“I never knew how Scottish I was until about six years ago. Our family research was limited to three generations. Ancestry.com added two more generations. They also suggested I try a Y-DNA test, too. The day I got my results, which I opted to make public, I was contacted by Morrison-Q, descendants of James Morrison who came to America with his four sons in 1723. We share the same DNA markers.
I now can trace my roots back to Scotland and have traveled there many times to do family research and clan research. The heritage sites I’ve seen through the Reciprocal Membership program include Brodick Castle, Dunkeld, Craigievar Castle, Culloden and Glencoe. I plan to visit others on future trips.
The more I find out about my ancestry, the more fascinating and fun it gets. I have found 300 cousins through Morrison-Q and now serve on the board for the organization. I started the Morrison Clan at the Chicago Scots Highland Games two years ago. My association with Chicago Scots has enhanced my overall life journey and specifically my family heritage exploration.”
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.