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‘A Taste of Scotland’
Festival |
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The Town of Franklin is a unique village
nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It is a small
mountain town surrounded by beautiful streams, waterfalls,
mountains, hills and valleys. It is also the county seat and was
founded in 1855 and named for an eighteenth century political
leader, Jesse Franklin. An ancient Indian Mound located in the
heart of town serves as a reminder of an earlier time when the
Cherokee lived in and around what is now called Franklin.
Streets with names like Wayah, Ulco, Iotla and Watauga reflect
its Indian heritage. |
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On Saturday 18th June the Baron and his son
Mark were the honoured guests at the ‘Taste of Scotland
Festival’ in Franklin. The event started off with a parade in
which they took part, making its way slowly down the main street
led by a very fine pipe Band. For the occasion a young brother
and sister were on hand to act as standard bearers to the Baron
and his son and the two youngsters did a fine job. |
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At the beginning of the opening ceremony the
crowd were treated to an excellent rendition of the American
national anthem by a ladies choir, followed by a superb and well
rehearsed British national anthem which greatly impressed
everyone. Before being asked to make a speech the Baron was
presented with a framed piece of the ‘Franklin Tartan’,
beautifully woven and framed and this has now been hung at the
Barons home for all to see. |
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He then made his opening speech and was very
warmly received after which accompanied by his son the pair made
a slow and leisurely tour of the stalls. |
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To add to the pleasure of his day the Barons
daughter in law, his two grandchildren and Rebecca Prather, Tom
Freeman and Ron Wright of Caberdancer arrived to spend the day
with him and Mark and so it became as much a family outing as it
was an official engagement. Special mention must be made of the
Mayor, organisers and people of Franklin whose warmth and
friendliness reached out to both the Baron and Mark, and to add
to a perfect day the Baron was presented with a full list of the
‘Scots, Irish and Celts in Macon County by its author James A.
Bullman of the ‘Tartans Museum’ who also provided accommodation
for the Baron and Mark to relax in. |
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Finally the day ended when the Baron returned
the surprise given to him by the folks at Caberdancer at the
Glasgow games, by presenting each of them with membership of his
extended family and Warrants of Appointment and the effect of
this can clearly be seen in the photographs which are on display
in the gallery. |
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An excellent day in the very best of company. |
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More pictures of this
event can be seen in the gallery |
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