Introduction

Here are Housed the Relics and Memorials of Rich Historical Interest not only to Scottish Clans- men but to all of Whatever Race they may be who are Attracted by the Story of High Resolve Patriotism and Loyalty.

So reads the proclamation at the door of the Clan House and Museum in Newtonmore, Scotland. It reflects the desire on the part of Clansmen from Scotland and abroad to bring together, house and display the history and culture of the clan at home and abroad.

The Cluny Estate had fell into an unfortunate position financially during the period leading up to WWII. The Clansmen in Scotland and abroad did make an effort but were unable to save the estate. and for a time the relics were lost to the clan. Then on 31 May 1943 Tom Macpherson, now Lord Macpherson of Drumochter made a report in which he said:

"Thanks to the co-operation of members of the Clan at the Sale and no serious competition from dealers, I was able, from proceeds of public subscriptions by members of the Clan at home and abroad, on 3 May 1943, at Wyllie & Lochead's public sale in Glasgow of the contents of Cluny Castle, to purchase all the principal Relics at quite reasonable prices." A Glasgow visitor some years later explained the "no serious competition" refereed to by Lord Macpherson in his report. He had been at the sale and told of how the anxiety and determination displayed by the Macpherson buyers to regain their historical Clan possessions, brought about a "gentleman's agreement" which was entered into by the other potential purchasers to allow the Macpherson's to regain their treasures.

Museum Curator

Morag is our current Curator for the Clan Macpherson Museum, a post which she took up the 1^st April 2006.

Morag Hunter-Carsch: Born in Grantown-on-Spey, her family home was for some time within 100 yards of the Clan Museum in Newtonmore and she is a Life Member of the Clan Macpherson Association. Morag's grandmother was Catherine Macpherson born in Strone, Newtonmore and the wife of Donald Cumming, ex Provost of Kingussie. Her father, Lawrence James Hunter established the dental practice in Kingussie and was an elder of St Bride's Church, Newtonmore. Her mother, Mrs. Cathie Hunter, is fondly remembered for her music at clan ceilidhs. Morag has had a distinguished career in education. After graduating from Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow, she taught in Inverness-shire, including Newtonmore Primary school, before going to Ontario, Canada where she became a pioneer in the field of teaching children with specific learning difficulties/ dyslexia and returning to the UK to continue her studies in Glasgow University. She completed a Master of Education and is a Chartered Educational Psychologist and Honorary Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA). She was President of the UK Literacy Association, has publications in the fields of literacy, learning and behavioural difficulties and has given keynote lectures in the UK, Canada, Finland and Malaysia. Since taking early retirement she has been Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Innovation in Raising Educational Achievement (CIREA) at the School of Education, University of Leicester. Morag's late husband, Dr Henry Carsch, a social scientist and member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, was also a Life Member of the Clan Macpherson Association.