CHAPTER 1.  LAUNDRY LIST OR WHAT TO PACK

What better place to begin with than what to pack for your trip to scenic Lochaber, the heart of “Cameron Country?”  Outside of the variables, such as where one might be traveling from, where they plan on lodging or how long their 2009 Gathering visit might last, there are a number of must have items, outside of the typical “laundry list.”

- Lochaber-Wear:

Scotland’s majestic West Highlands are green – actually, they’re greener than green.  This is due to the routine rains they receive, which are often little more than a misting or heavy fog in consistency.  At the last International Gathering, in 2001, the weather was remarkably clear during the majority of planned events, but travelers must come prepared nonetheless.  While summer in the Highlands may see daytime highs in the 75 Fahrenheit / 24 Celsius range, the evenings will certainly cool down considerably.  The old adage, of dressing in layers, is a wise suggestion in Lochaber.  Plan on packing a sweatshirt or sweater, along with a dependable slicker or raincoat.  It really depends on what visitors are planning on doing with their time.  Those setting aside time for climbing a few of the notable mountain peaks or glen hiking should also bring along a day pack and some hardier rainwear.  Hiking boots or water-proof footwear, while inconvenient to include in one's suitcase, are also a must.  Fortunately, there are many clothing stores and small specialty shops along High Street in Fort William that may be used to supplement what items were overlooked during packing.   

- Highland-Wear:

While not all members of the Clan Cameron Association have their own kilt or kilted skirt, there is sufficient time to order one!  There are a number of well regarded companies to contact, including: Geoffrey Tailor (www.geoffreykilts.co.uk), J. Higgins (www.jhiggins.net) and Cairngorm Scottish/formerly Hector Russell, Canada (www.kiltscanada.com). Whichever company is chosen, please remember to only order the basic Clan Cameron Tartan (red, green and yellow), Cameron of Erracht or Cameron Hunting; the Cameron of Lochiel tartan is reserved for the Chief and his immediate family.  In addition to kilts, other Gathering Guests have come adorned in tartan sashes, shirts or in various tweeds.  Regardless of how guests dress, they should feel free to adorn themselves in anything related to Clan Cameron – this is the best and greatest occasion to do so!

- Cameras:

With digital and film cameras both viable options, most Gathering Guests will bring something to document this generational event.  However, there are a number of important caveats to consider.  As aforementioned, the West Highlands may prove to be damp at times.  As such, it would be advisable to bring a dependable waterproof camera case or pouch, for when the sun isn’t shining.  Digital camera batteries may need to be charged, and for that an electrical adapter will be needed.  These may be found on the internet, at many department stores and also at most airports.  For those traveling overseas for the first time, electrical outlets in England, Ireland and Scotland have different sized wall outlets; thus the need for an adapter.  Those needing additional photographic supplies or even one-hour film processing should visit The Highland Camera Company, located between Monzie Square and Gordon Square, on Fort William’s High Street.   

- Cell Phones:

There’s good news and bad news here.  Gathering Guests’ cell phones may or may not operate in Lochaber.  Signal strength isn’t always the reason (though there are areas near Achnacarry that have little or no reception) but rather the type of phone utilized.  A positive trend is that many cellular providers offer international phone coverage (either through expanded service plans or rentals).  Some offer GSM (Global Service for Mobile Communications) phones and provide international service via roaming plans.  It is advisable to check with each cell provider, and if they cannot lend a hand there are other viable options.  Many companies sell or rent SIM Cell GSM phones, which operate on universal frequencies in more than 160 countries, including Scotland.  Others offer satellite phones, which are advisable in remote, wide-flung areas.  Prices vary greatly, and may prove to be quite expensive (dollars, rather than cents, per minute) but a number of companies may be found on the internet.  If all else fails, there are red public telephone boxes at both Achnacarry (quite near the Clan Cameron Museum) and at Gairlochy, just across the Caledonian Canal bridge.       

- Shipping Keepsakes Back Home:

Many tourists consider shipping their extra souvenirs and items back overseas, to save on checked package space or weight.  While there are Royal Mail Post Offices (www.royalmail.com) in both Spean Bridge and Fort William, this is an expensive alternative and should only be considered in extreme situations.  As an example, 10 KG (about 22 pounds) package sent from Scotland to North America via “International Economy” (delivery in approximately one month) will run well over 100 dollars.  Rather than considering this option, check with your airline as to the allowable number and weight of checked bags.  It is usually cheaper to pay the extra charge for overweight baggage than to ship extras home via the post.  One airline suggests placing disposable items (toiletries, replaceable clothing…) into a separate bag within checked passenger luggage.  If the bag exceeds the maximum weight it is a simple matter of opening the case and discarding the assorted disposable items.

- Pins, Gifts and Nametags:

What better way to embrace the legendary Clan Cameron generosity and mix with international clansfolk than to bring along small items to exchange?  Many Gathering Guests have actively traded enamel pins (Clan Cameron themed or village/city/state/province/regional) and others have exchanged tokens of friendship in the past.  Other suggestions include bringing non-business cards (personal business cards, typically printed on a home computer) to trade addresses with new friends.  This saves the eternal struggle to find a pen, something to write on and the time involved.  Perhaps each member of the family might create their own unique non-business card, which, in addition to being convenient to trade with others, may be converted into a personalized lanyard or pin name tag during the Gathering.  After all, with upwards of 1000 members of Clan Cameron attending the International Gathering, it will be difficult to keep everyone’s names straight.