harbour Street, Kirkwall
Tel: (0)1856 872232
Personal Telephone numbers
Malcolm Caithness 07050 054803
James Berriedale 07919 975662
Ian Sinclair (Noss Head) 07050 030408
