Aberdeenshire Council has announced final plans for the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the battle of Harlaw in late July, where the Clan Hay Society will be participating to commemorate the role of our Hay forebears in north east Scotland who played their part in defending the area from a Highland invasion attempt.

The monument to the Battle of Harlaw, focus of the Harlaw 600 celebrations in July.

A week of celebrations will kick off with a formal dinner at the Royal Northern and University Club, Albyn Place, Aberdeen on Saturday 23rd July at 6.30 pm.  This black tie affair, organised by Ross Herald, costs £48.50 per head and applications should be made to charles@rossherald.co.uk.

On Sunday 24th July, the actual anniversary of the battle, a church service will be held at St Nicholas Church, the 'Mither Kirk' of Aberdeen, at 11.00 am.  At 2.00 pm, there will be a formal wreath laying ceremony at the monument to the battle near Inverurie.  This event is open to invited guests only, although the monument opens to the public from 3.00 pm.

Thursday 28th July will see a major event in Aberdeen's Duthie Park.  Entitled 'Harlaw 1411' this will include a clan gathering where the Clan Hay Society will feature, stalls, activities and displays on life in north east Scotland 600 years ago.  This event begins at 5.30 pm and continues until 9.30 pm.

On Saturday 30th July, Aberdeen's tartan day parade will include clans and pipe bands, including the Clan Hay Society, and a reconstruction of the battle involving various re-enactment groups.  The fun starts in Union Street at 11.00 am.

In addition, the play Red Harlaw, commissioned by Aberdeen City Council specially for this anniversary, will be performed at various locations in the city throughout the week.

Full details of how to join in the Clan Hay Society's participation can be obtained from Malcolm Hay on commissioner@clanhay.org