The 2012 edition of the Clan Hay Journal is now with the printers and, it it anticipated, will be with Clan Hay Society members very soon.
Hermitage Castle, the Border stronghold from which the de Soulis family governed Liddesdale in the 13th century
The 2012 Journal is eagerly anticipated by Clan Hay members as it is the first edition to be published under the management of a new Editor, Pam Rotheroe-Hay, who took up the reins in October. As well as the usual reports from the Chief, Commissioner and branches, a number of new features have been introduced including a competition designed to encourage Clan Hay members to submit the stories of their own families for publication.
A number of significant anniversaries are featured in the Journal. 2011 saw the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw and there is a report and pictures of the extensive celebrations that involved Clan Hay in Aberdeenshire last summer. You will be able to read about next year's 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden and the exciting programme of events in the Border country which will commemorate it. Clan Hay suffered greatly in this engagement and 21st century Hays will feature prominently in remembering this key event in Scotland's history. And 2012 saw the 200th anniversary of the death of George Hay, Bishop of Aberdeen, so the Journal features an article on the Bishop's life by Ian Forbes, the custodian of Aberdeen's Blairs College Museum.
Special features include an article on the founding family of Hay's Lemonade, a brand that dominated the soft drinks market in north east Scotland for generations and members of which family continue to be active supporters of Clan Hay. Canadian member Gail Sutherland writes on her grandfather, John Keith Hay, who emigrated from Scotland early last century as a groom looking after Clydesdale horses and remained in Canada to become a successful entrepreneur and pillar of the community in Alberta. Also featured is the de Soulis family, a Norman dynasty introduced to Scotland by David I and one of whom, Ranulph de Soulis, was the uncle of William de la Haye, regarded as the first Chief of Clan Hay in the 12th century. The de Soulises were later to claim the throne of Scotland through their descent from Alexander II and the last of the line was allegedly boiled alive by his own tenantry, with the king's approval, due to his harsh management.
The Clan Hay Journal will be circulated to all members of the Clan Hay Society early next month.