At the beginning of the year we decided to donate a "Memory Bench" for Donald MacLaren. This idea was supported by the family and the “Clan MacLaren Society” from the start. Unfortunately, it took until July 21, 2024 until this bench could finally be set up in the desired location.
So it happened that early on Sunday morning Vicci (sister of Donald MacLaren), Louis (brother of Florian MacLaren) and Markus (FoCML) met at the old graveyard in work gear to prepare the site. A foundation still had to be created so that the bench would not be submerged in water when it rained. Not so easy when it's damp from above and the midges also want something from the side. But it was done in time for the “Sunday Service”. The Memorial Bench stood in place. And of course just in time for the first anniversary of Donald's death, who died a year earlier, on July 22nd, 2023, during the Highland Games at Lochearnhead. |
On your next visit to Scotland, why not stop by the old Balquhidder graveyard, explore the gravestones and the ruins and then have a relaxe time on the new bench. It stands on the southern outer wall of the ruins of the Auld Kirk of Balquhidder.
