Homecoming

[Cameronian]

I leave for Scotland, and I guess, the day I get to Inverness
I’ll think upon this fate I share, with those descendants everywhere
Who know that this is where they share life’s history with the people there

But there’s no kin to welcome me, returning home from over’ sea
No kin to meet, for none are known, the lands are empty, Clans are gone
For who can bridge the centuries past, and make our families whole at last

Past years have parted, father son; 10,000 miles from home he’s gone.
He left, but then he had no choice, no land, no power, no hope, no voice
The young and healthy only taken, from older kin, these were forsaken

So never would they meet again to share the tasks of Highland men
The years would pass and nations grow, to validate and clearly show
That they created land of worth, a credit to their Highland birth

The fate of each we do not know, but in each Nation we can show
They chanced the odds, they dared the land, built their schools, Nations planned
Alas they lost their family ties, for siblings scatter, parent dies

We share this dust of Scotland's past where kin lie in this land so vast
And now as strangers we return, to see the land, it’s history learn
Not knowing one, we love them all, the Clan connects, Unite’s the call

[gaelgal]

I REALLY like this, Val! Thanks for posting it!!

[Elizabeth]

TEXT

Fàilte Dhachaidh a Bhal

Oh, Bhal mo ghraidh, how wrong you are,
Cousin still, no matter how far,
The years have taken you and yours
Welcome home to your ancestral moors.

When at Inverness you alight,
Someone is waiting to welcome you this night,
Don't forget to call when Spean you reach,
Tomorrow you will be dreaming on Borrodale Beach.

In years gone by, how sad they were, when,
Dear ones departed the beloved glen,
But life in old Alba was very bleak,
And loved ones must needs a future seek.

Remember when "The Cave " we found,
Where Teàrlach hid - the Redcoats all around,
How great was our wonder and delight,
To sit and ponder in that historic site.

M' eudail mine, do not despair,
Your pilgrimages will help repair,
The pain, longing and bitter tears
Of parted dear ones, throughout the years.

One look upon your very face,
Confirms the characteristic of our race,
The blood of ancient warrior lines,
Shining forth - we see the signs.

So Bhal, mo Chamshron cousin dear,
Fàilte, Fàilte, be sure of a welcome here,
The blood is still strong, the heart still Highland,
And the ancient ties will ever bind us.

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Thank you Val & Elizabeth for sharing these with us. Val, you captured the sentiments of so many of us - when I was in Lochaber, I was surprised at how few people lived in the glens that were once our families homes. I was saddened that I had no kin (that I knew of) left in the area.

Elizabeth, your beautifully written poem was very moving. It means a lot to those of us who treasure our ties to our ancestral home.

Moran taing,

John

[Cameronian]

Dear Elizabeth, I now have to blink through a tear as I write to express my thanks, not only for those words whic I know are so sincere, but also all your efforts of help to those outwith Scotland who attempt to re-connection into their ancestry.

I know first hand just how many email enquiries you recieve from descendants of families who either left or were taken from Scotland, how much of your day you dedicate to researching their requests for help, and how willingly both you and Allan serve us all.

Arasiag Highland Games will be a wonderful event this year and any help that we can give will only be a small token of what you both deserve for all the help you offer others.

Beannachd leat, mo banachariad...............Bhal